Networking

One of the things I learned over the years is that networking is important to being successful in any business you are in. No one is a self made person; it’s who they surround themselves with that makes someone who they are.
Here are some of the things I have done since I got to Atlanta to network in the film industry.

FACEBOOK GROUPS AND ENGAGE

There are tons of Facebook acting, filmmaking and casting groups. Do a search to find all the ones you want to join, but these are the ones I am a part of.

• Atlanta Film Production Group
• Atlanta Film Community
• Indie Film Industry of Georgia
• Casting And Filming Around Atlanta
• Atlanta Casting Calls
• SCAD-Atlanta Film Production
• Atlanta Film Association
• Greater Atlanta Area Film and Television Community

BACKGROUND ACTING

Not only does it get you experience with working on set, I have met many people from background work, from other actors, writers, directors etc…

• Casting Central
• Backstage
• Actor’s Access
• Casting Networks
• Facebook (search background casting Atlanta)

ACTING CLASSES

I have met friends through acting classes that I still have today. We support each other, help each other with auditions and pass along casting calls. I still talk to my first acting instructor on a regular basis. He’s been acting professionally for over 15 years and when there’s a question that I just can’t find the answer to, I reach out to him.

DOS AND DON’TS

Do not ask people if they have work for you. People get asked all the time and it gets annoying. Instead, ask what they are working on now and what they have coming up. Just listening and being interested in others has gotten me a ton of contacts.

Don’t just talk about yourself. Sure you’re wanting people to know about you and what you do, but so do everyone else. Being really interested in others shows you aren’t just about yourself.

Be helpful. If you help others, they are more willing to offer to help you. No one wants just a one sided relationship.

At worst, you met someone in the business, at best you made a friend and maybe a contact in the industry that might help you one day.