Acting Tip: Skip the Industry Mixers

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Lately I’ve been getting a lot of invitations to TV/film industry mixers, large gatherings that promise to provide access to those in the business who can help your career. 

To be sure, networking can be critically important to getting better roles, but large crowds annoy me and I have to wonder if these events aren't too dark, too crowded (300-400 people said one invitation) and too noisy to be worth anyone's time? Yesterday I turned to L.A. networking guru David Patrick Green with the following: What do you think of the networking value of industry mixers? His answer? Not much.

The main purpose of these mixers, Green says, is to make money for the organizers. Sure it’s possible to meet producers, casting directors, and other industry people there, but if you just go and don't know what you want to accomplish, you're not likely to accomplish anything. If you go in with a specific purpose, he says, then maybe something can happen, but even then you need to be disciplined and business-like, find the people you want to connect with, and try to arrange a meeting with them later (or at a later date) when there’s less noise and competition for their time from other actors like yourself. Large events can leave you lost in the crowd. Who wants that?

What might produce better results, says Green, is to volunteer to help out at an industry mixer – or organize one! - so that you have a reason to chat with important guests before or during the event. That gives you an edge in arranging private meetings later. 

Even better, he says, simply approach industry people directly at their offices. Just be sure to have a clear idea of where you are in your career, and what you need to be going for at this stage. A meeting is a valuable opportunity. Don't waste it.