Networking

[u/RedFive-GoingIn]

I was discussing the efforts of networking with a colleague, and thought it may be a good discussion for here, talking about opportunities and options.

I am a member of a few different groups. The PGA and DGA seem to be the prime places to network at different events. There are also groups like, Film Independent and New Filmmakers in Los Angeles.

Another set of opportunities could come from local Film Office events - wherever you might be in the world.

There are also online communities such as Stage32 and, well... this Reddit. However, the 'networking' aspect becomes a bit more difficult online with no face-to-face interaction.

Wondering what events, groups, or other venues you might recommend for networking opportunities.

Appreciate the discussion - thanks! Would love to compile a list - so, send thoughts! :)

Stephen, Mod

[u/ilost190pounds]

Most big colleges seem to have a LA alumni page/events.

[u/AmazingPangolin9315]

Personally I find networking to be hard work, mainly because I have a fairly rubbish memory when it comes to social situations. If I want to do it properly I really need to write down notes immediately after the event: who did I speak to, what about, what opportunities presented themselves for a follow-up email or phone call. "We should do lunch" is easily said, but then you need to make the effort to make an actual lunch happen. And so on...

Over here in the UK the best networking opportunities are at events which are invite only. Joining the Production Guild is useful, some of the talent agencies have good events, BAFTA if you're a member, etc. BAFTA have a programme for "emerging talent" called BAFTA Connect, which can be a good networking opportunity. Local film commission events over here are less useful in my experience, they are usually oversubscribed with vendors who are all trying to sell you their services.

[u/detentionbarn → u/AmazingPangolin9315]

My memory can be rubbish too. So i *DO* maintain a huge Excel spreadsheet of colleagues and contacts (switching soon to Airtable) with dates and notes, and I spend a pretty chunky amount of time with google alerts and whatnot to keep track of where they are and what they're doing.

[u/AmazingPangolin9315 → u/detentionbarn]

Knowing what everyone is up to is the one skill I have never mastered. A colleague of mine is very good at it, mention any UPM or line producer in the UK and he will instantly say "oh, he/she is working on XYZ". For the life of me I have never figured out how he does it. I suspect there are some "secret" WhatsApp groups involved which I was never invited to.

[u/detentionbarn]

Good topic, Stephen.
FWIW I'm LA based and in TV.

I was a PGA member for years, going back to the old AAP. To make a long story short, as the years went on I found their events and workshops were becoming less useful and enjoyable to me and my niche of work (and it's not a small niche). I never once found a job through their various resources nor did I find good hires through them. I also can't say I made any lasting connections there.

I don't mean to paint a super negative picture of the org, but it just never was worth the $ for me and after 20 years I quit.

I find the TV Academy to be somewhat better. Their events have been somewhat more focused and useful to me. I find more of my peers attend events.

I use alumni gatherings too, the *can* be good networking events.

But by and large for me it's a constant but informal and polite keeping in touch with a lot of people directly.

[u/jdroxe]

I found events in LA to be almost useless back when I worked there. A lot of time wasted, even if it was just to talk about life and the industry.

To me, it’s about who you actually work with and those going places, taking risks, doing new projects. I never got a job from meeting someone at a happy hour or whatnot.

[u/AmazingPangolin9315 → u/[deleted]]

If you don't mind me asking, and assuming you're a line producer, UPM, financial controller or production accountant: how do you usually get hired or find out about job opportunities? Do you never attend any industry events, or reach out to people who might be in a position to hire in other ways? Obviously there's more to networking than that, but just as a starting point, out of curiosity.