This weekend I attended an amazing Female Writer’s conference in LA at the UCLA campus. The feeling of being around an entire group of females who are interested in the same subjects, and have similar goals to my own was such a valuable experience. The networking I was able to do there was highly beneficial and I would absolutely go to another Conference! The skills I learned there from watching the panels were not only applicable to writing; the keynote speakers, Robin Schiff and Lisa Kudrow gave some useful information about acting as well! It was especially exciting to learn from industry professionals about how important social media is to your career, especially in the development of interpersonal relationships, and getting yourself known (what have I been telling you guys this whole time?!).
     While watching Robin and Lisa speak, there were some things they said that I found especially applicable to acting: “I stopped looking at it as rejection, and started seeing it as, ‘Oh they don’t need this right now.’” Lisa Kudrow said as she spoke about pitching her shows to network, as well as auditioning. When the going gets tough, which we all know that it can, Robin Schiff advises to, “Give yourself two days. If you need to be depressed you have two days to do it, but then get right back into it.” I love this advice. I have felt that I was being lost in the shuffle before, that I didn’t know where I was taking my career, or whatever other negative thoughts have unfortunately snuck in. I knew that I couldn’t give up through it all, fortunately, but to be able to take my time getting back into it (but not too much time, otherwise the momentum could be lost), and feel whatever feelings for a little bit, is extremely helpful.
     An other important piece of advice that the writer of Romy and Michelle gave to the room full of female writers was that, “If you get out and meet people who are kindred spirits, that’s what will sustain your career.” They both touched upon the subject of improv and how instrumental the Groundlings were in both of their careers. Each of the two highly successful females started out doing improvisation there, and Lisa Kudrow even credited booking the role in Romy and Michelle to one of her connections from her classes there. This really goes to show the importance of taking classes in Los Angeles, and how far it really can get you. You need the connections in LA especially because getting your foot in the door is much more difficult without those people who can act as the catapult.
     Overall, this was a very fun and educational weekend. I will touch upon the other panels I saw there (more for writers) in another blog! I would highly suggest attending a Conference if you are able to. They are great places to meet people, network, and generally a very good time!