3 answers
Neo
Student
Morrow, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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In the pursuit of my career in film production and media, how do I create the time to network and get started with my field while I am still pursuing my degree?
Hey my name is Neo and I am working to obtain a career in the creative side and business of film production. Paying for school in itself has been a task for me, but I also wonder what can I do now to make the connections and to embark on the opportunities within my field before I finish school.
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3 answers
Gaurav Rastogi
Organizational Culture Trusted Advisor
13
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Gaurav’s Answer
Hello Neo,
I would say google is your friend. When I started my business I needed to create awareness for my business. I started by searching what networking events are available out there, I searched for relevant words in meetup.com, for example I searched "film production" and a bunch of relevant events popped up. I start with the free ones of course. Make connections and at such events ask the attendees for other events they know off to attend.
I do the same on google search. Also look up Linkedin groups or other social media platforms like Facebook and or Instagram for groups related to your field. Join these virtual groups and ask in these groups about networking events.
Google and youtube how to create an impressive social media profile for people in your industry.
Read articles and write about these events every time you attend, tagging the people you met.
Hopefully that gives you a start. Good luck 🍀
I would say google is your friend. When I started my business I needed to create awareness for my business. I started by searching what networking events are available out there, I searched for relevant words in meetup.com, for example I searched "film production" and a bunch of relevant events popped up. I start with the free ones of course. Make connections and at such events ask the attendees for other events they know off to attend.
I do the same on google search. Also look up Linkedin groups or other social media platforms like Facebook and or Instagram for groups related to your field. Join these virtual groups and ask in these groups about networking events.
Google and youtube how to create an impressive social media profile for people in your industry.
Read articles and write about these events every time you attend, tagging the people you met.
Hopefully that gives you a start. Good luck 🍀
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
76
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
You're already on the right track! You know networking is key. Since you're just 4 hours from Atlanta, a major production hub, take action now. Search online for events and production companies. Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and learn from their experiences and contacts. Stay focused on your studies and check if your school offers a placement office to help you connect with industry insiders. Identify what makes you unique to stand out from other aspiring filmmakers and entertainment executives. Good luck!
Michelle M.
Actress
2527
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Neo !
What year of film school or college for film are you in ? Have you started yet ? Are you at a University majoring in film or at a Film School ?
It's great to know that you already took the first step for what you can do - enroll as a Film Student. That's what you need to be doing, learning about film, learning how to analyze and speak about film and striving for good grades. Give all your assignments and projects careful attention. Develop very strong relationships with your classmates and instructors. This way, you can ask questions as well as overhear or have students discuss information with you. If there is a lounge for the film students, start hanging out there. This career relies on heavy people interaction and networking. Make the most of it at school.
If you are at a private film school, ask your professor who to speak with about financial aid and if the school participates in the Federal Student Financial Aid Program for their students. If you are at a University as a Film Major, go to the Financial Aid Office on campus and inquire about financial aid and scholarships that can help with college costs.
There's an indication in your question that you are just beginning your studies for film and I wouldn't suggest networking outside of school just yet. You may need to learn more about the business before you can obtain valuable networking experiences. School is just fine to start with. If you're at a university in the film department, visit the theatre department and see if they offer a Promotions and Management course that would help you learn something about the business end of theatre, but could be useful for film, too. Take things slowly, a step at a time, and networking opportunities will gradually open up for you. By your second year, you will know the on campus networking and off campus networking places. School teaches you that. And networking is not a guarantee for work.
You can probably start a professional career in film after you graduate, but not now and that is perfectly normal and fine. You have to learn the career first. Start reading about the career if they are not reaching you in class and ask questions if there's something you don't understand. There's a lot to learn for both the business end and the creative end - the two things you are studying now. You'll have to already know everything before starting the career.
But do not worry - you should soon start to become very busy as a film student. You will be getting projects fairly soon and that will be practice and a learning experience for you. Let your school or college film department be your richest and most valuable resource right now. Things will progress for you as you move forward.
I hope this is something to think about and I wish you all the best !
What year of film school or college for film are you in ? Have you started yet ? Are you at a University majoring in film or at a Film School ?
It's great to know that you already took the first step for what you can do - enroll as a Film Student. That's what you need to be doing, learning about film, learning how to analyze and speak about film and striving for good grades. Give all your assignments and projects careful attention. Develop very strong relationships with your classmates and instructors. This way, you can ask questions as well as overhear or have students discuss information with you. If there is a lounge for the film students, start hanging out there. This career relies on heavy people interaction and networking. Make the most of it at school.
If you are at a private film school, ask your professor who to speak with about financial aid and if the school participates in the Federal Student Financial Aid Program for their students. If you are at a University as a Film Major, go to the Financial Aid Office on campus and inquire about financial aid and scholarships that can help with college costs.
There's an indication in your question that you are just beginning your studies for film and I wouldn't suggest networking outside of school just yet. You may need to learn more about the business before you can obtain valuable networking experiences. School is just fine to start with. If you're at a university in the film department, visit the theatre department and see if they offer a Promotions and Management course that would help you learn something about the business end of theatre, but could be useful for film, too. Take things slowly, a step at a time, and networking opportunities will gradually open up for you. By your second year, you will know the on campus networking and off campus networking places. School teaches you that. And networking is not a guarantee for work.
You can probably start a professional career in film after you graduate, but not now and that is perfectly normal and fine. You have to learn the career first. Start reading about the career if they are not reaching you in class and ask questions if there's something you don't understand. There's a lot to learn for both the business end and the creative end - the two things you are studying now. You'll have to already know everything before starting the career.
But do not worry - you should soon start to become very busy as a film student. You will be getting projects fairly soon and that will be practice and a learning experience for you. Let your school or college film department be your richest and most valuable resource right now. Things will progress for you as you move forward.
I hope this is something to think about and I wish you all the best !