Forget getting past Hollywood’s gatekeepers ... how do you even reach them in the first place? In the entertainment world, all you hear is "Network! Network! Network!" and the path ahead tends to be filled with closed doors, cold contacts, and more roadblocks than places to step.

This presentation will help clear a little space.

Beth Szymkowski, Executive Producer of Hulu's teen-horror drama, Freakish, will give practical tips and examples from her own life on how to meet people who can help you break in. Knowing what it’s like to go from zero contacts in the writing world to a full-blown career, she understands the agony of an introverted writer being told networking is the key to success. She'll explain how you can build relationships in a way that doesn’t involve completely changing your personality—or becoming a shameless social schmoozer.

Topics covered:

• How to tell when you’re ready to put yourself out there
• Contests as a way in
• Peer groups for emotional support and more
• How to make first contact with someone on the inside
• Dos and don’ts of contacting established writers
• Maintaining relationships