Acting : Ins and Outs of Networking by PJ Edwards

To many in the internet age, networking is clicking "like" or "accept". I'm with you, PJ. Networking is personal. I hire people I know - not people who "like" me on line.

Thanks for the comment. I find the whole thing kind of ironic. Also not surprised that not very many people decided to chime in.

I think, even online, part of it is trying to really understand what another person is about and how you can use your own strengths to help them. If they are another actor - what is their "brand" - how does that relate to your brand and in what situations can the two of you work together on projects or toward similar goals. Sometimes, just having a connection to a larger group of actors - in our case, we know kids and kids' groups, we have a whole group of "redheaded" actors we can recommend, haha even make up fake redheaded families, etc and this weird and personally specific knowledge can be very useful to others. Being known as someone who gets their hands dirty, pitches in, and is a team player, is something else you can get across by networking, even online ... You network, you let others know what a big asset they get when they cast you .. "Talent +" lol

To me, Networking is someone I would like to work with. Yet, it seems on here, like Facebook. It appears that most are only interested in collecting people like trophies. I get many network invites, without them ever bothering to watch my reel(s). Out of the 100+ Network requests I think I have had a conversation with 3. I try to watch every reel a person who requests a network or read their script if I can. I do it because there might be inspiration, or to see some real talent. This is a Narcissistic America so... on that note. Unless you are willing to talk to them, about them, or their project....Good luck. The 3 out of 120 I have spoken with, was about their project or doing something for them. Only 1 person actually was receptive. FWIW. Yet, it only takes one to get something going....

Networking for me is talking with like minded people, about a topic. I design and act so I network with people about boutiques to get my clothing into, or a convention I might want to enter into for more exposure. Networking if for sharing knowledge on a subject. You help with your expertise on the subject and they do the same. maybe you know of a project they can submit for, or vice versa. learn something from every meeting or interaction you have. that can be applied to your craft.

Thanks for your responses. Will read and react to them tomorrow. 2AM on east coast.

Interesting Pauline. I never thought about using marketing in networking terms. I do think that being a team player helps. But isn't that the job of casting directors to know what they are looking for? I mean it's nice thing to do to suggest a gig for someone but what is the endgame? Thanks for your novel, Cayden. One of the things you wrote that stood out was active listening. It stood out tot me since that is a skill used on the 'job' as actors. It is interesting to use it in the context of networking. I wonder if networking is indeed that simple: using skills we already learned but in different contexts. Hey Simon, your experience here and elsewhere has been a lot like mine. Please like my imdb page! please watch this trailer I'm in! Please like my latest headshot. I enjoy your comment. I still wonder why it's done though. I'd love for someone to actually comment that disagrees with my take and the take of other comments here. Ah! Sharing knowledge! I love it Kamilah! I really like that since it changes the axis from selling something to a gain for both people. So could networking be as simple as sharing a link to a casting call? Or helping a lost newbie? In the end, I think the internet really changed the dynamics of networking. But it looks like with a little elbow grease that it can be used like any other method.

As Simon mentioned, we want the creative folks to take a look at that reel, that resume, that headshot. The endgame is getting folks to look and to consider and to recommend you as "the guy". If you only respond to requests for this stuff, you are limiting your opportunity. If you get to know people a little .. enough so that they watch your stuff, you have opened up a possible door somewhere along the way. It has happened for us a number of times - getting jobs, getting auditions because we "know" someone ... in other words, we let them get to know us :)

Thanks for answering my questions Pauline! Congrats on getting gigs through your connections. That is networking in action!

I think the point of actor-actor connections is that not all networking motions have to be directed at a specific end goal. (Put in another context, the goals of socializing for a single person would not necessarily be limited to people of the approriate gender who are available -- there may be people who fail on either count who may nonetheless lead to a connection that fulfills a goal.) Same with professional networking. An actor who creates a friendship with another actor may recognize benefits such as connections to people who know about jobs, people who can teach the craft, and even the opportunity to trade best practices for someone in the profession. I think you're right though -- simply adding someone as a connection here does nothing. When we engage (by looking at their reel, asking them questions, or engaging in their conversations) we can begin to see who we want to be near as we seek our professional goals. ---v

I really like that context of actor to actor networking you added there Vincent. It really helps me fill in the gap. There is a point to connecting but like everything, that connection is what you make of it. Unfortunately, it seems that some choose to easy route when in actuality you have to work on networking as hard as you work getting auditions, meeting agents, going to workshops, etc.