On collaborations: How to approach other filmmakers.

I've approached many filmmakers for collaborations in the past couple of years. Some have said yes and some have said no and some have completely ignored me. It's part of the process. But I wanted to give a few tips on how to approach other filmmakers for collaborations (usually via email).

I'm no expert. These are tips I've amassed based on what has worked for me. Some of them seem obvious, but you'd be shocked at the emails I get in my inbox. With that said, here are a few things to keep in mind when emailing another filmmaker about a potential collaboration. Are you ready? Let's go!

1. OTHER FILMMAKERS OWE YOU NOTHING. YO ACHTE KREDI NAN MEN'W?

This is some tough love for you. I approached a world renowned Haitian filmmaker about a project once and the person never responded. What did I do? I MOVED ON. I didn't assume that just because we're both Haitian, this person HAS to work with me. It doesn't work that way. There may be a variety of reasons why this person said no, but I refuse to speculate because frankly, it doesn't matter. Other filmmakers owe you nothing so continue in your path and blaze your own trail!

2. INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Don't assume other filmmakers know who you are. Who are you? What have you done? Movies, TV, Webisodes? Even if your name is in lights everywhere, tell this person who you are and what you do. 

3. ATTACH LINKS.

If emailing, be sure to attach a link to your website or to your work on Vimeo or YouTube. Perhaps a link to press you've gotten for your projects. Anything that can give more information about your magnificence helps!

4. SA'W BEZWEN? BE SPECIFIC.

What do you want? Ask for it! Example: "Hi: I wrote a script about XYZ and I'd like you to come on board as a producer" or "You would be ideal for the role of ABC in my new script XYZ." Is funding already in place? What would this person contribute to your project? DO NOT send generic emails only saying you want to work with that person. That's great and all but you'll rarely get a response. Be clear about what you want and you'll yield greater results.

5. WHAT'S IN IT FOR THEM?

When approaching another filmmaker, let them know what's in it for them. What is the benefit to them? IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE MONEY. Is there exposure to a different market? Is there an actress that you think this person would love to work with? Is the subject matter of particular interest to that filmmaker? Why would this filmmaker want to collaborate with you besides your awesomeness? Maybe you're so dope that one look at your projects and this person will leap at the chance to work with you. Whatever your angle, WORK IT!

6. BE BRIEF. 

Get to the point. No need to write your entire bio in the email. A couple of sentences will suffice. Be concise and to the point. 

7. DON'T SEND SCRIPT UNLESS ...
Don't send a script unless the person responds and asks. Just don't. In your first email, you may offer to send a script. And if and when you do, make sure it has the extra layer of either copyright or WGA protection. 

8. DON'T BE DESPERATE.

You're awesome. You're amazing. You're creative. There is no need to sound desperate or to beg. Ki mele'w moun nan se sipesta! He/she is human just like you! Be polite and professional but never beg or come off as desperate.

9. IT' NOT PERSONAL.

Obvious, right? Most of us are in the same boat, trying to make our movies, struggling to get traction. Even the celebrities struggle sometimes. All is not what it seems in Tinseltown. So if you approach a filmmaker and get a negative response or no answer at all, move on. Don't assume that it's personal because 9 times out of 10, it isn't. 

10. Come again?

This one will seem awkward at first but don't hesitate to contact that person again, even if they did not respond or said no the first time. The successful people in the entertainment business are persistent. Sa ki pa touye'w, li angrese'w. Of course, being persistent does not mean being overbearing or harassing and bullying someone. Again, always be polite and professional. Perhaps this time you have a project that would be of interest. Don't let your pride get in the way. You've get nothing to lose. Go for it!