So, seriously, this was essentially my first conference, and I was a little apprehensive about going. There would be people doing what I'd like to be doing for a career, and given the opportunity, I can certainly embarass myself with the best of them.
As is also common for me, I was anxious for no reason. (At least, I don't think I offended anyone. I definitely wore pants the whole time. Or at least a skirt.)
In fact, I might even have had what some might call "successes." Seven of them, in fact. Here they are, in their glory...
1. I went. Let's face it, it's a lot of time and money to go to a conference. Not only that, it takes some courage to meet the people who might be able to make your dreams come (kinda) true. So the fact that I got myself down to Texas from Seattle was a win.
2. I introduced myself to some of the panelists. No, Mary Coleman didn't hire me on the spot to work for Pixar (and I actually had a total geek-out moment when I met Terry Rossio) but the point is, I put myself out there. And if I can do it once, I can do it again. And again. And again. (And again, but only if needed.)
3. I brought a buddy.
4. We saw lots of (brand new) films. It was fab to meet some of the people who made them, and see flicks that haven't been distributed yet. I especially enjoyed The Exquisite Corpse Project. You heard it from me, first. :)
5. I attended the panel comprised of female writers--and they were cool. Effusive. Funny. Some of their advice:
Shoot your own films.
Write a TV spec.
Get read. However possible.
Don't be annoying. [Hah!]
Have different genres as examples.
Bond with your peers.
Live in L.A.
Be disciplined.
Think strategically. What can you give, and what can someone give to you?
6. I got inspired. So much talent, so many cool people. I want to do more of this! I came home and finally got my website up. Next up...revising the drama I wrote this summer.
7. I had the two best tacos of my life. Torchy's Tacos, folks. The deep-fried avocado taco is out-of-your-mind good!
So, there you have it. The seven things I'd do again when hitting up a screenwriting conference. Hopefully next year, The Lone Star state will be equally hospitable.