Tips To Network Like a Pro On-Set
Posted on: Nov 14, 2024
Photo Credit: Kzenon // ShutterstockBefore we get into it, congratulations—you made it to set. So much of working in this industry is hustling from one gig to the next without ever stopping to enjoy your accomplishments. So, revel in being on-set, try not to eat all the crafty, and remember: there are microphones everywhere.
Now, I know the title of this article might make it seem like I have perfected the art of networking on-set. If that were the case, I’d be on a soundstage right now doing box squats with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. These are very helpful tips for networking and building relationships while you’re shooting—and for everyday life, too.
Vibe
It all starts with your vibe. You want to cultivate a magnanimous, inviting, thoughtful and curious attitude on-set. If that’s too many adjectives, let’s go with “happy.” Think Tom Hanks, not Chevy Chase. All things being equal, when given the choice between working with someone who’s grateful and excited to be there, versus someone who’s just there to collect a paycheck, people will choose the former every time.
Utilizing Downtime
Sets are frenetic, wildly chaotic, and buzzing with energy, and that’s just the toothpaste commercials. But the good news is that, typically, sets also have a tremendous amount of downtime. There’s a famous saying in show business: “Don’t tell anyone you do improv.” Just kidding. It’s “Hurry up and wait.” A lot of times people are literally running around only to end up standing still for hours.
It’s important to use this downtime to introduce yourself to new people on-set. The great thing about shooting is that it’s like the first day of class all over again. People are extremely approachable and welcoming, so use the time between shots to network with people you find interesting, department heads who might be ahead of you, or anyone you feel a connection with.
I hesitate to encourage you to only talk to people who are ahead of you in rank or might further your career because everyone is valuable, and anyone can go on to do great things. Just because someone might be a PA today doesn’t mean they won’t be a director or A-list star in three years. I’ve spoken to several crew members who will always remember a particular talent or director who went out of their way to talk to them and make them feel welcome. While it’s okay to honor the hierarchy on-set, remember it’s not set in stone.
Pick Your Spots
Now, just because there might be an exorbitant amount of downtime doesn’t mean you should treat the set like it’s Coachella. Everyone on-set will be busy at some point, so make sure when you extend a friendly hand or ear, they’re in the mode to receive it. A lot of times people are working so fast and hard that they might not even register your attempts at friendliness, and that’s totally fine. Remember, it’s nothing against you. Move on to others, and focus your efforts on what you can add to the set while doing your job as best as you can.
Ask Questions
For networking, there’s no better friend than asking questions. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but people in the entertainment industry can be a little self-obsessed. This is a good thing. Here’s why: if you choose to be engaged, curious, and helpful toward another person—without constantly trying to shine the light on your own ego—you will stand out like a giant onion ring in a bag of fries. As long as your curiosity is genuine and rooted in compassion for others, people will not be able to ignore you. Asking questions has even more impact when you’re seeking advice from someone in a position you aspire to. For example: a PA asking a script supervisor about their process, or an extra talking to a cast lead about how they rehearse.
Stay in Touch
Arguably the most important part of networking happens after filming is done: staying in touch. A set is a lot like a traveling circus—it’s a huge, full-speed operation, but once it’s done, it’s done, and on to the next. But remember, you’ll have a special bond with everyone you shared that experience with, however big or small. Make sure to get contact information from the people you networked with, whether through Instagram or email. This is critical. I just finished shooting a TV show I wrote, and my director was someone I worked with in 2018 once and kept in touch with via email, and my producer was an actor I met on an indie film in 2021. As you continue to be courteous in your correspondence, you’ll watch as everyone you work with climbs the ranks—and you’ll be right there with them.
Brendan Fitzgibbons is a comedy writer and actor living in Los Angeles. He’s written for Comedy Central, The Onion, NBC, HuffPost and Bravo. As an actor, he’s appeared on Comedy Central, MTV and “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.” His podcast, “Spiritual As****e” was named a Top Indie Podcast by Stitcher.
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