The Unemployment Crisis in Hollywood: How ShoBizzy is Revolutionizing Professional Networking
The entertainment industry has been plagued by an unemployment crisis, with many TV and film crew members struggling to find their next job. This is especially true for freelancers, who often face unstable work and irregular pay. However, a new professional networking app, ShoBizzy, is looking to change the game.
A New Approach to Professional Networking
Launched in January, ShoBizzy sets itself apart from traditional job-post boards like Backstage and Staff Me Up by providing a social platform for freelancers to create public profiles showcasing their skills and expertise. This allows them to form long-lasting connections with people in the business who can serve as valuable references for future job opportunities.
"We understand that freelancers live a very non-traditional career path, and it’s all about your network," said co-founder Doug Weitzbuch, a freelance TV producer with 20 years of industry experience. "You don’t have a permanent employer, so your network is the most valuable piece to your career because it’s such a who-you-know business."
Expanding Opportunities Beyond TV and Film
ShoBizzy’s expansion into live events and content creation is a smart move, as there has been a surge in interest in the creator economy, which is estimated to be a $250 billion business. The company also predicts that live event revenue in the U.S. will reach $68.7 billion in 2024.
"The television industry has been in the downturn this past year, and a lot of people are struggling to find work," said co-founder Kevin Eberly, who previously founded Pay Your Rent, an online rent payment software company. "As we’re building ShoBizzy, we had a lot of interest from two tangential verticals: live event production and digital content."
Partnership with Red Light Management
The new partnership with Red Light Management is significant because the company represents many well-known artists, such as Luke Bryan, Sabrina Carpenter, The Black Keys, The Fray, The Strokes, and Tom Petty. This potentially gives freelancers the chance to work on major projects that could help advance their careers.
Streamlining the Hiring Process
ShoBizzy’s suite of tools for production companies aims to streamline the hiring process. Using an AI-powered algorithm, the app suggests the best-fitting individuals for each role, considering factors such as the production’s location, current availability, and relevant IMDb credits. It then tracks the progress of hires in real-time as the crew is assembled.
New Functionality for Live Event Companies
Alongside the expansion, ShoBizzy added new functionality to help live event companies manage hires more easily. The app’s production workflow is now tailored to concert tours, allowing companies to add multiple dates and locations in a single production. It also lets companies match with any vendors they may need, such as camera rental vendors.
Growing Popularity
Since its launch, ShoBizzy has grabbed the attention of 6,500 signups and around 650 companies, including A&E, Amazon, Disney+, Discovery Channel, Food Network, Netflix, Nike, and the WNBA, among others. The company is currently raising a $2 million seed funding round.
Conclusion
ShoBizzy’s innovative approach to professional networking is revolutionizing the way freelancers connect with potential employers in the entertainment industry. By expanding opportunities beyond TV and film and partnering with reputable companies like Red Light Management, ShoBizzy is poised to become a leading player in the industry.
