Off to The Fleadh in Galway

They say the Galway Film Fleadh (July 10-15th) is unique among film festivals worldwide as one of the friendliest, the most informal and just the right size so you can meet anyone you want to meet. There is such a wide range of films and it's impossible to see them all so sometimes, it's enough to pick one or two screenings a day and spent the rest chatting to other attendees. 

The Fleadh has also been really good to me - most times I've ended up signing film or TV option agreement(s) within months of meetings I had at the event.

This year is a bit different for me. I'm bringing down my book, Write That Script. So apart from socialising, watching films or at events, I'll be at the merchandise stall in the Galmont Hotel from 2.30-4.30 on Weds 11th to Friday 13th. Please come over and say hello!

This is what I love about the Galway Film Fleadh. You can just hang out at the festival or go to the various open events and film screenings and talk to whoever happens to be nearby. This almost always leads to all sorts of interesting conversations.

These might even lead to sales or collaborations or just that nice warm feeling that comes from talking about what you love to do with someone who loves what they do too. Or if you have some film projects up your sleeve, you can do the market (the Film Fair) and pitch your wares to international buyers/ producers/ media managers. 

No two pitching sessions are alike and if you do eight of them over two days, not to mention pitching to anyone who foolishly asks you what you're working on - don't worry, you can repay the favour and the feedback can be mutually beneficial - you will come away more able to do it in the future and with a rake of stories to tell about the encounters, good and bad.

These anecdotes lead to conversations in the Fleadh HQ and beyond, making networking that bit easier and more fun. Hope to see you there!