Networking is vital for a successful career within the arts. Unfortunately, gaining experience is not dependent upon what you know but who you know. Not only does it help provide you with work, but it keeps you in the loop about where the industry is heading and relevant information you may need to know from an insider’s point of view. Finally, it gives you opportunities to discuss and learn from other successful individuals.
My current networking community consists of my work colleagues and AMPS (Association of Motion Picture Sound). This professional body allows me the chance to meet and liaise with other professionals within my sector of work. They put on workshops, Q&As, alongside other social events where I can expand my knowledge around sound for film and TV. I can post about this on my LinkedIn and other social media platforms; having AMPS to talk about on social media puts plausibility and legitimacy next to my name to any other professionals. Finally, having AMPS next to my artistic profile. It shows that I am a young working professional who can be trusted by a renowned professional body.
However, upon reflection, I would like to further my networking connections in other areas of film and TV. Although AMPS is a great vessel for researching sound professionals, I realise that having professional connections to individuals not in sound can be more beneficial for finding me work. In the future, I hope to join memberships such as (British Academy for Film and Television. This exposes me professionally to people like directors, actors, producers or other film and television individuals. It can become a direct line for expanding my work experience as well as an inside link to learning more about film production.
Looking forward, I also hope to move my network across seas. Whether this be through film festivals or award shows, having a global network can be crucial for growing your career. Europe have an invaluable art scene within the film and TV world. I aspire to connect with individuals within this area of film;m and work on more creative pieces of film.
Overall, having a vast and global network of connections is crucial to a successful career in film and TV. Media platforms like LinkedIn are important for documenting and talking about these experiences. They can become vital for solidifying connections and finding out about potential opportunities.