How to Network with Hollywood Still in Lockdown

Hi all,

In pre-COVID times networking (or as I prefer to call it, “connecting”) was part of everyday life for screenwriters: General meetings, coffee dates with fellow writers, evening drinks with producers, and weekend hangouts with friends in the industry. 

It all feels like ancient history, right?

Trying to connect in Hollywood right now can feel like trying to pull off Mission Impossible, but maintaining and creating professional relationships is still important.

So how can writers advance their professional relationships with most socializing still regulated to online? I was thinking about that and came up with some ideas.

So, here are 4 tips to keep your networking game strong during these crazy times.

1. Social Media

Yes, social media can be a time suck. But, if used wisely, it can be one of the best ways to network from the comfort of your own home. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook - almost all creatives in Hollywood are on at least one of these platforms. Is there an emerging director you admire who’s on Instagram? Why not DM them and let them know how much you love their work? (Don’t ask them to look at your script. Don’t ask for anything. Just be a fan). If you’re looking to increase your writer community, head to Twitter, a lot of Hollywood writers have a strong presence on there. Also, try searching the #PreWGA. It will connect you to Twitter accounts that are promoting/helping emerging writers. That being said, if you do choose to reach out to someone on social media be smart, strategic, and respectful. Do a bit of research into who you’re reaching out to so you can spark a smart conversation; don’t send ‘cut and paste’ messages to ‘higher ups’ that you don’t have relationships with; and be careful about who you ask to read your script (for more on this check out my post on Hollywood Etiquette). If done right, social media can be a great way to foster and create professional relationships. I know lots of writers who have done it over the past five months.

2. Log On Workshops and Meet-ups

Everyone in this industry is doing their best to keep up a sense of community right now. Which means there are a wealth of free workshops, and industry meet-ups happening almost every week. Twitter and Reddit can be great ways to find out what online events are available/right for you. Also, the WGA Events page has some fantastic online workshops. Why not get out of your comfort zone and sign up for one and see what happens? You’ll most likely learn something new, hear a great conversation, and maybe even meet some collaborators and peers in the process.

3. Attend an Online Film Festival 

Workshops and meet-ups aren’t the only thing going on online. Most upcoming film festivals are hosting ‘virtual fests’. This means you can attend panels, networking events, and watch new content from emerging and established filmmakers all from your couch. For the bigger festivals you still need to buy a ‘festival pass’ to attend, but most of them have drastically dropped the price. An interesting one that’s coming up in October is the Nashville Film Festival. As part of their online format this year they’re trying out “virtual social” opportunities. Who knows, for those of you who tend to be wallflowers at typical networking events maybe connecting virtually with fellow creators will be easier and give you an added boost of confidence!

4. Host a Virtual Reading

There are countless actors, directors and fellow writers who have a lot of time on their hands right now; why not host a ‘virtual reading’ of your script and ask them to be a part of it? This will give you an opportunity to hear your screenplay aloud, potentially get some helpful feedback, and nurture creative relationships in the process. Plus, a great way to get other people invested in your work is to make them feel like a part of its ‘evolution’ (just make sure your script is ‘evolved enough’ that it’s as close to ‘blazing hot’ as you can get it). Invite people to your ‘virtual reading’ you would be excited to collaborate with. People who you admire, but also people who are your peers: One of my favorite quotes from Issa Rae (creator of HBO’s Insecure) is about networking “across” rather than networking up: "Who's next to you? Who's struggling? Who's in the trenches with you? Who's just as hungry as you are? Those are the people that you need to build with." And of course, offer to return the favor.

What are you doing right now to build new career connections? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!