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The Right Way to Network In Hollywood | with Chris Visser
Description
“How can I break into Hollywood or advance in my creative career if I don’t know anybody?” is a common question I receive via e-mail, when I speak at events, or when I teach at USC or online. Whenever someone sends me an email or Facebook message and asks, “Can I buy you coffee and pick your brain?” this is inevitably their reason for reaching out.
Unlike doctors or lawyers, the path to being a successful film editor, writer, visual effects artist, animator, actor, or any other creative career is not a linear path, but here’s the secret nobody tells you: There are very specific steps you can follow to be successful, but you have to be willing to put in the time and take action consistently. The key is not discovering the path and following it, the key is learning the proper steps to forge your own unique path.
In this episode I dive deep into the topic of networking and what it looks like to do it right. My guest today is my assistant editor Chris Visser whom I met at a networking event a little over two years ago, and since then he has said all the right things and taken all the right steps to slowly build a relationship with me over time. And when the time was right he got “lucky” and ended up becoming a part of my team. But if you know me at all, you know I don’t believe in luck and think it’s simply when hard work intersects with opportunity.
If you’ve ever thought to yourself “It’s all about who you know, and I don’t know anybody, so I just give up!” then this episode is great place to start because Chris and I break down the key steps to networking the right way so you don’t waste your time and end up walking in circles wishing you just magically knew people. It’s time to get out there and build your network.
When you’re done listening to this episode, if you haven’t already I highly recommend checking out episode eleven, my two hour marathon interview with Norman Hollyn, former head of the editing track at USC.
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Here's What You'll Learn:
- How Chris made it to Hollywood
- Eliminating excuses and finding your own path to success
- How to make an impression at your industry internship
- Processing and evaluating big career risks
- How a brat and cheese gift basket got Chris a job in Hollywood
- Building a post-studio from the ground up
- When Chris met Zack at EditFest LA
- Asking the right questions to the people that matter
- How to network without embracing the "sycophant rush"
- Knowing the mindset of the people you approach
- Breaking your career goals down into bite-sized action steps
- Chris' involvement with Blue Collar Post Collective (BCPC)
Useful Resources Mentioned:
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