Fish Where the Fish Are

What's the best way to catch a fish? Fish where the fish are.

True, this is a famous cliche. It gets repeated, though, because it's good advice. You have a much better chance to catch a fish if you go looking for them where they're swimming. You still have work to do, of course, but your odds are better.

That advice holds even in today's internet-dominated world. If you want to increase your odds of getting your progam idea considered, meet people in television. You can glean some information from on-line forums about programs, or through groups on Facebook and Linked In. But that still is no substitute for meeting decision makers in person and getting their input face to face.

The best way to do that is through an industry organization. If you're a writer, join the writer's guild. If you're a director, the director's union. The National Association of Television Programming Executives (NATPE) sponsors an annual convention and learning opportunities throughout the year, but you have to travel to where they are. (you can look for more information at www.natpe.org

Don't want to travel to New York or Los Angeles? Look for the film festival closest to where you live. Most of them will invite working producers and directors in for a talk. Join a group of aspiring producers in your own town. If you don't have a group, start your own.

Will Rogers said, "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." So make time in your week to meet people who can help you in person. You will be glad you did.