1) The first thing I look for is a point of view. What distinguishes you from other directors. Be sure to get out there and be creative, make spec spots, make the work that you want to be doing. Make sure to research the production company you are approaching. Research the company, the EPs, what sort of work are they doing and what have they done. And research your competition. Remember, you are interviewing a new production company, just as much as they are interviewing you. Present 3-4 pieces of your best work and explain why you made it.
2) Don’t be shy about self-promotion. Your network of contacts is your net worth. Don’t ever discount a contact. Assistants have become Heads of Productions, and you never know where someone will end up. When making a contact, don’t reach out in a cold way. Do your research on LinkedIn or social media, and see what contacts you have in common, so you can reference who you both know. That outreach becomes much more warm and may be more successful in making the connection. These are the two things in my career that have led to success.
4) We have a new campaign launching for Teleflora for Mother’s Day this month, shot by our directorial duo Riess|Hill. Chris and Amy just debuted their new short film “Hula Girl” at the Tribeca Film Festival and this is their newest commercial campaign about the breadth of what it means to be a mother. Using real people, the campaign shows real mothers and the challenges they have taken on in their motherhood. It’s very touching and a perfect project for Chris and Amy. We had the best time collaborating with the agency creatives at Wonderful.