ISSUE #10
BEAM FROM THE BOOTH | GRAND RAPIDS FILM SOCIETY
[EDITED BY: GRIFFIN SHERIDAN]
Welcome to an all-new installment of BEAM FROM THE BOOTH, brought to you by GRAND RAPIDS FILM SOCIETY!
Tonight is the night, friends! TITANIC: AN EVENING AT SEA is an event we have been planning for months now, and we are so thrilled that it is finally here. Doors are at 5:30pm this evening. At 6:00pm, award-winning cellist Jordan Hamilton will take the stage of the Wealthy Theatre to play live renditions of songs from Titanic and more. And then, at 7:00pm, we will roll picture on James Cameron’s 1997 film that garnered 14 Academy Award nominations and won 11 of them, including Best Picture and Best Director, back in 1998. Formal wear is highly encouraged tonight.
Also don’t forget: THIS SUNDAY (4/16) we are welcoming the spring season with a special matinee screening of SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Kelly & Donen, 1952). Doors open at 1:00pm, and the film starts at 2:00pm.
We truly hope you can join us for both events this weekend. But before either of those, we have a newsletter to share with you…
PRODUCTION PARABLES
NETWORKING
[BY: BREANA MALLOY]
When talking with some of my filmmaker friends they shared that networking is often an obstacle for them. They find it hard to break into the film scene or even get a response from the people they reach out to. They’re sending emails, making calls, and maybe even attending events, yet nothing seems to happen. This appears to be an issue for more than just my friends but many filmmakers. After years of working in business settings, networking comes naturally to me — so here’s what I’ve found works.
I think it’s pertinent that we are on the same page on how we define networking. For me, it is all about connecting with a variety of individuals from all types of fields, with an emphasis on connecting with those who work in film. Don’t limit yourself to only meeting people in your field. I have learned so much from my peers in other fields that have positively influenced my job as a producer. It never hurts to branch out of your industry.
One major component of networking is nailing down your intentions and the outcomes you are looking for. If you come in with intentions of only talking to people because you want something from them, such as a job, it will be much harder to make genuine connections and, in turn, get a job. My goal with networking is to get to know the people I am meeting and learn about their jobs and them as individuals. I don’t ask them for anything other than their contact information. I know that, in time, my genuine connection-building will help me, and I may be able to help them. Ultimately, you're just making friends and forming new relationships.
So where do you go to network? Truthfully, anywhere and everywhere. You will meet people in your everyday activities: going to the grocery store, hanging out in parks, at your kid's birthday party, or even after you’ve had a few drinks at karaoke. Don’t plan to network in those places, but just be aware that it happens. I’ve met some great business personnel in the strangest places. If you’re searching for events geared towards networking, you’re in luck: there’s a plethora of events going on in Grand Rapids all the time. For meeting filmmakers, the Wealthy Theatre screenings and GRFS events such as Open Projector Night and Film Society Roundtables are great resources. I have met so many genuine fellow creators at those events. For general business connections, check out event hosting pages such as Eventbrite or Facebook’s event page. The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce is also a fantastic resource for these things. If both of those aren’t really your style, you can always go the virtual route with social media and emails. Look at who you currently know in a professional manner and see who else they work with.
If you are reaching out virtually, there are a few Do’s and Don’ts you should keep in mind:
DO: Research the person or company you are reaching out to. Even 5 minutes is better than nothing. It’s so easy to spell their name wrong or say something that stops them from responding to you at all.
DON’T: Ask for a job in the very first message. You can mention your focus and that you're looking for opportunities and would like to connect; that's perfectly acceptable, and being upfront about your intentions is always a good start. It is when you simply ask if they are hiring because you need work that many places see constantly, and they will soon forget about your email.
DO: Reach out to specific individuals when possible. If you are sending emails to the general company email you are much less likely to get a response.
DON’T: Send emails to someone’s personal email unless they give it to you. Try to make sure it is their business email whenever possible.
DO: Ask to meet with people in person or via video chat whenever possible. It is much easier for them to get to know and connect with you if they can see your face.
Ultimately, when you begin networking, you only need a moment of courage to go up and introduce yourself. From there, it’s just a conversation. Ask them about their career and experiences and learn about them. Before you part, get their contact information or follow them on social media and follow up to connect later. You’re network of contacts won’t grow overnight, but if you are consistently meeting new people, it will happen.
There have been many times when I was hesitant to approach someone or even go to an event. However, most of the things I value most in my life and career came from the moments when I did go up to the person or attend the event. I got my current job by sending an email to one of the company’s owners. We had never met before, but once he met me in person, we knew it was the right fit. Remember that there is no one way to meet people and network — just be open and have pure intentions and great things will happen.
GRFS ON WOOD TV!
This week, our very own Nicholas Hartman went on WOOD TV to chat about the formation, purpose, and goals of Grand Rapids Film Society. Check out the video interview and accompanying article by clicking [HERE] or on the screencap below!
TALES OF TITANIC
In celebration of our event this evening, some of us at GRFS would like to share our own personal stories regarding the first time we saw James Cameron’s epic tale of love and loss.
Griffin:
I think I must have been in second grade when I saw Titanic for the first time. So that’s…what? 7 years-old? I had a friend over and, by some miracle, we convinced my parents to not only allow us to have a sleepover but to also let me bring our 12-inch TV into my bedroom. This thing was sick — it had a built-in VCR, and the remote had a 2x Rewind function. It was just heavy enough that I could tell myself I must be strong as hell to be able to carry it upstairs to my room.
The sleepover came and went (I think we watched Rugrats in Paris). I was then told that I would be able to keep the TV in my room for a couple extra days as it was spring break. Upon hearing this, I raced to the cabinet that held all those plastic treasures — our VHS tapes. I devoured movies that I loved and ones that I only knew from having passed by them on my way to movies I loved.
And then I saw it: the double cassette VHS of James Cameron’s Titanic.
I mean, a movie so big that it needed to be on TWO TAPES?! It must be epic. I was enraptured by just the idea of it. I was also a bizarre child that was very curious about tragedy and death (a notion I’m working through just fine and am not concerned about at all as an adult, thank you very much). I had heard about the sinking of the RMS Titanic in school and was immediately intrigued to know that all the information about the event could be relayed to me in a single movie… ON TWO TAPES!!
I brought the set up to my room and devised my plan to watch it. I don’t think I really had an awareness of film ratings at this point, but I knew I could probably get in trouble for watching this one. So, that night, I told my parents I would be going to bed somewhat early (I was extra tired from recess, you know).
After I was sure my parents wouldn’t be coming into my room to say goodnight or check on me, seven-year-old me pressed play on Titanic…
It changed everything.
Caleb:
I remember my first time watching Titanic. It was a late summer night, and I was enthralled by the imagery and largeness of the picture when suddenly, like a ship to an iceberg, my mother's hand met my face — shielding my eyes from seeing a naked Kate Winslet.
Nick:
The year is 1997. It’s a cold snowy night, and I anxiously wait in the passenger seat of my mother’s car as we sit in front of the State Theater located in my hometown of Alpena, Michigan. The snow’s gently falling, my heart is racing, and the glow of the marquee pours onto the city street. Within a few minutes, I’ll be experiencing my first-ever movie date, and we’ll be seeing the film everyone is currently raving about – Titanic.
Another car pulls up. The passenger door opens, and I see my date exit. I become overwhelmed with excitement but try and play it off cool. I must get out of the car quickly. I can’t let my date know I’m with my mom; no way, can’t lose my cool points. I get out, close the door, put on my strut, and begin to approach my date. I’m nervous but confident.
As I continue to approach, I suddenly hear my mother’s voice: “Nicholas, have fun, love you, and I’ll see you after the movie!”
Her words hit me like a dump truck, and I feel every ounce of ‘cool’ fall to the ground and shatter into pieces. “Ugh, God dammit, Mom…”
My date and I enter the theater, and we approach the box office. I bust out my badass X-Men Velcro wallet and pull out a thick wad of $1’s earned from weeks of household chores. She’s obviously impressed.
I hand over the money to the pimply-faced teen working box office and say “Two tickets to the Titanic, my man.” He knows I’m on a date, he knows how important this is to me. He responds, “Ahh yes, Mr. Hartman, welcome back. You know your money is no good here!” We laugh together, and he points toward the concession stand saying “Please, help yourself to our finest snacks and enjoy the show” (please note – this did NOT happen, it was all a fantasy in my head).
Like a gentleman, I open the theater door for my date, and we enter the lobby. We’re greeted with the buttery smell of popcorn and a giant cardboard cutout of Leonardo DiCaprio. My date stops in her tracks, and her eyes light up with pre-teen lust. I feel the competition. I look at this punk and think to myself “Pssh, you ain’t that special…”
Think, Nick, you’re losin' her! Do something! Ahh, I know, I’ll impress the lady with the biggest concession combo they have to offer. I get us the #1: two large sodas, a big bucket of popcorn, and candy. No way she isn’t going to be excited about that, I mean, who wouldn’t?!
As we carry our snacks toward the theater, I offer her some fresh popcorn, but she tells me she’s not that hungry, and her stomach feels full from dinner. I think, “Nick, you fool! Should have gone with something smaller, obviously, combo #2! Ugh, it is what it is, ol' buddy.”
We enter the theater, and with each step we take we can feel the dried soda beneath our feet. It’s sticky and feels like the floor is covered with rolls of fly paper sheets. We find our seats, sit down, and wait for the show to start. I try to offer her some popcorn again, but she isn’t bitin'. She’s also awfully quiet and not responding to the conversation I’m trying to start. I think “Maybe she’s nervous, maybe she just doesn’t like me at all, maybe she doesn’t vibe with my X-Men wallet?” If that’s the case, she’s obviously not the one for me…
The lights dim, and the projector fires up. The show is about to begin. I’m excited, I’ve been hearing a lot about this picture (rumor on the street is that there’s nudity too…?!). What could be better? I have myself a bucket of popcorn, soda, candy, and a hot date. Incredible – life is great.
We sit together in silence and watch the movie unfold. I think to myself, “Maybe I should try and hold her hand? Nah, too fast, too far!” I continue to gaze at the screen, fill my face with popcorn, and debate about reaching for her hand.
At this point, we’re about an hour in, and I’m beginning to feel confident. I slowly reach my sweaty palm over and try and touch her hand. Her hand feels cold and clammy, but I feel it gently embrace mine. Shucks, you’re doing it, buddy! We continue to watch the show and, honestly, I’m not fully engaged by Leo’s big-ass beautiful eyes – nope, I’m planning my next move: the kiss. I mean, I made it this far, why not try?
I feel her get restless. She’s moving a bit too much, and she then pulls her hand away from mine. Perhaps I’m being too forward? Perhaps she finally wants popcorn? I kindly offer. She quickly denies it again and looks extremely restless. She looks around in hesitation and then quickly bursts from her seat to rush toward the exit.
I’m taken back and fear I have offended her. I feel a flash of embarrassment wash over me and know I blew my chance. I look back up at the screen and see romance flowing between the two main characters, Jack and Rose. I’m inspired, moved, and know I must go after her to apologize.
I get up from my seat and rush toward the theater exit. I gently push through the door and am immediately greeted with a hot steaming pile of vomit on the tile floor. My date holds her head between her knees while sitting against a wall; she’s sobbing. I felt terrible and helpless.
However, I knew what I had to do. I had to continue to be the gentleman I was raised to be. I walked over, bent down, and draped my jacket around her. We then just sat there until her mom came and picked her up.
Days later when she finally returned to school, I discovered she came down with the stomach flu. I was thrilled to know I didn’t move too fast nor was she turned off by my Velcro X-Men wallet. In fact, she liked me, and she continued to wear the jacket I gave her that night for a couple of weeks. That is, until the new boy came along: the new hunk with the DiCaprio haircut, nice clothes, and – of course – a wallet that wasn’t Velcro.
Rumor has it this new boy has the double cassette Titanic VHS too. Honestly, how could I compete with that?
UPCOMING EVENTS
TITANIC: AN EVENING AT SEA
WHAT: An all-out event featuring live music, a commemorative ticket, and a screening of James Cameron’s 1997 epic, TITANIC. *Formal wear highly encouraged.*
WHEN: TONIGHT!!! Friday, April 14th, 5:30pm (Film start: 7:00pm)
WHERE: The Wealthy Theatre
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
WHAT: A special matinee screening of the classic film!
WHEN: THIS SUNDAY, April 16th, 2:00pm
WHERE: The Wealthy Theatre
And so we’ve arrived at the end of another BEAM FROM THE BOOTH! We appreciate you taking the time to read it and truly hope you’ll continue to do so. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to get each issue in your inbox every FRIDAY and stay up-to-date on all things GRFS!
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Look for ISSUE #11 in your inbox NEXT FRIDAY, 4/21!
Until then, friends…
These Titanic stories are too good 😂