How to Network in the Film Industry: 9 Networking Tips

Networking is the process of building relationships and finding support amongst your peers, potential colleagues, or other important professional figures. Networking connects people in similar or adjacent fields together in a public venue, giving them space to bond over shared interests or mutual respect. You can use networking for employment opportunities, building friendships, recruiting, and learning more about different aspects of your career.

Networking in the film industry is important because it allows you to meet peers and people in leadership roles that can help you move forward in your film career. Networking also expands your social network and opens up your pool of opportunities, connecting you with new people and helping you build strong relationships. In the entertainment business, freelance work is prevalent, so making these connections is vital because it puts you in the best position to land your next job.

From professional meetups to casual emails, there are many ways to network and get yourself on other people’s radar. For some networking tips that will help build your professional circle, see below:

1. 1. Prepare your elevator pitch. Before you attend your first networking event, you’ll need to prepare. While networking events are as formal as job interviews, you are showcasing your skills to someone with the hopes of making a lasting connection. Make sure you have business cards, a few icebreaker questions for when you meet new people, and an elevator pitch for the project you’re working on. An elevator pitch is a short, persuasive speech used to drum up interest for a project. This pitch is a great way to offer a glimpse into your project without capitalizing on the conversation. Learn how to craft the perfect elevator pitch.
2. 2. Attend film-related events. Successful networkers attend networking events often. Even people who have established themselves in the film industry continue to network with their peers, always meeting new people and leaving themselves open for new connections. Check entertainment sites or social media postings to see if any film-related events are happening near you. Sign up for advanced movie screenings, especially ones where the cast or crew will be in attendance to answer questions about the project. These types of events attract industry hopefuls and professionals. While you’re waiting in line for the movie, chat with the people around you. After the screening, hang out near the lobby or at the bar to make some new connections.
3. 3. Make valuable connections. Networking is about making quality connections—not amassing a collection of business cards from everyone you meet. Organize your contacts into a tier of importance, and select a few of the most important professional connections to place at the top—these are the people you should stay in touch with the most. Take them out for coffee every so often, give them an occasional phone call, and keep up with what they’re doing on social media throughout the year. Keep the communication light and purposeful. Frequently contacting them for help can be off-putting, making your relationship too one-sided, which may prompt them to avoid your calls and emails.
4. 4. Expand your peer group. Networking is about making connections with a range of people, not just those in powerful positions. You can use networking to meet other aspiring actors, writers, filmmakers, and editors. When networking, look for possible connections that you share with another professional outside of entertainment. Cultivating a friendship in the networking process can have a meaningful impact on your personal and professional growth.
5. 5. Help your connections. Networking is a two-way street, and it’s important to help your connections in any way you can. Whatever you have to bring to the table, use it generously to let your contacts know you care about their success. For example, if you’re a good proofreader and your connection is a screenwriter, offer to proofread a draft of their work. While it’s selfish to help people for the sole purpose of personal gain, offering help first makes the other party more likely to return the favor in your moment of need. Building relationships is about give and take, and sometimes it’s important to give first.
6. 6. Listen. While it might be tempting to run off a list of everything you’re working on and all of your film experience at a networking event, it’s also important to listen to what others have to say. Active listening shows you value your new contact’s time and may reveal that you have common interests that can help further build your professional relationship with them. Learn how to use active listening to improve your communication skills.
7. 7. Follow-up. If you recently met a director or producer during a networking opportunity, follow-up with them within 24 hours. Send them a courteous email, thanking them for their time, and offering to help them in any way you can to solidify your connection, keeping you on their radar. Keep the email short and lighthearted, and avoid asking them for a favor. Remember, your goal is to build relationships, not ask for a handout.
8. 8. Use social media. Social media can help connect you with the important people in your industry. Connect through a LinkedIn profile or other social media platforms to stay in touch and keep up with their professional development. Stay friendly and courteous, like their posts, and show an interest in their activities. Avoid bombarding or harassing a new connection for a job.
9. 9. Be patient. It can take a while to build a solid network of film professionals and peers. Stay consistent, polite, respectful, and keep yourself on people’s radar. While some film projects are greenlit quickly, others take a long time to come to fruition, so prepare to nurture your connections for the long haul.

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