Finding a Mentor Without Making It Awkward

Be clear about what you need. "Will you be my mentor?" is a big ask. A better start is a specific question: "How did you approach your first sound mix?" Specific questions are easier to answer and show you have done your homework.

Look close to home first. Teachers, librarians, workshop leaders, older students, and filmmakers whose work you have seen at a local screening can all be mentors, formally or informally.

Do some research. Watch their work, read what they have shared publicly, and note one thing you learned. Mention it in your message.

Keep your first message short. Say who you are, what you are working on, the one question you have, and thank them for their time. Make it easy to reply with a sentence or two, and never expect an answer by a deadline.

Respect their time. If someone agrees to talk, show up prepared, begin and end on time, and bring a short list of questions. Consider sending a summary of what you learned.

Follow through. Try the suggestions, then report back. A mentor who sees you apply advice will be more eager to help again. Give something back. Share a film they might enjoy, offer to help with a small task, or thank them publicly if they are happy to be mentioned.

Stay safe. Young filmmakers should involve a parent, teacher or guardian when contacting adults online or meeting in person, and use public, professional settings. Be a mentor yourself. Once you know something, pass it along to the next person.