The film industry is a notoriously tough nut to crack if you’re just starting out, but luckily there are some great websites out there that are made for networking and finding film crew. The industry thrives on connections, and whether you’re a filmmaker, actor, or crew member, networking is essential. The right online platforms can help you find collaborators, job opportunities, and resources to bring your projects to life. In this article, we’ll explore the five best websites for film networking, providing an in-depth look at what each offers, their costs, and user opinions. These film networking websites are designed to help filmmakers and film crews succeed in their careers, and ScreenChimp highly recommends checking them out!
1. FilmLocal
FilmLocal is an excellent go-to resource for independent filmmakers seeking local talent and crew, and also a great way of finding jobs for those just starting out in the industry, or who are already established but looking for new opportunities. This platform is designed to connect filmmakers with professionals in their area, making it ideal for those working on budget-conscious projects, or editors looking for their next video project. FilmLocal offers tools to post or find jobs, share projects, and promote events. Notable pages include the Job Board, which you can also find on our homepage, where users can browse or list opportunities, and the Articles Page, which provides valuable industry insights and tips on budgets and the best modern filmmaking equipment.
FilmLocal offers a free basic membership that allows access to some resources. For more features, like posting jobs and accessing premium content, users can opt for a paid membership, starting at $9 per month. This makes it an affordable option for budding filmmakers.
2. Stage 32
Stage 32 is often called the LinkedIn for the entertainment industry. It connects filmmakers, writers, actors, and other creatives across the globe. Key pages include the Education section, which offers webinars and workshops, and the Pitch Sessions, where members can present their ideas to industry executives.
Basic membership is free, but premium services like script consultations and access to educational content come at an additional cost. Fees vary depending on the service, with the monthly plan $39 per month, a quarterly plan at $33, and an annual plan that costs $348, which equates to $29 per month. What’s so great about Stage 32 is its global reach and wealth of resources, though the premium services can be slightly pricey. Online reviews often highlight its educational value and opportunities for career growth. As a film crew networking platform, Stage 32 has excellent worldwide connectivity and professional development tools.
3. Mandy
The Mandy Network is one of the largest job boards for the entertainment industry, making it a valuable tool for finding work or hiring talent. Some of the most essential pages to check out include the Job Listings, which are categorized by roles such as actors, crew, and production professionals, and the Talent Directory, which helps filmmakers discover skilled individuals for their projects.
Because The Mandy Network has been around for over twenty years, it’s now a firmly established and trusted source of industry jobs, and also for hiring talent. Its basic job listings are free to browse, but applying to jobs and accessing additional features requires a paid membership. However, we highly recommend joining the site as the benefits of their vast library of job postings are definitely worth investing in per month. What sets The Mandy Network apart from its competitors is its expansive job board and professional directory, making it well worth investing your time in.
4. Shooting People
Shooting People is a UK-based networking platform tailored to independent filmmakers. Key features include the Bulletin Board, where members can post or respond to collaboration opportunities, and the Production page, where users can browse the latest available jobs from across the world. If you’re based in the UK the price of membership is £9.95 per month, and they also offer a reduced rate of £5.95 per month for students, low-income earners, and any individual receiving financial assistance, which is pretty cool.
What’s so great about Shooting People, is its tight-knit community and focus on indie filmmaking. While the platform is especially popular in the UK, it’s gaining traction globally. While it’s perhaps best suited for those looking for passion projects rather than high-budget productions, Shooting People’s emphasis on community collaboration makes it a standout film networking website for indie creators.
5. The Dots
The Dots is a creative professional networking site often compared to LinkedIn but with a focus on the arts, including film, and like the slogan on their holding page says, the site offers “Professional networking for the new way of work”. Noteworthy pages include the Job Board, where opportunities from top entertainment companies are listed, and the Portfolio Section, allowing filmmakers to showcase their work visually.
The Dots is free to use, though it offers premium options for businesses and recruiters to boost their visibility and access advanced hiring features. Creatives can take advantage of most features without cost. The sleek design of the website is visually appealing and displays the teams emphasis on creativity very well. Reviews often highlight its role as a portfolio platform for filmmakers and its value for finding jobs at reputable companies. While there could be more specific features for the film industry, The Dots is an ideal film crew networking platform with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a filmmaker searching for your next collaborator or a crew member seeking opportunities, these five platforms offer invaluable resources. From FilmLocal and its local focus to Stage 32’s global reach, each site has unique benefits tailored to different needs and budgets. These film networking websites empower filmmakers and film crews to connect, collaborate, and succeed in the competitive entertainment industry.
