I've never really heard of or realized the importance of networking since I came to this site. For those who do not yet have agents, how do you network?! Particularly for those who aren't in the LA or NYC areas, what is the best way to meet with people?

I think the answer to your question is pretty obvious. Since you're not physically in LA or NY, there's no practical way for you to network with industry members, is there?

Film festivals are great places to network: sign up as a volunteer for festivals in your area and print up some business cards to pass out there. You have to be savvy about it though: striking up a casual conversation is always better than simply handing cards out to every director and filmmaker you see.

SecretAgentMan, I must disagree with you. There are industry people all over the place. There are film festivals in every city, there are theatre companies everywhere, there are schools and writers and directors and casting agents in places you've never heard of. Granted, the majority are in NY and LA , but there are SO many things happening in other places....and it is usually much, much easier to get auditions and roles and other jobs in those places than in the 'big 2'....many major films are shot on location these days....I could tell you dozens of stories of people who hung around a movie set in some podunk town and ended up being in the movie...and you may not realize it, but a lot of the 'big' people in the industry don't even live in NY or LA. I've gotten roles by meeting movie stars in grocery stores in tiny towns....it happened more than once. The important thing about networking is to do it, everywhere, all the time. Any time you do have a job or are around people working in the industry, hang out with them, listen to them, ask them questions. etc. etc. Good luck!

As much as I appreciate Secret Agent Man sharing his valuable knowledge and insights on this board, I have to agree with zdirector. There are lots of ways to begin networking and gain exposure in almost any city. Local theatre or touring groups, film schools associated with local colleges, acting and dance classes, choral groups, singing the National Anthem for major events, the state film commission, think outside of the town and work on a cruise ship or in the circus. Where there's a will, there's a way. Making it happen isn't always easy, but it can be done.

And as bohemiana and zdirector said, film festivals. They are popping up everywhere!

I agree 100%, Mominbiz.

Contact the Arizona Film commission and see if they are having any events or soirees coming up. Also try to meet people from local theater groups. See if your local university offers acting classes and what it costs to audit them (hopefully not much since you are in AZ). You might have an easier time meeting people high up on the food chain in AZ, because there is less competition there and people would be less guarded as a result. Good luck.

I am sorry, secret agent man, but based on your response here, you seem like secret "intern" man, not that there's anything wrong w. being an intern. All joking aside, I don't understand why this has to be a gimmick. Backstage, Just get a good agent-no good agent has ever been ridiculed or "blackballed" for these type of generic responses. Most of the Hollywood bullshit we deal w. comes through stuff like this where industry imply that you get screwed over again and again if you reveal too much...(kind of ironic if you want to be a good actor)...Or, if you are gonna be "secret agent man", tell us a secret or two. Otherwise we'd just like to hear from a real agent giving real advice.

Ok, BSWest gimmick. I hate this B.S.
"
On Friday nights, I like to hang out at the top-secret agent bar that only agents know exists. It's in Hollywood, not too far from Sunset Gower Studios, but trust me, you'll never find it. No actor has ever set foot inside."

I am sure there is some clever "reveal" at the end of your article that this top secret bar is a Starbucks or the dog park or the local Carl's Jr.-nobody cares (although we would if you were an actual industry figure that could help people).

But I actually respect your quote...

Why do you actors always throw your money away on crap you don't need? I keep seeing these seminars around town that charge a fortune to educate you about nothing. I mean, let's get real. Workshops about "Taking Your Career to the Next Level"?

Are you actually criticising the casting director workshop scam that has been going on for years? Now that might be interesting, and would explain you lack of bravery. Now I must beg Backstage for a blog to debate you.

Wait...what?

bohemiana, I was talking about "SecretAgentMan", and questioning whether BackstageWest could either get a good agent, or if this is a good agent, have him act like a professional, and not make a joke out of it. Leave that to the rest of us.

And now that my blood is boiling, we don't need a "secret producer man", "secret casting man (or woman)" What is next? "Secret headshot photography man:what your photographer was afraid to tell you!!!" The reality is, every good agent I have met does not hide stuff or anything...Or if they want to be anonymous, they actually give some helpful information.

Here is a question...If you are a girl and you are trying to network, how do you keep a professional relationship with guys and what do you say if someone (ie: a producer/director/writer/etc...) asks you to coffee or dinner or drinks? I think I have made more enemies in this town because I always say yes, go out with them a few times, and wind up being on their black list because I didn't sleep with them....Any answers?????

I'm not sure where your at but there are a few meetup.com groups here in las vegas that have monthly meetings, or mixers, with every aspect of the industry. Get you some business cards made and be yourself and have fun. Pretty soon you will know someone who can help you out.