5 Tips for Building Connections in Film & TV Industry

Published on 18 July 2023 7 min read

Start with online networking
Attend film and TV industry events
Create and share your own content
Volunteer for film and TV projects
Follow up and maintain your connections

Let's dive into the power of networking and how it can help you build meaningful connections in the film and TV world. It's no secret that success in the entertainment industry often comes down to who you know. So, how do you get to know the right people? Here are five practical tips to help you build your network and make lasting connections in the film and TV industry.

Start with Online Networking

Online networking is a great starting point. It's like the pre-game warm-up before you hit the field. The beauty of the digital age is that you can connect with influential people in the film and TV industry without leaving your living room. However, it's important to remember that online networking is not just about sending friend requests and liking posts. It's about engaging in meaningful conversations and demonstrating your passion for the industry.

Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram are more than just places to share your brunch photos. They are powerful tools for online networking. For instance, you can follow and engage with content posted by industry professionals. Just remember, it's not about just being seen—it's about adding value. You could:

Share your thoughts on a recent film or TV show in a thoughtful, constructive manner.
Post about your own experiences or insights into the film and TV world.
Respond to industry news, showing you're up-to-date and engaged with the latest trends.

Join Online Communities

Another fantastic way to engage in online networking is by joining industry-specific communities. Websites like Meetup or online forums offer a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who are also interested in the power of networking: building meaningful connections in the film and TV world. You can participate in discussions, share your own advice, and learn from others' experiences. Here’s what you can do:

Participate in discussions and share your own experiences.
Ask for advice or feedback on your own film or TV projects.
Offer your help to others, showing your willingness to collaborate and learn.

As you begin your networking journey, it's important to remember that it's not just about making connections—it's about making the right connections. It's about finding those who share your passion for the film and TV world and who can help you grow in your craft. So, start clicking, typing, and posting—and let the power of networking take you one step closer to your film and TV dreams.

Attend Film and TV Industry Events

Once you are comfortable with online networking, it's time to step out from behind the screen and meet people face-to-face. Attending film and TV industry events is an excellent way to meet people who share your passion and aspirations. These events offer a unique opportunity to make a lasting impression, learn from industry leaders, and even discover new opportunities.

Choose Your Events Wisely

Every event you attend is an investment of your time, so it's important to choose wisely. Look for events that align with your interests and career goals. For instance, if you're interested in scriptwriting, a scriptwriting workshop or a film festival with a focus on writing might be more beneficial than a broad industry networking event. Here are a couple of things to consider:

Research the event beforehand — who's speaking, who's attending, what's the focus?
Set goals for what you'd like to achieve from attending — are you hoping to meet certain individuals, learn about a specific topic, or just get a feel for the industry?

Master the Art of Conversation

The power of networking: building meaningful connections in the film and TV world often comes down to the art of conversation. But don't worry, you don't need to be a master wordsmith or a larger-than-life personality to make a good impression. Here's what you can do:

Be genuine — authenticity is key. People are more likely to connect with you if they feel you're being truthful and honest.
Listen — networking isn't just about talking about yourself. Show interest in others and what they have to say.
Ask questions — not only does this show your interest, but it also helps keep the conversation flowing.

Remember, networking isn't just about what others can do for you, but what you can do for others. Be generous with your time and advice, and you'll likely find others are generous in return. So, put on your best outfit, pack a stack of business cards, and get ready to make some meaningful connections in the film and TV world.

One of the most effective ways of demonstrating your skills and passion in the film and TV industry is by creating and sharing your own content. Not only does this show initiative, but it also gives others a tangible sense of your abilities and style. Plus, it's a great conversation starter!

Start Small and Simple

The idea of creating your own content might sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be. You don't need a Hollywood budget or a crew of hundreds to make something great. Start with what you have and build from there. Consider these tips:

Use what you have — your phone's camera can be just as effective as a professional camera for simple projects.
Play to your strengths: are you a great writer? Create a short script and shoot a dialogue scene. Love visuals? Try your hand at a small animation project or a storyboard for a short film.

Once you've created your content, it's time to share it with the world. This can be nerve-wracking, but remember, feedback is invaluable for growth. Don't shy away from sharing your work — it's a great way to showcase your talent and get your name out there. Here's what you can do to make the process a bit easier:

Choose the right platform — there are plenty of places to share your work, from YouTube to Vimeo. Choose a platform that suits your content and your audience.
Accept feedback graciously — not all feedback will be positive, but all of it can help you grow. Learn to accept feedback graciously and use it to improve your work.

Remember, the power of networking: building meaningful connections in the film and TV world often starts with sharing your talents with others. So, don't be shy — create, share, and let your work speak for itself!

Volunteer for Film and TV Projects

Volunteering is an excellent way to get your foot in the door of the film and TV industry. It provides you with practical experience, exposes you to industry professionals, and can lead to meaningful connections. So, let's explore how you can make the most of volunteering opportunities.

Finding the Right Opportunities

There's a plethora of film and TV projects out there that could benefit from an extra pair of hands. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for volunteering opportunities:

Search locally — Check out your local film festivals, community theaters, or student film projects. They often need volunteers and can offer valuable experience.
Be open to different roles — You might aspire to be a director, but don't turn down the chance to help with set design or props. Every role gives you a unique perspective on the production process.

Maximizing the Volunteering Experience

Once you've found the right opportunity, it's important to make the most of it. Volunteering isn't just about doing the tasks at hand but also about absorbing as much as you can from the experience. Here's how:

Be proactive — Don't wait for tasks to be handed to you. Show initiative and ask how you can help.
Network — Make use of the power of networking: building meaningful connections in the film and TV world. Get to know the people you're working with and keep in touch even after the project ends.

Remember, every opportunity is a stepping stone towards your dream role. So, volunteer with enthusiasm, learn as much as you can, and start building those crucial industry connections.

Follow up and Maintain Your Connections

Establishing connections is just the first step in the journey of networking. The real power of networking: building meaningful connections in the film and TV world, lies in maintaining those connections and fostering relationships. Let's dive into how you can do this effectively.

Follow Up After Meeting

After you've met someone in the industry, whether at an event or on a film set, it's important to follow up. Here's how you can do that:

Send a thank you note — A simple message expressing your thanks for their time or help can leave a lasting impression.
Connect on social media — LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are great platforms to stay connected.
Share relevant content — If you come across an article or a film that you think they might like, share it with them. It's a subtle way to show that you value the connection.

Maintain the Relationship

Building a network is more than just collecting contacts; it's about forming relationships. Here are a few tips to help you maintain these relationships:

Stay in touch — Reach out to your contacts regularly, even if it's just to say hello or to check in on their latest projects.
Offer help — If you see an opportunity to assist or collaborate with your contacts, don't hesitate to offer your help. This not only strengthens your relationship but also reinforces the power of networking.

By following up and maintaining your connections, you're nurturing your network and setting yourself up for success in the film and TV world. So, don't forget to keep those communication lines open!

If you found the "5 Tips for Building Connections in Film & TV Industry" blog helpful, you'll definitely want to check out Celina Rodriguez's workshop, "Building & Maintaining An Authentic Network." This workshop offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to create and maintain a meaningful network in the film and TV industry, helping you make lasting connections and further your career.