Posts Tagged ‘networking in New England’

As the summer days keep us daydreaming, Hollywood East Connection wants to keep your dream of landing your next gig. It’s been a slow couple of months for the industry minded here in Hollywood East but that doesn’t mean you should sit back and wait. We are certainly not saying to put the beach chairs away or even the margaritas, but in this crazy upside down, edge of your seat profession, it’s important that we continue to promote ourselves by finding new and hip ways to network. Here’s our third dose of networking opportunities in Hollywood East. In case you missed them, click here for parts one and two.

Networking can be thought of as shameless socializing with the hottest casting director in town or rubbing elbows with filmmakers at one of the many film fests.  But, as you know, it can also be just fingertips away on the internet. Don’t get us wrong, going to the hottest industry mixer and charming the right person hasn’t been known to hurt anyone.  However, clicking on the right website and promoting yourself online is the way of the future in this biz.

In an industry that’s all about who you know, as well as this Facebook-era, it’s all about who you are “friends” with too.  Network sites seem endless and some require a fee but Facebook profiles can grant you access and offer new ways to stay in the loop.  Some of our local favs are ones that are constantly filling our news feed such as  New England Talent & Crew, created to provide New England cast & crew a chance to network online and exchange information, tips, and entertainment news. South Shore Casting, New England Casting, Christine Wyse Casting, one of newest casting directors to hit the coast, and of course Beantown.Name are several places where you can find opportunities.

In addition to the endless possibilities of free Facebook networking opportunities, we can’t forget about You Tube and LinkedIn, which will always be self indulging networks for Hollywood East. These are by far the hippest free tools for actors to get a head in the business.  It’s not new but we just want to remind you to leverage these online tools.  Finally, if you have an iPhone, check out this new app called Actor genie. This app has endless casting notices and even has helpful hints from working professionals including hot agents and sassy casting directors.

With these hot and sticky summer days, sometimes we forget how important it is to stay connected.  Networking is endless so no matter how you choose to do it, don’t forget to see the list of local resources on our Career Scene page.

What’s your favorite local networking site?

As the hot and sticky days slip our weekends away, make sure your calendar is marked for the hip annual Film Industry Mixer (FIM), happening August, 28th in Hartford,CT. The New England based event is hosted by Young Studios.

Young Studios is a multi-media agency founded by Joe Young. The Studio provides artistic programming to individuals and organizations in need of quality and produces projects throughout the medium; books, videos, animated film programs, music production, recording, and web design.

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the shindig, an event that provides educational panels, interviews with local, regional and nationally known executives in the biz including producers, filmmakers and many New England actors. The mixer is all about networking and talking about you and where you want to be.  It’s a great place to shake the hands of your next potential fall fling. Sure you will be rubbing elbows with filmmakers, writers, and talent, but every ticket also includes two 32” DVD Demo Screens to show your work!  Why not spend a Saturday night promoting yourself and having fun?

“This is an amazing event. It’s a time when our film community comes together,” local actor, Chuck Slavin tells us. “An event that really celebrates Hollywood East. It really is great night to be part of!” And yes, Chuck Slavin will be attending. Just about two years ago Slavin created the New England Production Independent Coalition, a group established to promote networking throughout the New England community.

With over 200 RSVP’S on the Film Industry Mixer Facebook page, the evening is looking like there will be plenty of mingling. The doors open at 5pm, the programs begin at 6pm, and the networking “official” begins at 10pm. The FIM has offered a $10.00 discount to members in the form of a discount code for tickets purchased on-line.

Make the arrangements you need and get your discounted ticket now! The discounted price is only good until August 21st and tickets will no longer be available via the internet. Go to the official film industry mixer page to find out the latest and be part of the film community here in Hollywood East.