by Beka Ashley

Building a solid network is essential for success in any industry. But it’s especially crucial for talent working in Hollywood. In a town where "who you know" can be just as important as "what you know," growing your network is critical. It can lead to better job opportunities, new collaborations, and a greater sense of community within the entertainment industry. 

tap. works to connect new and veteran Hollywood talent to projects, jobs, and networking events through the app’s Access Feed. In addition to tap.’s features, here are seven ways that Hollywood talent can grow their network:

Attend Industry Events

From film festivals to networking events, there are numerous opportunities for talent to meet new people and make connections. Industry conferences are another great way to learn about the latest trends and hear from industry leaders. One such event is LA’s The Industry Network. This talent convention is designed to promote emerging talent to leading agents, managers, and casting directors. In addition, consider attending events like the SXSW Film Festival, the Sundance Film Festival, or the Tribeca Film Festival.

Join a Professional Organization

Joining a professional organization can provide access to a wealth of resources, including job listings, educational events, and networking opportunities. For example, the Screen Actors Guild, the world's most preeminent entertainment and media union, is a must for established talent. Some privileges with a union membership include secure contracts, casting workshops, tools for young and early career performers, and even health and retirement benefits. 

Participate in Workshops and Classes

Workshops and classes are a great way to learn new skills, make connections, and stay current with industry trends. In addition, classes can help you expand your network and stay engaged with the industry, whether you're an actor, writer, director, or producer. 

Marc Malkin of Variety reported that Ryan Reynolds of Deadpool fame has recently launched a nonprofit to encourage access to these kinds of workshops. The Creative Ladder is an organization planning to support accessibility to creative careers for people from underrepresented communities. In the article, Ryan Reynolds shared that “...a more representative workforce will only make this industry stronger and enable it to tell better stories.”

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and make new friends. Consider volunteering for a film festival, another industry event, or organizations that support the arts or other causes you're passionate about. Building your network is not just about what others can do for you but also about what you can do for others. Offer to help those in your network, whether offering advice, introducing them to others, or just lending an ear. 

Be Persistent

David Smith, the Emmy-nominated set designer of Crazy, Stupid, Love, told Zoe Hewitt of Variety, “You have to have a fair amount of ambition. There’s a very fine line between being persistent and being a pest. You just have to walk that line. None of us get anywhere by being timid.” While technology has made it so much easier to connect with people worldwide, Smith encourages new talent to be patient. It’s going to take time to become the best in your field - so enjoy the ride!

Strategically Utilize Social Media

Social media can be a powerful tool for building your network and staying connected with others in the industry. Use LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with other professionals, share your work, and learn about new projects and opportunities. Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and actress Quinta Brunson of Abbott Elementary got her start on social media. According to J. Clara Chan of The Hollywood Reporter, Brunson shared videos on Instagram and starred in Buzzfeed videos before creating Abbott and making it big.

Be Yourself

Above all, it's essential to be yourself when building your network. Be authentic, genuine, and kind. People are more likely to want to work with you and be a part of your network if they know you're someone they can trust and rely on!

tap.’s Deal Message Thread offers a secure solution to communicate with others in the entertainment industry. If you haven’t met a colleague personally, you can rest assured that tap.’s technology ensures that only verified individuals can converse on the platform.

In conclusion, growing your network in Hollywood is essential for success as talent in the entertainment industry. By attending events, joining professional organizations, collaborating with other talent, and utilizing social media, you can expand your network and make new connections that can lead to opportunities and tremendous success! tap. makes this easy through the app’s features – here, your talent is on display to those who work in entertainment and make casting decisions.

tap. Connects Talent with Everyone in Entertainment

tap. is the central professional network for everyone who works in the global media and entertainment industry. Headquartered in Playa Vista, CA, tap. is on a mission to help professionals in film, TV, music, radio, and publishing connect, network, book work, and manage their entire entertainment career. For more information, visit www.tap.ec. and follow the company on Instagram @tap.ec. 

Available for download now on the App Store and Google Play. 

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About Beka Ashley: 

Beka is tap.’s Senior Communications Editorial Assistant. She manages the growing publication strategy for tap., including writing for the website’s blog and editing other interns’ current industry research. In addition to this role, she works as a freelance health writer and critical care nurse. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or see more of what she’s written here.