The job ended up falling through, but it is still a good lesson learned. My cinematography professor, who I love, always says to the class, "Shy don't cut it."And he's right, and I know he's right. Part of why I am where I am is because of how hard it is for me to talk to strangers.
I met my mentor Kat through John's class. She was a guest in the semester that I was taking the class (she is every semester) and as she was putting her coat on to leave at the end of the night I thought to myself, "She is going to walk out that door and you will never see her again and she is cool and you have to go talk to her say something say anything just go." So I did. Roughly I said, "Hi. Can I buy you a coffee and pick your brain." She has become a dear friend since that night.
Last week another of John's friends came and did a guest lecture. Except this one is still actively working in town. He seems to be mostly self contained, like I was, except shooting for broadcast clients rather than arts clients. So at the end of the night I gave him my business card and said, "If you ever need an extra hand on a job." Today he called me. Someone had called him to be a grip on a job (sort of a grunt techie person) that he couldn't take because he's already booked. So he called and asked if I'd like him to pass my name along. Of course I said yes. It's even spring break; it was perfect timing. He called me back later and said that by the time he'd got back to them they'd already filled it. So ultimately nothing happened except that this guy actively working in town is willing to give my name to other people working in town. Ultimately that is how work will happen, even if it didn't happen this time.
So: shy don't cut it. Always have business cards in your pocket, and always think of something to say.
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