Wednesday, September 16, 2026 is the date of the next Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC). It will take place at Market Garden Brewpub & Restaurant kicking off promptly at 6 pm, with a brief presentation around 7:15 pm and ending at 9 pm.

These gatherings of film industry professionals are high energy, fun affairs. Even small business owners not currently active in the industry per se, have found it worthwhile to come out and mingle with GCFC staff, and others who love this work.  Whoever you are, you might just meet someone who needs what you offer for an upcoming project they might be working on.   Be sure to come prepared for making connections, and to have a blast!  Register today so you don’t end up with a bad case of FOMO!

Today’s blog is another no time to be a wallflower missive to help you prepare to have a fun and productive outing with film industry professionals and movie buffs.

Networking is described as “the process of making connections and building relationships.  These connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can lead to better informed career decisions.  Networking can also help you find unadvertised jobs/internships.”  If you are contemplating a career in the growing film production industry in NE Ohio or taking your current industry related job or business to the next level, there is no better opportunity for quality networking than a GCFC Mixer.  Be sure to stop by the GCFC table to inquire about the special deal industry professionals get on GCFC memberships.  Industry professionals get a special rate.  Make sure to join or renew your membership today!

Here is a review on tips for a productive night of networking at our event, or any other for that matter:

• Bring plenty of business cards and arrive early with a connections plan.  Try to make your most desired connections within the first hour if possible.  This will take some of the edge off for the remainder of your time at the event.  
• Don’t be a wallflower and stand around not speaking to others.  Be proactive and introduce yourself.   Act like you belong in the place!  Everyone has some anxiety in social settings.   You will be appreciated for breaking the ice.  My late father-in-law loved to tell our kids right before they were about to play in a big sporting event – “Let them know you were there!”  
• Don’t launch into a long soliloquy.  Be concise and ask questions about the person you are engaging.  Exchange information with a promise to get in touch to set up a meeting for more detailed follow-on conversation.  Remember, networking is about making the connection.  Be respectful of people’s time, as the person you are engaging has networking goals of their own.  
• Introduce yourself to all GCFC staff and board members.  You will be able to spot us either in GCFC gear, and/or wearing gold name tags or orange wrist bands.  We are available for advice, GCFC information, as well as pointing you in the right direction of individuals with whom you are looking to connect.  There are also QR coded sheets at the check in desk to facilitate setting up a time to meet with GCFC staff in the future for information sessions.
• Your name tag should be legible and accurately communicate who you are and what you are seeking to do.  Someone else might be looking for you, so write large enough for people to see as they pass by you during the night.
• Be mindful of body language.  You can tell by how a group is standing (open or closed) as to whether or not they are open to a new person joining in with them.
• A firm handshake and looking people in the eye when you address them is very important.   But don’t be an uncomfortable Seinfeld “close talker” or “low talker.”  LOL. 

Most important tip? Have fun!  This is a party, so it is okay to act like it. People like to be around others with positive energy.  Not being a wallflower doesn’t mean that you have to the life of the party though.  Everything in moderation, yes?

Post event follow-up is as important as the event itself.  Try to send an email to each person you took a card from at the mixer within 24 – 48 hours if possible.  Mention how nice it was to meet, something you remember from the conversation, and specifically request to get together in person if applicable.  Do your LinkedIn research prior to that follow-up meeting.

SIGN UP FOR THE GCFC NEWSLETTER!  That way you can keep up with what is going on in the local film community, including future productions, networking opportunities, industry related classes, and job/intern opportunities.  Visit the GCFC website – www.clevelandfilm.com where you can register as a vendor or production crew, as well as access other valuable industry related resources geared specifically for film industry professionals.

As a special note.  This is the first time in quite a while that GCFC has held a mixer at Market Garden Brewpub & Restaurant.  Let’s show ‘em how we roll y’all and turn up in force!  Until then.

Blessings,  

LP 
Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement