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| Networking 101 |
Published: Dec/Jan '10 - Vol. 1, Iss. 2 of IAE Magazine
Copyright © 2010, N'Fluential Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
TIPS FOR NETWORKING IN THE FILM/TV & MUSIC INDUSTRIES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you’re an aspiring actor hoping to have a successful career in film and television,
you have to make time to network. You’ve got to get out there and meet people,
socialize and make yourself known; otherwise you’re doing yourself a disservice and
simply wasting your time focusing on a career you’re never going to have if you don’
t start talking to people. Not only is networking a necessity, it can be fun if you
choose the right people, events/places, and websites to conduct your networking
experiences.
DON’T KNOCK IT ‘TIL YOU TRY IT
Before I start, let me do a quick fyi, No…your scene you shot in class is not the type
of reel Casting Directors and good agents want to see. There, I said it and now I can
move on to my point.
If you’re a new actor/actress, or have your union eligibility but haven’t built a solid
reel yet, consider developing a relationship with someone who has a small project
like a short film or 60-90 minute feature film that they plan to put into film festivals.
This could be an easy way to build a legitimate reel on a project that could very well
become a hit and get you some noteriety.
For example, Film Director, F. Gary Gray gave a radio interview to promote Law
Abiding Citizen (which is friggin awesome by the way). He was said the budget for
Friday was so small that they only took one or two takes per scene. Chris Tucker
and Faizon Love didn’t even like the first, rough cut he showed them. Yet, Friday
has become a cult classic in American film. So, don’t knock student films or start up
film companies because they could help propel you to the next level. Also, keep in
mind....Malcolm D. Lee who is featured in this issue (and his cousin, Spike Lee) was
a film student at one point, who shot projects in school. Now look at him! So you
never know! Search for events through friends and anyone you know in the
industry. You should always be “doing something” in this business. If you network
properly, you should start to see some of the same people in your circles.
SOCIAL NETWORKING (ONLINE)
Social networking sites are another way to go. These sites create an open platform
for you to build professional relationships with the movers and shakers in the
industry. So, if you haven’t already, join Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, as these
are the sites that are most widely used. It’s a great way to connect to people you
may not be able to otherwise.
When you join these sites be sure to create two profiles. You should have one for
friends and family and one for people in the industry. There are certain things you
post that may not be appropriate for everyone! You don’t want to bad mouth
anyone, be it friends or anyone you may have worked with, especially in writing
online (LOL). This is a small business, and sometimes it’s all about who you know
and are able to connect with. You don’t want to burn your bridges by posting
negative things about other people, or just being negative in general. Remember to
remain professional at all times and leave the crass, childish posts for your friends
on your personal page!
FEARLESSNESS
You can't be afraid to be told "No." I've been told this dreadful word more times than
I care to remember, but it is a necessary part of the process. If everyone tells you
yes, you probably won't learn anything that could carry you beyond 5 years.
Everyone hear's "No" at some point in the beginning, and even various times
throught their career.
In closing, if you’re not out making new acquaintances in the film industry, get on
your grind and get started today. You should be at every networking event you
possibly can. If you don’t know where to start...get on the internet and type in “www.
backstage.com”
Always study your craft and expose yourself to different environments and
eventually people will start recognizing you, which could lead to tons of
opportunities. The six degrees of separation theory has proven true in many cases,
so you never know which one of your friends knows that someone you need to
know! Happy networking!
Copyright © 2010, N'Fluential Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
TIPS FOR NETWORKING IN THE FILM/TV & MUSIC INDUSTRIES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you’re an aspiring actor hoping to have a successful career in film and television,
you have to make time to network. You’ve got to get out there and meet people,
socialize and make yourself known; otherwise you’re doing yourself a disservice and
simply wasting your time focusing on a career you’re never going to have if you don’
t start talking to people. Not only is networking a necessity, it can be fun if you
choose the right people, events/places, and websites to conduct your networking
experiences.
DON’T KNOCK IT ‘TIL YOU TRY IT
Before I start, let me do a quick fyi, No…your scene you shot in class is not the type
of reel Casting Directors and good agents want to see. There, I said it and now I can
move on to my point.
If you’re a new actor/actress, or have your union eligibility but haven’t built a solid
reel yet, consider developing a relationship with someone who has a small project
like a short film or 60-90 minute feature film that they plan to put into film festivals.
This could be an easy way to build a legitimate reel on a project that could very well
become a hit and get you some noteriety.
For example, Film Director, F. Gary Gray gave a radio interview to promote Law
Abiding Citizen (which is friggin awesome by the way). He was said the budget for
Friday was so small that they only took one or two takes per scene. Chris Tucker
and Faizon Love didn’t even like the first, rough cut he showed them. Yet, Friday
has become a cult classic in American film. So, don’t knock student films or start up
film companies because they could help propel you to the next level. Also, keep in
mind....Malcolm D. Lee who is featured in this issue (and his cousin, Spike Lee) was
a film student at one point, who shot projects in school. Now look at him! So you
never know! Search for events through friends and anyone you know in the
industry. You should always be “doing something” in this business. If you network
properly, you should start to see some of the same people in your circles.
SOCIAL NETWORKING (ONLINE)
Social networking sites are another way to go. These sites create an open platform
for you to build professional relationships with the movers and shakers in the
industry. So, if you haven’t already, join Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, as these
are the sites that are most widely used. It’s a great way to connect to people you
may not be able to otherwise.
When you join these sites be sure to create two profiles. You should have one for
friends and family and one for people in the industry. There are certain things you
post that may not be appropriate for everyone! You don’t want to bad mouth
anyone, be it friends or anyone you may have worked with, especially in writing
online (LOL). This is a small business, and sometimes it’s all about who you know
and are able to connect with. You don’t want to burn your bridges by posting
negative things about other people, or just being negative in general. Remember to
remain professional at all times and leave the crass, childish posts for your friends
on your personal page!
FEARLESSNESS
You can't be afraid to be told "No." I've been told this dreadful word more times than
I care to remember, but it is a necessary part of the process. If everyone tells you
yes, you probably won't learn anything that could carry you beyond 5 years.
Everyone hear's "No" at some point in the beginning, and even various times
throught their career.
In closing, if you’re not out making new acquaintances in the film industry, get on
your grind and get started today. You should be at every networking event you
possibly can. If you don’t know where to start...get on the internet and type in “www.
backstage.com”
Always study your craft and expose yourself to different environments and
eventually people will start recognizing you, which could lead to tons of
opportunities. The six degrees of separation theory has proven true in many cases,
so you never know which one of your friends knows that someone you need to
know! Happy networking!
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