Film Industry Networking – Tips for Newcomers

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Everyone in the film industry talks about the importance of networking, but no one really explains how this works for first-time filmmakers. Here are some practical tips that I’ve picked up over the past few years that might help you in your journey.

EXPLORE THE GUIDE
1. Preparing for Meetings
2. Finding Industry Mentors
3. Attending Film Markets
4. Making Industry Friends

PREPARING FOR MEETINGS

Build a Digital Résumé & LinkedIn Profile

Before you go to any in-person or virtual event, polish your online presence. In addition to social channels, have 2 other sites in place:

  • Digital Résumé: This can be a website or Vimeo page with your best samples, a summary of your current credentials and/or educational experience, and your contact details.
  • LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn is not a film industry standard, but it’s an underappreciated tool. I like it because it keeps me up-to-date when people change positions. Make your job title unique and put your credentials front & center in the first sentence of your About section.

Practice Your Introduction

This will be your greeting at conferences. Most folks I’ve met have had success with the following formula:

“Hi, I’m [name]. I’m a [positive adjective] [job title] specializing in [genre #1] and [genre #2]. And I’m attending [event] to [goal].”

This might work out to:

“Hi, I’m Hina Wright. I’m an Osage filmmaker specializing in low-budget dramas and bio-pics. I’m at Sundance in order to find financing for my new film on Maria Tallchief and connect with fellow filmmakers.”

You don’t have to say all of this at once. But these phrases help listeners a) understand what you do; and b) think about how they could help.

Think About Your Connection Tools

You will need a way to follow-up with folks after the conference is finished.

  • Phones: If you want to exchange digital info, make sure you’re able to add notes in your Contact entry so you can remember what you talked about.
  • Business Cards: If you want to use business cards, provide white space for people to make notes.

FINDING INDUSTRY MENTORS

Become a Member of Industry Organizations & Groups

Women in Film & Television (WIFT) is one of the best. It has member chapters around the world. But there are loads of others. Belonging to a professional organization will allow you to:

  • Hear about virtual networking events
  • Find potential collaborators
  • Ask fellow members for advice

Check out this database of Independent Filmmaker Resources to find a group with your interests.

Subscribe to Industry Directories

Cinando is a spectacular example—I received a free annual subscription when I signed up for American Film Market (AFM) & Cannes—but there are others (e.g. IMDBPro). They will have contact details for production companies & people.

You don’t want to spam folks—that’s a good way to piss people off—but you can reach out to professionals in your realm of expertise for advice. Always do your research to make sure your interests and projects in your digital résumé align with the production company.

Tap into Your Existing Contacts

Ask friends and family if they know anyone who’s in the film industry and willing to talk to you. Some people may have direct connections with production companies, sales & distribution experts, and investors.

If you do get referrals, have some targeted questions in mind. It’s much easier for a listener to offer advice on a specific issue: “I’m thinking of moving to LA and applying for PA jobs at Disney. Do you have a take on this?” than: “I’d like to get into the film business.”

You could also consider starting your own project (e.g. short film) and forging relationships as you gather knowledge & team referrals. You’ll have even more to talk about over a coffee and you’ll be showing that you’re willing to get things done.

ATTENDING FILM MARKETS & FESTIVALS

Start with Regional Film Meetings & Festivals

Most cities and states have small-ish film industry associations that host conferences and meetings.

  • Attend them when you can
  • Listen to what’s happening in your region
  • Ask relevant questions after the talks
  • Thank the speakers individually
  • Exchange contact details with attendees

Smaller venues make it easier to meet people and have real conversations. And regional experts will have ties to national & international experts.

Attend Online Film Industry Events

Many festivals & film organizations use Eventbrite to organize their events. Every week, you’ll find Online Film Industry Events being listed. Many of these virtual talks & workshops are free!

Choose the ones that interest you, ask questions, participate in the chat, and follow-up. You’ll also acquire tons of useful resources along the way. 

Attend National & International Markets (In-Person or Online)

In the past, this was expensive for indie filmmakers. But organizers are adapting to the new reality with virtual/hybrid versions that include a lot of networking opportunities. FilmFreeway has a searchable database of global film festivals. Here are some big markets to consider:

International

U.S.-Based

Remember that you don’t always need to go to a market or festival that’s marketed toward your job type. Instead, choose an event that attracts people you’d like to have on your team. For example:

  • If you need “name” actors for your microbudget horror film, you might attend a horror festival with actor presentations & parties.
  • If you need a producer, go where the producers go.

I met a bunch of wonderful film composers at AFM who were there to make contacts with filmmakers. Many of them walked away with commissions.

Talk to Everyone

Some people go to conferences and try to nab the established producer who just gave the keynote talk. That’s shortsighted. If you wish to work in the business for a long time, you want to be meeting—and supporting—the up-and-comers.

So talk to everyone, from the PA handling the crowds to the person representing the unions. You may be working with them in the future.

Arrange Virtual Follow-Ups

If you really like the mind & work of someone you talk to:

  • Suggest that you meet virtually afterward to learn more
  • Connect with them via LinkedIn
  • Highlight their work on your own social channels

Arranging a Zoom follow-up/virtual coffee is one of my favorite ways to network. It doesn’t take a lot of time out of someone’s day and it occurs in a much quieter space than a conference hall or hotel bar. You’ll also be able to take notes and listen with your full attention.

MAKING INDUSTRY FRIENDS

Build Long-Term Relationships

The most important networking tip? You’re doing all of this to build relationships. That means your project comes second.

So don’t push your agenda too hard when you chat to people. Instead, listen to your contact’s story, ask questions, and explore ideas. Your intro will tell the person what you’re up to—if they like you and want to follow up, they will.

Connect with Me

I’m a screenwriter, director & HarperCollins author. My wheelhouse is character-driven dramas and comedies with a unique sense of place. Read up on my films, connect with me on LinkedIn, or email me to start a discussion.