3 minute read
HOW AND WHY YOU NEED TO BUILD YOUR NETWORK
How + Why You Need To Build Your Network
By Jourden Aldredge
IN THE WORLD OF FILM AND VIDEO PRODUCTION, THE OLD ADAGE
is most definitely true: It’s not what you know; it’s who you know. You might be the best gaffer in the city, or maybe you have DP chops that would make Roger Deakins jealous. But if you don’t have a solid network, you could find yourself chronically out of work.
It can be hard to start fresh in a new place and try to establish yourself in a competitive industry. It takes a combination of proactiveness, patience, and resolve to find the right communities and make those important connections that are needed to build out your crew network. But once you get started, the rest will come more naturally.
Networking is crucial to your success.
If you’ve been on a shoot of any size in any role, you’ve already started building your crew network—a loose grouping of personal and professional contacts in the industry. Here’s why they’re so important: Producers hire people they’ve worked with in the past, a recommendation is better than any résumé, and working with friends can make even the most difficult shoots fun.
As you develop your network, you’ll most likely find that the majority of your opportunities come through these connections and friendships. The friends I made on some of my very first shoots went on to become the DPs and producers I still work with today.
There’s a right—and a wrong—way to network.
Introduce yourself; a first impression can be a make-orbreak moment. It can be nervewracking when you’re first starting out, but remember: The person you’re talking to might be just as nervous as you are.
Also, be sure to choose your timing wisely. When you’re on set, you’re expected to be busy and engaged. Luckily, there are plenty of moments of downtime when it will be more appropriate to make introductions.
Remember names and details; this can go a long way toward building a solid relationship quickly. One trick is to assign a fun nickname to the person combined with their actual name. Remembering a personal detail that comes up in conversation can also score you major points down the road when you want to reconnect. Recalling that Mal the gaffer was about to become a dad when you worked together gets you an immediate in when you later reach out and ask how the baby is doing.
Don’t limit yourself to only making connections on set, though; there are proactive things you can do to seek out new contacts. Look for opportunities to meet future collaborators and employers on websites and community pages by pairing your location with search terms like “filmmaking,” “film/video/TV production,” “filmmakers,” and “crew.” Seek out specific group pages through Facebook and LinkedIn. Once you start making connections, ask others where they network in order to keep expanding your net.
Stay in touch.
Besides bonding by working hard and creating something together, the best way for you to nurture your budding network is to follow up. You shouldn’t hound people, but it’s perfectly acceptable to check in occasionally via email or text to see how they’re doing and what they’re working on.
Additionally, look for local film and video events in your area. Most major cities will have large film communities, such as the New York Film/ Video Council or FilmLA. I’ve also been part of great groups in Texas like the Dallas Film Commission and the Austin Film Society. From there, you can find smaller, niche groups that appeal to your particular areas of expertise.
And consider volunteering your time. If you work with other creatives in the field, you’re likely going to be asked to help out on passion projects. Giving up your weekends or doing work for below-pay or free can help you in the long run. This is also a great way to build up goodwill so you can call in favors when you need help.
