How to use this site to find talent

TO FIND TALENT:
1. Become a Member by joining Texas Film Scene (TFS).
It's free, and takes only a minute.

2. Complete as detailed a profile as you can.
You can always add to it, or change it later, but be sure to include URLs of other Web sites that you have, or which feature your work, and some details about yourself.

3. Upload a picture.
It doesn't have to be a professional headshot; it could just be a cameraphone snap. But it's always good to associate a face with a name. It helps build your "personal brand recognition," and builds trust, too. And you can upload even more pictures in the Photos section, or Blog entries on your "My Page."

4. Upload samples of your work.
If you're a writer, upload scripts, or at least loglines and synopses. If you're a DP or director, upload a video reel (or link to another reel that you've published on YouTube, Revver, or other site). Yes, you can upload your resume in PDF format, MP3, or several other file types! Isn't that cool? Try it out. You can upload multiple files.

5. Customize your "My Page."
You can change the template, styles, colors, and more on your My Page. Hey, it's your page! Have some fun. Make yourself different from the rest.

6. Upload a demo reel.
Whether you're an actor, director, editor, writer, FX artist, set designer, musician, crew, it's always good to show people the work you have done. It build credibility, and shows the quality of your work and talents.

7. Blogs- read and write them.
Read the blogs that people post here, including the RSS feeds from other sites on the main page! They are like mini-magazine articles, but highly specific to filmmakers, and often Texas filmmakers, at that. It's a great way to stay current with what's happening in the industry, both here in Texas, in Hollywood, and all over the world. But it's also great to learn from TFS members who may have just overcome the same problems you are facing, and have blogged about it. Likewise, update your film community friends by blogging on your My Page. It's like Facebook or Blogger, but it's film-related, and without all the ugly noise of some of the other social network sites.

8. Place an ad.
Use the free Classifieds section to let people know you're out there, and what services or products you offer. TFS is new, but is already getting about 5,000 hits per week. That's a lot of eyeballs. Make sure your name and talents are out there everyplace on the site that someone might look.

9. Create a Group.
If you have a project, or like-minded colleagues, create a TFS Group. You can add files, news, blogs, photos, video, events, and discussion forums to your own group, and manage it all right here from the TFS site, all for FREE! It's a targeted audience, so take advantage of that fact. For example, if you are an acting instructor, you can create a TFS Group for "Bob's Acting Class." You can give feedback, show class times and dates on the calendar, post sides, start discussions, post class work reels, and more, all the while building stronger connections between your Group Members.

10. Post Events to the Calendar.
When you post events to your My Page Calendar, it also updates the main TFS site Calendar, so everyone can see if you have a cool event coming up, like a play performance, or a screening of your latest film, or a networking mixer.

11. Check the Main page for Activity and Events.
Stay abreast of what's happening on the TFS by checking the main Activity roll (similar to the activity log on your Facebook "Home" page), which records what everyone has been doing on the site. Also, check the main Calendar for any Events that are coming up.

12. Listen to the TFS Podcast.
We feature interviews with some awesome talent and filmmakers, many of whom are drawn from right here, on the TFS community! You might be surprised what you can learn from your peers. Many of them have faced, and overcome, the same problems you might be encountering. Learn how they did it, and how you can apply them to your own success.

13. Start or join a Forum Discussion.
There are an infinite number of topics for filmmakers and talent to talk about. If you don't see a thread about a topic you're interested in, then start one! It's easy. Just go to the Forum tab, and follow the instructions for adding a new Discussion. If you see a topic you like, read along and contribute. Your peers would love to hear what you have to say!

14. Say "Hello!"
One of the best things you can do is simply to reach out to your fellow TFS Members by sending them a private message or a comment. It can be something as basic as "Hello!" Maybe you want to learn more about their work, or you just want to introduce yourself. Don't feel like you have to write them a detailed essay; just say "hello!" They'll know your face and your name better, and the next time they see you at an audition, they might be the person casting you! It's always good to have established a relationship with them beforehand. So take time to say hello.