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It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know… And Also What You Know

You’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

The second part is true; the first part isn’t.

Occasionally, yes, some no-talent, lazy, good-for-nothing jerk gets a job because of who they know. It doesn’t really happen all that often, though. The truth is, INWYKIWYK is more often a bitter response to being passed over for promotion. And you know what? Sometimes you deserve to be passed over.

On the other hand, let’s say you are a talented, hard working, good-for-something nice guy/girl, but you still didn’t get that promotion. And it’s all because you didn’t know the producer!

Well… why didn’t you know the producer? This is a business of relationships. Go out and make friends. Talk to people on the crew. Go out for drinks after wrap. Eventually, you’ll start knowing who you need to know.

Let me reiterate: that is not enough. You also need to be good at your job. A winning personality will (usually) only take you so far. More to the point, you’re likely to be up against several other folks with equally winning personalities. Nothing makes you stand out like being a good worker.

You need both halves of the equation. If you’re new in town, or just graduated from school, you’re not going to be able to rely on who know. So you better know what you know.

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One Response

  1. I begin working as a stuntman in November 1967: By December I realized the importance of working as an Extra. Mickey Gilbert, the Stunt Coordinator assisted me in becoming an Extra: From my Extra experience I became a stunt coordinator, 2nd Unit Action Director, and writer.
    Please take the time to read one of my books: Lots of information about Production. “So You Want To Be A Stunt Person.” http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/369627
    Coupon Code GZ63K

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