Give. Connect. Repeat.

networking  noun
/ˈnɛtˌwɜrkɪŋ/
1. The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

Networking.

Just the word can feel disingenuous. Sometimes it’s exhilarating, sometimes overwhelming. For me, it’s always intimidating. It always looks easy in the movies—glad-handing and schmoozing that lead to backroom deals.

But that’s not my reality, or most people’s I know. It’s often more about taking a deep breath and walking into a room full of strangers, trying to sound interesting without looking desperate. Sometimes it’s standing awkwardly alone, mustering up the courage to dive back into the flow of the night. Not exactly my idea of a good time.

What I really need to remember when I’m in that place, before I take the deep breath, is that networking isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about relationship building – about being yourself, finding people you want to talk to, and figuring out how you can help each other without it feeling transactional.

“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things…”
– The Shawshank Redemption

When my son was little, I couldn’t connect on actual projects. Instead, I found myself building a social network on Twitter to connect creatives—filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers, and the like—amplifying their work and fostering relationships. That small effort eventually grew into Boston Indie Mafia — a community built on mutual support, shared resources, and the belief that we rise together. Back then, I wasn’t thinking about how networking would shape my own career. I was just creating the kind of space I wished existed. But looking back, that experience taught me a fundamental truth: the strongest networks are built on giving first

“You get what you give.”
– Pay It Forward

Building connections isn’t just about what I can gain—it’s about what I can give. I make an effort to share what I’ve learned, connect people who might benefit from knowing each other, and support various projects within the community. Fellowship and giving back keep the community alive and thriving.

This mindset has made all the difference for me. Instead of approaching it as a means to an end, I see it as an ongoing conversation, a community where everyone has something to contribute. Working on others’ projects has also become a form of giving, allowing me to support and uplift the creative efforts of those around me. That’s what I want to continue fostering, whether through social media, industry events, or the small, everyday interactions that make all the difference. Remember, the strongest communities are built on giving first.

“We’re all pretty bizarre…”
– The Breakfast Club

Early on, I thought of networking as something formal and structured—industry mixers, business cards, and stiff conversations. But I quickly learned that real networking happens in unexpected places: a Twitter thread, a post-screening chat, a spontaneous coffee with a fellow filmmaker. The best connections aren’t transactional; they’re built on genuine curiosity, shared struggles, and the willingness to help each other succeed.

Over the years, I’ve noticed how building connections has changed. Social media has made it easier to connect, but also harder to stand out. When I lived in Los Angeles, I picked up new ways to build connections. LA is a place full of opportunities, but it’s also packed with people chasing the same dream. For me, the most meaningful connections weren’t about professional achievements. They were about genuine conversations, where we talked about common interests rather than just work. It was about building real relationships, based on shared experiences and mutual support.

“You’ve got a friend in me.”
– Toy Story

One of the first things I did recently was reconnect with peers and past collaborators — not with an agenda, but out of genuine interest in where their journeys had taken them. Some had left the industry, others had built impressive careers, and a few, like me, were exploring new creative directions.

These conversations weren’t about finding work; they were about rediscovering the people who made filmmaking meaningful in the first place. What struck me most was how naturally opportunities arose from these reconnections. When you invest in relationships without expectation, people remember you. They introduce you to others. They invite you into new creative circles. That’s how the best collaborations happen—not from cold emails or forced introductions, but from mutual respect and enthusiasm.

“Just keep swimming.”
– Finding Nemo

Filmmaking isn’t a solo endeavor. Building relationships is based on trust, shared experiences, and the understanding that today’s collaborator might be tomorrow’s partner in a new venture. The network I’ve cultivated over the years—both old friends and new connections—reminds me that success isn’t about climbing a ladder alone. It’s about weaving a web of relationships strong enough to support every creative risk and every new opportunity. So as I move forward, I do so with appreciation for the people who have supported me, for the ones I’ve yet to meet, and for the knowledge that the best networks aren’t just about career advancement. They’re about building something bigger than any one project. They’re about creating a space where we all have the chance to do our best work—and to help others do the same, even if it means navigating a few challenges along the way.

Now, it’s your turn. Think about the connections you’ve built by giving first. Share one meaningful collaboration or connection that came from being genuine and supportive. Let’s hear your story.