An unfortunate truth of the trade is that the old saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” holds more weight than we’d like to admit. You can be the greatest actor on the planet, but professional success is often driven by the relationships you build around you – and who can open doors for you. Learning how to leverage your reputation and your personality is as important as having talent, and knowing how to network in the entertainment business is as much a technical skill as delivering a heartfelt monologue. If you’re just starting out, however, the thought of building a chain of connections for personal gain can be quite intimidating, but try not to worry too much. Here are a few tips to ease your way in.
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The best way to make new contacts is to attend industry events. From specifically organised networking events to premieres and galas, professionals from all backgrounds gather all the time. Once you’re in the room, you’ll have access to all types of production personnel, from casting directors to producers. But being in the right place at the right time is only the beginning. You will need to recognise the right people and know how to approach them.
1. Learn who’s who in the business.
Knowing who’s who is crucial to networking successfully. Social media – and the internet in general – is a decisive tool for learning who the major players are. Allocate some time to snoop around and figure out who the most relevant casting directors, directors, and producers are. And don’t underestimate the importance of their assistants! People talk, so be nice to everyone and don’t overlook any potential associations.
2. Approach potential contacts appropriately.
The easiest way to engage with someone is to compliment their work. That’s where your research pays off. Gushing is largely discouraged, but telling someone you loved their film or a play they worked on is the perfect way to start chatting with a fellow professional. Even if they don’t show interest in what you do right away, it’s a great conversation starter.
3. Keep your topics of conversation varied.
Once you’ve approached and introduced yourself, try to avoid talking only about your work. You want to impress people so they will remember who you are when they’re in the right room, but you don’t want to come off as someone who’s talking to them only because of what they may give you in the future. There’s a fine line between opportunism and pragmatism, and nobody likes a fake friend. Find mutual interests and show how eclectic you are as a person.
4. Calm the nerves.
It’s normal to be nervous when meeting someone you’re impressed by professionally, but don’t let it define your experience. Your body language will impact the result of your conversation, so try to keep your nerves at bay. Remember that they, too, started somewhere. The person you’re talking to will most likely have been in your situation at the start of their career, so they will understand your position. It’s easy to get wrapped up in your insecurities, so try to remember that you’ve got this!
5. Build a genuine relationship.
Longevity is the key to a successful career, and networking is the means to create lasting relationships. Starting a genuine collaboration instead of settling for a fickle online friendship is the backbone of it. Staying in touch, if you’ve been offered contact details, is paramount. It will allow you to stay relevant in your contact’s professional life. Try to avoid hassling them though; you can’t create a secure network if you’re a nuisance. Share any relevant professional updates, but don’t double message if they don’t reply.
6. Remember that everybody is in the same boat.
While you’re out there working hard to make connections, the people you speak to are doing the same. True professionals will acknowledge your presence regardless of whether you managed to speak directly to the hot-shot director who’s attending the same networking event as you. Other people in the room may prove just as pivotal to your future success.
You don’t need to wear the latest fashion or laugh loudly at a producer’s jokes to be noticed. The best thing you can do is to be yourself. Actors love to act, and it’s too easy to indulge the urge to slip into somebody else’s shoes when you feel uncomfortable. But it’s important that the people you meet at a networking event are introduced to the real you. Casting directors are always on the lookout for diverse, interesting people, so you don’t have to fit a mould to make an impression.
The real work begins after you’ve left the event. Hopefully, you will have swapped social media details or, if you’re old school, business cards. If so, reach out! You’ve established a relationship, and now it’s time to nurture it. Asking people to grab a quick coffee is the easiest way to progress your budding connection, but meeting in person is sometimes tricky. Commenting on their posts and engaging with their profiles is also a safe way to keep in touch, as is passing on any opportunities you come across. Give them a reason to want to stay in contact with you, even if all you can offer is a cracking personality. Keep tabs on their projects and congratulate them when they come to fruition. Being supportive opens many doors.
There can be a lot of pressure when it comes to networking. One way to reframe it is by changing your perspective. Ultimately, “networking” means nothing more than chatting with people about your shared interests. Everything changes when you distance yourself from thinking about networking as a way to talk yourself into a job. Be interested in people and listen to what they have to say. You’ll learn much more than you may think, and you might make a few lifelong friends along the way.