How Networking Opens Doors in The Industry
Posted on: Apr 24, 2025
Photo Credit: Viktor CvetkovicThis industry relies on who you know. That has become a cliche at this point, but it is a cliche for a reason, because it works. I just landed a dream job of mine simply because I stayed on top of my connections and continually reached out to let them know I was available.
There is a fine line between staying relevant in the minds of your connections, and becoming annoying. Learning how to walk that line is a skill that is essential to growing your career.
Three One-Sentence Key Takeaways:
- Building long-term, genuine relationships—not just reaching out when you need something—is key to effective networking.
- Staying on your contacts’ radar with thoughtful check-ins and mutual support helps keep opportunities flowing.
- The right connection at the right time can lead to career-defining opportunities, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
Many people approach networking as a short-term strategy, but in my experience, the best connections are built over time, long before you need anything. People love working with people they enjoy, so by building friendships with those around you on set, you will be granted more opportunities to utilize them as resources for work as well.
Don’t just reach out when you need something. Check in with your network, ask about their projects and offer congratulations on their successes. Also, remember that these connections go both ways, so if you come across a job posting or opportunity that isn’t right for you, but could be great for someone else, send it their way. Stay visible and post updates about your work on social media or LinkedIn to keep you on people’s radar, without having to message them directly all the time.
Reaching out to old connections can feel awkward if you don’t know what to say. I always make sure to ask how they are doing, and talk about their life before asking them for work. It shows that you actually care for the relationship, instead of just using them. The key is to make the conversation feel natural, and not transactional.
Sometimes, all it takes to land a job is letting the right people know you’re available. It sounds simple, but it works. When I was between gigs, I reached out to coworkers I knew well and just let them know that if anything came up, I would love to work with them again. People appreciate the heads-up, especially in production, where hiring often happens fast. If they liked working with you before, they’ll keep you in mind.
As I mentioned before, you have to be careful how often you reach out to your connections. Find the balance between staying relevant and being annoying. I usually send one check-in message every few months just to let them know I’m thinking of them. Avoid only reaching out when you need something, and if they don’t respond, let it go for now. People in this industry are busy, and if they have something for you, they’ll reach out when they can.
If you are struggling to build these types of connections, you can always find local crew events and meetups and find people that way. Being present in these types of social gatherings allows you to be constantly meeting new connections and building on existing ones as well.
Networking is about building real relationships that last, and the more you genuinely engage with others, the more likely they are to think of you when opportunities arise. I have friends in the industry who are often too scared to reach out to connections for fear they are bothering someone, but the secret is, we all use our connections.
Never feel bad reaching out to a friend and asking if they know of any work, because next time it may be them asking you. Stay in touch, keep your messages thoughtful, and always look for ways to add value to your connections. If you do that consistently, you’ll find that doors open in ways you never expected. Sometimes, the right connection at the right time is all it takes to land your next dream job.
Benjamin Hickson is an aspiring producer and production coordinator who has 4+ years experience working on various Film and TV projects. He has a background in Public Relations and served for six years in the military. He also has passion for travel and aims to increase LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.
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