Film Networking Myths That Keep You Stuck

If you’ve ever dreaded networking because it feels awkward, fake, or pointless you are absolutely not alone. I basically saw the word “networking” as horrendous avoided is like the act in itself.

There’s so much negativity attached. And most filmmakers hate it. The problem is, we carry around a bunch of myths about networking that hold us back. Myself included. For so long I avoided it, and honestly believed I didn’t have to do it. I thought my film career would be fine without it. And I learned the hard way.

Let’s bust these myths.

Myth #1: Networking is only about knowing “big names”

Everyone wants to meet producers or execs. But the truth? Your peers are the ones who’ll hire you first. This level of networking is so largely overlooked. When I realized the key was my peers it was as if my whole world was blown open!

The assistant today could be running a show tomorrow. The relationships you build sideways matter just as much as the ones you build upward.

Also keep in mind if your focus is always on the top/powerful person – literally everyone is going in that direction. So, that powerful person you think will be the key to unlocking your whole film career is bothered ALL.THE.TIME! So much so they rarely will be the ones who will give you chance especially if they don’t know you at all.

It’s most likely going to be a dead end

Myth #2: You need to be outgoing

You don’t need to be anything but you!

You don’t have to be the loudest in the room. In fact, people appreciate a good listener more than someone who won’t stop talking about themselves. Asking genuine questions and following up later is more powerful than “working the room.”

Whenever I feel like someone is working me, I immediately start to find a way to get away from that person. If I’m stuck talking to them, they will ALWAYS hand me a business card, but I will never give my info. I’ll take theirs, do you think I’ll be contacting them? Absolutely not!

I don’t force anything and you shouldn’t either. be yourself. even if you’re quiet thats ok. you can think about small things to get out of your comfort zone, but don’t become a completely different person.

Not to mention people pick up on those that fake it and are not themselves. People sense that.

Myth #3: Networking is manipulative

Networking isn’t about “using” people. It’s about meeting new people. It’s about building real relationships. Making friends even!

Think about it this way: would you rather hire someone you trust and like, or a total stranger from a resume stack?

Exactly! Networking is about making sure you’re not the stranger anymore. If you feel like you need to manipulate people then there’s a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.

Myth #4: Networking only happens at events

Networking isn’t just mixers or panels. It happens on set. In classes. Online. Screenings. Softball team or a bowling league. Over coffee. The real power is in ongoing, small connections, not one-time introductions.

In fact most networking is happening when people don’t even realize it’s happening, and it not at networking events. It’s happening in everyday happenings, in regular conversations where people feel a connection to one another. The greatest networking tends to happen when you don’t think about it.

But this does involve you having to do things with people that you like. Get out in the world in real life, and be the person that shows up.

So how do you get unstuck?

• Focus on building friendships, not “contacts.”

• Listen more than you talk.

• Show up to things IN PERSON!

• Follow up consistently, a quick check-in goes a long way.

Closing

Networking isn’t about schmoozing, it’s about connection. The sooner you drop the myths, the sooner you’ll start building relationships that move your career forward. If you improve your attitude towards networking you will get more film opportunities which equals more jobs, more gigs, and a thriving career.

And if you want to get better at networking, but also do it while being yourself take my mini course “Unlocking Film Opportunities”