Stop me if you’ve heard this before, “It’s all about who you know.” A phrase as true as ever when it comes to the film industry. Networking is crucial when it comes to establishing a career in filmmaking or television.
That being said, while connections certainly matter, the phrase carries a connotation that can feel transactional and intimidating. In reality, the strongest professional relationships aren’t built by trying to impress the whole room, they’re built by consistently being someone people enjoy working with.
Whether you’re attending a film festival, industry mixer, conference, or simply connecting with other creatives online, we’ve compiled some networking strategies that can help create lasting professional relationships.
Stop Trying To Meet Everyone
Walking into an industry event can be overwhelming. Dozens (if not hundreds) of people, countless conversations you’re not a part of, and only a few hours to make an impression. I remember attending my first mixer and taking the approach of “let them come to me” (spoiler: it didn’t work).
Here’s the key: instead of trying to meet as many people as possible, focus on having a handful of meaningful conversations. Be proactive and jump into conversations—remember, everyone else is there for the same reason you are.
People rarely remember the person who rushed through 20 introductions, just long enough to get your name, focus, and background. They remember the person who asked thoughtful questions, listened, and had an engaging conversation.
Quality consistently beats quantity when networking.
Be Curious Instead of Promotional
One of the quickest ways to end a conversation at a networking event is to spend five minutes talking exclusively about your own project. That’s not to say you shouldn’t mention projects you have—and are—working on. Just remember a conversation is a two-way street. Don’t try and sell yourself. Ask questions:
- What kinds of projects are they working on?
- What genres excite them?
- What are some of their favorite films? (A fun icebreaker that can carry a conversation for a while)
- What challenges have they been facing while trying to break in?
People generally enjoy talking about their work, and genuine curiosity creates stronger first impressions than a perfectly rehearsed elevator pitch. Ironically, showing interest in others tends to lead them to become interested in you.
Don’t Only Network “Up”
Many filmmakers make the mistake of chasing producers, executives, or established directors while overlooking everyone else in the room. This is referred to as “networking up.” But it’s important to keep in mind that filmmaking is a collaborative process. You need a team of people you can rely on to help get your project off the ground.
Today’s production assistant may become tomorrow’s producer. The filmmaker discussing their first short could direct their first feature in a few years. Your peers become future collaborators.
If you walk out of a mixer with the contact information for a cinematographer, a screenwriter, and a colorist, that’s immensely valuable. Especially considering you don’t know who these people know. I’ve met people at events that helped put me in touch with someone they thought would be interested in a project I had mentioned to them.
Some of the most valuable professional relationships are formed long before anyone becomes “successful.”
Follow Up While You’re Still Fresh in Their Memory
Networking doesn’t end when you get in your car and drive home. If you had a great conversation with someone, send a brief message in a day or two. It doesn’t need to be lengthy.
Mention something specific you discussed. Maybe they recommended a movie to you—watch it. Let them know you checked it out. Express interest in staying in touch. Offer to meet up for a cup of coffee sometime. And when you do, don’t treat it like an interview. Actually strive to get to know one another.
A thoughtful follow-up is critical to transforming a brief introduction into a professional relationship (or even, friendship).
Give Before You Ask
One of the BEST networking habits is looking for opportunities to help others. Maybe you’ve connected with a fellow director and you know an actor who sounds like they’d be a good fit for their new project. Maybe you remember meeting a prop artist that you think could help them with their new horror film. Maybe you simply share an article or video you think they’d find useful.
Aim to be someone that others can turn to for help or advice. You’d be surprised how supportive the people of this industry are to one another.
Relationships become stronger when they’re built on mutual support rather than immediate personal gain.
Keep Showing Up
You made 4 connections at a conference? Great! Now go to that film festival next week. Networking isn’t something you do at a single event. It’s about becoming a familiar face within your filmmaking community.
Attend festivals. Join film organizations. Participate in screenings. Join a movie club. Go to mixers. Support other filmmakers by watching their work. Volunteer.
The more consistently you participate in your local film community, the more naturally relationships begin to develop. People remember your face (and hopefully your name). You remain a steadfast figure they routinely see. Maintaining those connections is the hardest part, but you have to. You don’t create lasting relationships with a single introduction. You do so by routinely connecting with one another.
This extends to meeting up with those you’ve befriended after events. Don’t just go out for one cup of coffee. Try and make it a once-a-month meetup. Keep in touch.
Remember That Networking Is About Community
The best networking mindset isn’t asking, “What can this person do for me?”
It’s asking, “How can we help each other succeed?”
Filmmaking is inherently collaborative. Careers are often built through years of shared projects, mutual trust, and repeated collaboration. Creatives live all over, so find opportunities to connect with them. This can even be through online groups. Don’t underestimate social media, but also don’t only connect via social media and neglect real world meetups.
Approach networking with these 3 things in mind:
- Be authentic
- Be generous
- Be curious
If you are those three things, you’ll likely build relationships that last far longer than any one event.
Hailing from Cleveland, Torey Sinclair spent 6 years studying film and screenwriting at Ohio University and Chapman University, earning his BA and MFA respectively. After spending time in the IP Department and as Social Media Coordinator, Torey currently works as InkTip’s Marketing & Promotions Coordinator. His free time is usually spent either writing, watching indie films, or hoping for a Cleveland Guardians World Series.
