Bonus #5 - Networking
Building Connections in the Industry
If you want to be hit by a car, you have to be out in the traffic!
Networking and building connections in the acting industry are crucial for advancing your career. Here are some steps you can take to network effectively and build valuable connections:
Networking and Building Connections
Attend industry events: Look for acting workshops, seminars, conferences, film competitions, film festivals, and other industry-related events in your area. These events provide excellent opportunities to meet and connect with professionals in the acting industry. Final Act Drama’s Actor Training series is not meant to be a replacement for your personal involvement in the industry. It is your first step towards your acting or voice-over career. You need to be interacting with the people who are making films, TV or video projects regularly.
Join acting organizations and groups: Become a member of acting organizations or groups that provide networking events and resources. Examples include the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) . Participating in these organizations can help you meet other actors, casting directors, agents, and industry professionals. Do note that you just don’t call up SAG-AFTRA and ask to join. There is a process that comes from you performing in Film and TV projects before you are eligible to join. You can find out more at: https://www.sagaftra.org/
Utilize social media: Create a strong online presence on platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Do a search for actor groups on these platforms and join them if you can. Follow other actors to see how their career is progressing. Connect with industry professionals, casting directors, and fellow actors. Engage with their content, share your own work, and take part in relevant conversations.
Build relationships with fellow actors: Networking within your own community is essential. Attend auditions, workshops, and classes where you can meet other actors. Forming relationships with peers can lead to collaborations, referrals, and support in navigating the industry. The more you are known in the production industry in your area, the more opportunities will come your way.
Background and Extra Acting work: Most actors start out their acting career doing background or Extra work on a film or TV set. I like to call it being a fuzzy blur. If you are in a crowd scene, you are typically in the “Background” of the scene and not in the center of focus for the scene. It is, however, a good opportunity for a beginning actor to get on a film set to see how films are made. You can also watch the principle actors work and see what the pros do first hand. And you get paid! Sometimes you can play an extra that is more involved in the scene but your character doesn’t have any lines. Either way, background and extra work is a good stepping stone to start off your acting career.
Volunteer or intern: Offer your assistance on film sets, video productions, or any industry-related projects. Volunteering can help you meet professionals, gain experience, and showcase your dedication. It’s an excellent way to build connections while honing your skills. You can serve as a “PA” or production assistant in a department that you are interested in to get more experience and learn the ropes.
