How To Build A Network In The Industry From 0
How does one actually start building the right relationships?
I don’t come from a family of Hollywood filmmakers, industry execs, or media moguls.
Now I work with some of the biggest names in the industry.
The good news is, it doesn’t require a special talent.
Just consistency and a little bit of strategy.
If I can do it, you can do it too.
I'm going to share with you my 5-step foundation for building a network from nothing.
How To Build Relationships In The Industry From Scratch
1. Be online where it matters
Pick 1-2 social media platforms and stick with them.
Post about your projects and what you’ve learned along the way.
In the beginning of my career pre-2020, I focused on Instagram.
Every single week I would post a new film and behind-the-scenes photos and videos.
I didn’t wait for perfection. I posted what I had.
This was before the over saturation of content on Instagram, so it was a bit easier to grow.
I still post to Instagram on a monthly basis to promote my work.
It’s not enough to grow my account exponentially, but it’s enough for up-keep and maintaining my digital footprint.
I've also found that Instagram Threads is a great place to grow your network.
More recently, I’ve gone all in on LinkedIn.
On LinkedIn, I went from a few hundred followers to over 8k followers in under 1 year.
Focusing on one platform at a time has really helped my consistency and growth.
If you can master one platform first, then branch out from there, your chances of staying consistent are much higher.
Going from barely posting on social media to posting on 2-3 platforms at once can set you up for failure.
And remember: I’m not a social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers.
I didn’t need a massive following to build my network and land opportunities as a filmmaker.
Let the algorithm work in your favor.
Your niche will find you.
2. Show up where the industry hangs out
People say they want to network and build relationships.
But only a small percentage actually show up.
From 2016-2021 I made a habit of attending every industry-related event in my niche I could find, on a weekly basis.
Film screenings, filmmaker panels, film festivals, happy hour mixers, and monthly meet-ups.
Then I started hosting my own events in friends backyards and local surf shops.
If it was within the greater Los Angeles area and had something to do with filmmaking or sports, I was a part of it.
Attending and throwing events is the most underrated way to grow your network, especially in a time where we do everything from our phones and computers.
With the rise of social media and online platforms, my prediction is that in-person community will be more important than ever before in the coming years.
3. Always be working on something
I keep a mix of projects in three stages:
- Finished and published projects
- Projects in production
- Projects in development
This project pipeline does a few things:
- Shows you’re serious
- Gives you something relevant to talk about at all times
- Positions you as active, not aspiring
This exact formula is what I used to land an agent as well.
What you’ve accomplished and done is important, but what’s more important is what you’re currently working on and where you’re going next.
4. Reach out to people without needing anything
Most filmmakers reach out to others when they need a favor.
Don’t be like most filmmakers.
Check in with people when you don’t need something.
Just be genuine.
Congratulate them on their latest project.
Compliment their work ethic or approach.
Share something additive or interesting.
Like, comment, or share their post.
You'd be surprised, but I remember filmmakers who engage with my newsletter and respond to these emails.
I recognize faces and names of filmmakers who interact with my posts.
This step goes a long way.
5. Do what you said you would do
The FASTEST way to stand out in this industry?
Be reliable.
If I said I’d send something, I sent it.
If I committed to a deadline, I hit it.
This simple habit builds trust faster than anything else.
Action Steps & Summary
This is how I built solid relationships in the industry over the years:
1. Post to social media
2. Go where the industry is
3. Keep your work current
4. Reach out to people for connection, not favors
5. Follow-through
