Film Networking: An Unavoidable Skill You Have No Choice But To Master

“It’s all about who you know”. Anyone remotely connected to the film industry has heard that phrase. And they’ll often approach the whole subject of film networking, of making contacts, of all the hustle that’s totally separate from putting ink on paper or film in the can, with serious trepidation.

After all, unfortunately, if you are starting with fewer existing connections in the film industry, you have to work much harder to get where you want to go.

But let’s use a less cynical synonym to tackle this subject: film networking. Having a positive outlook on networking can give you the right mindset to use it effectively. How do you use it effectively, you ask? Look no further.

Why and How to Maintain Your Film Network

Connections are everything in the highly competitive film industry, so you want to make sure you handle film networking seriously and strategically.

There are different ways to stand out in the industry, and being a familiar face is one of them. People are more likely to take a chance on someone they know, especially if that person expresses enthusiasm and has proven themselves reliable. Having more people in your corner increases your chances of gaining access to better opportunities.

With that said, film networking goes hand-in-hand with turning in good work and having a positive reputation. You’ll likely have established some of your early connections through a workplace. Through the work that you do, you must perform well and give people a reason to recommend you to future projects and employers.

Once you’ve built connections, it is important to maintain them. A follow-up email, lunch invite, or congratulatory message can go a long way. You never know when the right person will have the right opportunity for you. Someone you worked with in a workplace years ago could put in a good word for you based on your work ethic.

As you conduct your film networking, make sure you are not thinking of every new connection in relation to one specific opportunity. Think instead of how they can benefit you in the long run. Someone you met twenty years ago could be your saving grace tomorrow. Ensure that you are building connections that will LAST.

Know that not every connection you make is going to advance your career. Your film networking efforts will connect you with people (or, likely, hundreds of people) who you never obtain a new job through. But your network is a form of insurance that you can lean on when you need it, so you want to make sure it’s sturdy.

Longevity is key here. Maximize your possibilities and don’t let your hard work go to waste by allowing your connections to slip away from you.