Meeting people is easy. No, this isn’t just the name of (very good!) 1998 documentary starring the band Radiohead. It’s what we here at Film Independent hope that you’ll say walking out of this year’s Fast Track, Film Independent’s annual film financing market. Sure, meeting with dozens upon dozens of film distributors and financiers certainly sounds daunting. But if you stay present, stay hydrated and (at the very least) stay upright in your chair, there’s a good chance your innate passion and comprehensive authority over your own project will compel others and shepherd their investment dollars into your film’s coffers.

The deadline for Fi Members to apply to Fast Track 2024 are open through June 20. So don’t delay! In previous years, we’ve reached out to past Film Independent Fast Track Fellows for their advice on how to make the most of their time at what is essentially three days of indie film speed dating. But this time we’ve gone directly to the source: Fi’s Artist Development department and the very humans who organize the event—and coordinate with its participants!—themselves.

So here is Film Independent’s very own best practices for surviving and thriving during your Fast Track experience. Fast Track 2024 takes place this November in Los Angeles. Previous industry participants include 30WEST, Searchlight, MACRO, Mandalay Pictures, Netflix, Participant Media, Plan B, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and many others. Notable filmmakers who have participated in the program include Ana Lily Amirpour, Sean Baker, James Ponsoldt, Tina Mabry, Lana Wilson and Chloé Zhao.

Now get out there and pitch, pitch, pitch!

TIPS FOR FICTION PROJECTS

How would you describe to a fellow filmmaker what Fast Track is? Fast Track is three days of meeting with industry professionals that could potentially provide your feature project with support. Fast Track crams a year or more of networking into three days. Over the course of the program, you’ll have up to 60 meetings with financiers, studios, production companies, sales agents, managers, non-profit arts organizations, casting directors, and festivals looking to support independent feature films.

What materials should people be prepared to bring to their Fast Track session? If selected, Fellows will be asked to prepare a five-minute pitch that will be workshopped before the program. You should be prepared to speak to your production timeline, financing plan and have a script that is ready to send out after the program wraps.

Tips for pitching: what are two things you should absolutely remember to do? Remember to talk about yourself! If it feels weird to brag about your accomplishments, so maybe your partner on the film can talk about you and vice-versa. And remember to introduce yourself and the name of the film.

Tips for pitching: what are two things you should absolutely avoid doing? Don’t go over your story beat-by-beat or try to speed through your pitch. Pace yourself and the information you share reasonably.

What’s proper follow-up etiquette? An email soon after the meetings and a follow up after the holidays–remember that the industry participants are getting tons of emails at the same time so it will take some time for them to get back to everyone.

Any recommendations as to what to eat or how to be properly caffeinated (also: when to use the restroom)? Remember that these days are marathons and not sprints, so get your rest, eat proper meals and stay hydrated. There aren’t real breaks between meetings so if you need to step away, step away.

Should you engage with your fellow Fast Track Fellows, or try to crush them so that you get money instead of them? Yes, make friends! Your cohort will be one of your biggest takeaways from any Artist Development program. These are your peers that you will rise with during your career and will become your sounding board as you propel your project forward and potential future collaborators. Of course, there is a finite amount of financing, but this is not a competition.

What should I wear? What you would wear to any industry meeting. You want to look professional, express your own personal style and remember that you will be sitting for eight-plus hours so you do want to choose something comfortable.

TIPS FOR NONFICTION PROJECTS

How would you describe to a fellow filmmaker what Fast Track is? Fast Track Finance Market consists of two days of 30 meetings with nonfiction industry professionals that could potentially support your nonfiction feature film. Industry members include distributors, financiers, sales agents, producers and production companies.

What materials should people be prepared to bring to their Fast Track session? If selected, Fellows will be asked to prepare a five-minute pitch that will be workshopped before the program. Some filmmakers also choose to show a short clip or teaser of their film or be ready to provide a link, deck and financial plan as appropriate for your project following the meeting.

Tips for pitching: what are two things you should absolutely remember to do? Always remember to introduce yourself! Also, remember to share what your personal connection is to the film, and why you’re telling this story.

Tips for pitching: what are two things you should absolutely avoid doing? Avoid fidgeting and speaking too quickly. Though the meetings are short, remember to take your time to make your points.

What’s proper follow-up etiquette? An email after the meetings, and a follow-up after at least a week or more has passed. 

Any recommendations as to what to eat or how to be properly caffeinated (also: when to pee/defecate)? Do whatever you need to do to feel as comfortable as possible! Be sure to eat before your meetings and stay hydrated.

Should you engage with your fellow Fast Track Fellows, or try to crush them so that you get money instead of them? We always encourage Fellows in the program to build community with each other. The other filmmakers in this program (Fiction as well) can be the greatest assets and cheerleaders. Remember, you are all in it together! Everyone’s films are so different, and we often select films purposely that are different from each other. Fast Track is not a competition! 

What should I wear? I think the best attire is what makes you feel good, comfortable and the most like yourself. A range of dress codes can be appropriate in these spaces, but often leaning towards business casual. However, I think it’s always best when filmmakers dress in a way that expresses themselves.

For over 30 years, Film Independent Artist Development has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit organization’s core mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling and support a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision.