How to Make Your Film/TV Mentorship Worthwhile
While working odd jobs in hopes of breaking into the entertainment industry, you obtained an invaluable mentor who seems to be a good match. Lucky you! Networking and mentor seeking can be difficult, especially in the film and TV industry. For now, embrace the incredible opportunity to learn from a seasoned industry professional. If you haven’t had a mentor yet, I’d still recommend reading through these points so you’re prepared when one day you do! As you seek career advice to further develop your skill set, let’s uncover how to cultivate a meaningful, reciprocal relationship with your mentor.
Research Their Credentials
Meeting your mentor for the first time? Don’t forget to do your homework. Going into your initial meeting, you should already know a bit about them. LinkedIn is a great tool for connecting and networking with new people and other industry professionals, but it’s also helpful for viewing someone’s career trajectory. To gain insight into your mentor’s career path, look up their LinkedIn profile. You can also check to see if they have a website that highlights their professional credentials, such as film or TV credits, or if they have an IMDb profile that can fill in the blanks for you.
Be Respectful & Open-Minded
A mentor’s time is valuable, so be cognizant of their schedule as you set meetings with them. Clear, comfortable communication is also very important in a mentor-mentee relationship. If you’re not comfortable reaching out to your mentor, it may not be the right partnership. During meetings, listen actively. If your mentor gives you constructive feedback, be receptive and take note! Hopefully, you incorporate their sound advice into future industry opportunities.
Prepare Questions
Before meeting your mentor, compile relevant, respectful questions to ask them. Perhaps begin your conversation with a powerful question, such as “What is one of the greatest lessons you learned during your time in the industry?” Your mentor wants to know how they can help you, so you’ll also need to clarify your professional goals. Ahead of the meeting, consider preparing a concise elevator pitch that illustrates your range of abilities and passion for entertainment.
Create Writing Samples
Although this may apply to any mentee, it’s especially true for aspiring film/TV writers— if you haven’t already, start working on those writing samples. Create a scriptwriting portfolio for yourself, prospective employers, and mentors alike. In case your mentor asks for a script, you’ll need to have a copy on hand. However, keep in mind that your mentor may not request a writing sample. If that’s the case, don’t expect the favor automatically. Rather, provide a sample only under appropriate circumstances.
Express Gratitude & Check-In
After meeting with your mentor, send a sincere thank you note and remain in touch. Any time you transition into a new industry role, update your mentor. After all, maintaining a positive, authentic rapport with your mentor is vital. In the future, this person could become one of your professional references and key collaborators.
A remarkable mentor will enrich your career journey, recognize your potential, and hope you flourish in the industry. Just remember: once you find success, pay it forward.
