How Do You Network for Your Acting Career?
5 tips for networking in the film industry
(By Jim Webb)
(Photo: Jopwell | Pexels)
The best acting jobs don’t always go to the best actors!
It’s sad, but often true. Being a talented actor is essential. But it’s not everything. Who you know also matters.
That’s where networking comes in. Unsuccessful actors focus only on acting. Successful actors focus on acting, as well as, making the connections needed for their acting work to have fans within the industry.
5 Ways Actors Can Use Social Media
Here are 5 great tips for networking as an actor:
1. Use social media
Don’t just use social media in your personal life. Use it in your professional life as well. There are lots of casting directors, talent agents, talent managers, film directors and producers who frequently post online. Following them on social media and commenting on their posts is a good way to put yourself in front of them, without being a pest.
2. Attend industry events
Go to industry events. Film festivals, workshops, charity events, screenings and premieres are events you can attend, to make connections with the people who matter.
3. Make connections with other actors
(Photo: Fauxels | Pexels)
Don’t look at the actors who attend your next audition as competition. See them as an opportunity. Be nice. Make friends with them. The actor you make a connection with today could be the same actor who connects you to a great opportunity tomorrow.
4. Make connections for the sake of making connections
Don’t connect with people for the purpose of obtaining work. Networking is a give-and-take proposition. You must be genuinely interested in connecting with and helping other people. People can sense when you’re only interested in advancing your own career.
5. Keep those connections strong
(Photo: Samer Daboul | Pexels)
When someone tells you to keep in touch with them, do it! And consistently keep in touch.
Congratulate them when they achieve something. Reach out to them when they have a setback. Contact them on the major holidays. Ask if they’d like to meet for coffee or for a hike.
Never forget the old industry adage: “It’s not what you know, but who you know.”
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