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For film and television production, how do I meet new people and find more experiences?
I am currently starting school studying film and television production and I want to be as prepared for my future as possible. Thank you!
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Guy David’s Answer
The word of the day is - "Schmooze!"
Definition: "Schmooze" means to converse informally, or to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner, especially to gain favor, business, or connections. For example, "He spent the entire evening schmoozing with the senator".
Synonyms of "schmooze" include "jawbone", "confab", "confabulation", "chat", "gossip", "small talk", and "tittle-tattle".
The term "schmooze" comes from the Yiddish word "shmuesn", which comes from the Hebrew word "shemua", meaning "rumor". The earliest written reference to "schmooze" dates to 1897.
And what does "Schmooze" have to do with the filming industry?
Pretty much everything! It's basically the way to "smooth-talk" - or in other words - "Network"!
Networking is the most important thing any artist can do, because - for starters - every artists needs a crowd, people to showcase their talent to... And if those people are paying customers, that's great! If they're there to hire - Even better!
The more people you know, the bigger your chance to collaborate, learn from other people's experience and mistakes, get a chance to get experience by getting work - and build yourself from the ground up.
In short - as the old saying goes - "it's all about who you know" and the more you network - the more people you will know.
Places to network are: film school, lectures, film clubs, cinematheques, film festivals, parties (like Hollywood Mixers, for example), "schmooze-groups"/networking groups (you'll be surprised how many are out there), production sets (you will probably need to volunteer for a few in the beginning), conventions, and - online!
Best of luck in your endeavors.
Definition: "Schmooze" means to converse informally, or to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner, especially to gain favor, business, or connections. For example, "He spent the entire evening schmoozing with the senator".
Synonyms of "schmooze" include "jawbone", "confab", "confabulation", "chat", "gossip", "small talk", and "tittle-tattle".
The term "schmooze" comes from the Yiddish word "shmuesn", which comes from the Hebrew word "shemua", meaning "rumor". The earliest written reference to "schmooze" dates to 1897.
And what does "Schmooze" have to do with the filming industry?
Pretty much everything! It's basically the way to "smooth-talk" - or in other words - "Network"!
Networking is the most important thing any artist can do, because - for starters - every artists needs a crowd, people to showcase their talent to... And if those people are paying customers, that's great! If they're there to hire - Even better!
The more people you know, the bigger your chance to collaborate, learn from other people's experience and mistakes, get a chance to get experience by getting work - and build yourself from the ground up.
In short - as the old saying goes - "it's all about who you know" and the more you network - the more people you will know.
Places to network are: film school, lectures, film clubs, cinematheques, film festivals, parties (like Hollywood Mixers, for example), "schmooze-groups"/networking groups (you'll be surprised how many are out there), production sets (you will probably need to volunteer for a few in the beginning), conventions, and - online!
Best of luck in your endeavors.
Updated
Marshall’s Answer
Danika-
If you want to get on set, I would look at some of the boards that post for PAs. (mandy.com, productionhub.com, staffmeup.com, backstage.com, entertainementcareers.net etc)
You can also contact the film comission in your state and get a shooting location schedule and see if any productions are going to be in your area or town.
There are also fan groups and websites you can find online that have members from all over the world. You might join some of those communities (nofilmschool, creativecow, etc)
School will be a great place though, because you can do projects with your fellow students. Do try to meet all the professors and spend as much time with upper classmen as possible, maybe you an work on their projects as well. Networking is a big part of the business, so many filmmakers went to school with people they work with regularly IRL.
If you want to get on set, I would look at some of the boards that post for PAs. (mandy.com, productionhub.com, staffmeup.com, backstage.com, entertainementcareers.net etc)
You can also contact the film comission in your state and get a shooting location schedule and see if any productions are going to be in your area or town.
There are also fan groups and websites you can find online that have members from all over the world. You might join some of those communities (nofilmschool, creativecow, etc)
School will be a great place though, because you can do projects with your fellow students. Do try to meet all the professors and spend as much time with upper classmen as possible, maybe you an work on their projects as well. Networking is a big part of the business, so many filmmakers went to school with people they work with regularly IRL.
Updated
Candace’s Answer
I have one more thing to suggest: Volunteer to help with your university's equipment checkout room. It's the place where all the students working on projects come, so you can meet them and offer to help be a crew member for them. It also means you will learn about every piece of equipment available in the equipment room and learn from others more advanced than you are.
Updated
Leslie’s Answer
Hello Danika,
Embarking on your journey at film school, you'll find yourself surrounded by a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, many of whom will be pursuing careers in the same industry. Cherish these connections and stay in touch with your college mates - they could be your ticket to exciting opportunities in the future.
Depending on your location, you might be in close proximity to a bustling city that's a hub for film, television, or commercial production. If that's the case, don't hesitate to take the initiative and knock on some doors. Seek out production assistant roles or internships - these could be your stepping stones to bigger things.
Upon my return to my hometown, I discovered that Facebook was a treasure trove of pages dedicated to indie films and the broader film community. This could be a fantastic resource for you too. Here, you'll find numerous opportunities to make your mark in your local area, whether that's volunteering as a production assistant, casting assistant, or even as an extra.
Being an extra can be an enlightening experience. You'll learn a great deal about the workings of a set and it can also be a lucrative gig. But remember, even unpaid work on shows can be beneficial. It's a great way to network with local industry professionals and when paid opportunities arise, they'll already know your name.
Wishing you all the best on your exciting journey into the world of film!
- Leslie Bloom
Embarking on your journey at film school, you'll find yourself surrounded by a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, many of whom will be pursuing careers in the same industry. Cherish these connections and stay in touch with your college mates - they could be your ticket to exciting opportunities in the future.
Depending on your location, you might be in close proximity to a bustling city that's a hub for film, television, or commercial production. If that's the case, don't hesitate to take the initiative and knock on some doors. Seek out production assistant roles or internships - these could be your stepping stones to bigger things.
Upon my return to my hometown, I discovered that Facebook was a treasure trove of pages dedicated to indie films and the broader film community. This could be a fantastic resource for you too. Here, you'll find numerous opportunities to make your mark in your local area, whether that's volunteering as a production assistant, casting assistant, or even as an extra.
Being an extra can be an enlightening experience. You'll learn a great deal about the workings of a set and it can also be a lucrative gig. But remember, even unpaid work on shows can be beneficial. It's a great way to network with local industry professionals and when paid opportunities arise, they'll already know your name.
Wishing you all the best on your exciting journey into the world of film!
- Leslie Bloom
Updated
Annaleigh’s Answer
Hi Danika!
Getting into film and TV production is super exciting, and there are so many ways to meet awesome people and gain experiences! Start by hitting up local film festivals and industry events—these are gold mines for networking! Join film clubs at school or online; you'll find tons of fellow enthusiasts. Take classes or workshops to sharpen your skills and make friends. Don’t forget to use social media—follow filmmakers on Instagram and connect on LinkedIn! Volunteering on local film projects or internships is a fantastic way to learn while meeting industry pros. Dive in, and have fun exploring your passion!
Getting into film and TV production is super exciting, and there are so many ways to meet awesome people and gain experiences! Start by hitting up local film festivals and industry events—these are gold mines for networking! Join film clubs at school or online; you'll find tons of fellow enthusiasts. Take classes or workshops to sharpen your skills and make friends. Don’t forget to use social media—follow filmmakers on Instagram and connect on LinkedIn! Volunteering on local film projects or internships is a fantastic way to learn while meeting industry pros. Dive in, and have fun exploring your passion!