A few years ago, I was feeling stuck in my career. I had no connections or resources, and giving up wasn’t an option. Instead, I had to figure something out and fast. I had to figure out how my anti-social self would stand out in an over-saturated crowd. Creativity has always been something that I thrived on, so I decided to push myself to the limit with great hacks that would improve my film career. I want to share my tested and approved hacks with each of you. Here is Part 2 of 5, The Best Email Hack To Meet With Top Executives. All tested and approved hacks that will elevate your film career.
Check out our, 5 Simple Tips To Advance Your Film Career
Send Aggressive Emails
Aggressive? Yes, this film industry is not for the weak. I was emailing top Executives in the industry but wasn’t getting any returns on my email. Was it my CV? Maybe, so I decided to pay a top professional to revise it. While waiting for my CV, I decided to update my reel. I’m now feeling better than ever and ready to send my emails again. After sending over 50 new emails and not getting replies again, I decided to reevaluate what I was doing.
Why wasn’t anyone getting back to me? Were their emails broken? Was I going to their spam folder? Maybe, but then I asked myself, “Am I giving them a reason to reply to me?” The answer was no. Going over the email I was sending, I emailed them my resume and thanked them for their time, and that was it. But I didn’t want to be intrusive. But the truth is, you have to be. So I rewrote my subject line and body, and guess what? I received replies and secured coffee and lunch meetings with executives I had only seen on TV.
The Old Example Email
Let’s take a look at an example email I was sending over to executives.
Pretty simple, to the point? I always made the emails short and simple. But let’s look at where I went wrong.
What was wrong with my email?
Subject Line:
- Although I would love to work with many people, this sounds like I’m more of a fan than an asset.
- My resume and contact information are attached; my second mistake. Executives are not interested in receiving more resumes, so I understand why I wasn’t receiving any replies.
Body:
Let’s see where I went wrong:
- I stated I was looking for “any” projects to work on. Having a specialty makes you sound sure.
- The body suggests I’m only looking to come on as an Executive Producer. But what if they already have Executive Producers locked in? Then this means my opportunity is gone.
- I also should have listed a call to action to give them something to reply to.
- My email felt very copy and paste. There was no personal touch to it.
- There were no links to showcase my work or for that person to get to know me further.
As I kept staring at my email, I noticed two other things I needed to fix: My confidence and to make the goal of my email clear. Are you catching what I’m throwing yet? So I drafted a new email that got me a 30% reply rate, lunch meetings, connections, and a job.
The Revised Example Email
Let’s take a look at my revised email.
What was right with my email?
Let’s look at my revised email.
Subject Line:
- Stating you have an opportunity for the Executive sets the tone that you are equally important as they are. Executives are always looking for opportunities.
- Using a unique word like “unique” lets you stand out. Most people use amazing, fantastic, etc.
- Asking to schedule a meeting in the subject line allows you to get straight to the point. And the Executive knows you’re ready to go and willing to pay brownie points.
- Who turns down coffee?
Body:
In my revised email, I sound confident, and I loved this for me. So let’s break it down:
- I listed two roles I’m very confident working in, followed by my specialty.
- Your roles and specialty can change based on whom you’re sending your email to.
- I wanted to ensure that the Executive knows I’m familiar with working with other Executives and production companies. This lets the Executive know that you have experience.
- Researching and knowing whom you’re emailing is just as important as the email. Only send an email to people you have at least done a google search on. You want to add a personal touch to your email. Commenting on an article, youtube video, or something from their social post does make you seem invested.
- Let them know what you have to offer.
- Don’t waste any more time. Ask for the meeting based on your schedule. You want to avoid giving them the option of picking days when you may be unavailable or have to rearrange essential appointments. They will let you know even if those days don’t work for them. The goal is to get the conversation going.
- Please include links to your calendar, making it easy for them to schedule with you.
- Schedule the meeting for 45 minutes or less. If it goes over that time frame, let it be due to the Executive.
- Leave links to your work in your signature so they can get to know you before the meeting.
Tips for the meeting
- Bring a hard copy material of your work with you. Make sure it’s in an envelope so they can take it.
- Make sure you’re meeting spot is convenient for them. You don’t want them in traffic or having to pay for parking. Remember, this is your opportunity. Make the process simple.
- Relax; you want to make sure this is a person you want to do business with. We are all human, so don’t get caught up in titles and power. =)
- Tip your waitress if you have one.
Reasons you should have face-to-face meetings?
- There are no distractions. You have the person’s undivided attention. You’re controlling the environment.
- You can bring hard-copy business cards, resumes, pitch decks, etc., to the meeting. Showrunher Tip. Customize and cater your documents for the person you’re having lunch with.
- You’re on equal footing, and there’s no power position or room for intimidation. It creates a human experience.
- Vibe check! You’re able to get a feel for the potential work connection. They will always remember they had lunch with you.
I hope this helps. Let me know how it goes!
