Working in a Connection-based Business

Today I spent the day on set for a short film called Cities Like Oakland. It’s a beautiful, grounded story written and directed by Jarod Backens. The moment I read the script, I felt an instant connection. It had heart, weight, and truth. I knew I wanted to be part of it.

Luckily, Jarod saw something in my audition and invited me to play one of the characters. I’m grateful for that — and for the kind of training that helped me get there. Shoutout to the Meisner Technique Studio for laying that foundation! Even my not-so-great takes were getting good feedback, which says a lot about how powerful good acting training can be.

The real takeaway today was about connection.

Being on set opens doors in ways you can’t plan. This industry runs on relationships, and being in the room — even in a small role — matters. You're surrounded by actors, crew members, creatives from all angles. Naturally, conversations start. You talk shop, swap stories, share what you’re passionate about. And sometimes, something clicks.

That happened today. I met someone on set — a writer, photographer, and creative — who’s currently developing a new narrative project. We ended up talking for a while, just sharing ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Before the day was over, he invited me to collaborate on his next project.

Now, nothing’s confirmed, and I’ve been around long enough to know that not every idea becomes a film. There are a lot of maybes in this industry. But the connection itself is real. And that’s valuable.

It reminded me how important it is to simply show up. Even if your role is small. Even if you’re a PA. Just being on set puts you in the path of other creatives — and that’s where real, lasting relationships begin.

You never know who you'll meet, what conversation will spark something new, or what project might be around the corner. Ask people about what they love, what shows inspire them, what kind of stories they want to tell. Share your passions too. That’s how you build connections — not just for networking’s sake, but for real collaboration and community.

I’m still learning how much of this business is about relationships. Talent and hard work matter, but simply being on set, engaged, and open can be just as crucial. So here’s to saying yes to the work, showing up, and staying open to the people around you. That’s where the magic happens.