The current unemployment crisis in Hollywood has left many TV and film crew members concerned about finding their next job. This is particularly true for freelancers, who often face unstable work and irregular pay. However, a new professional networking app called ShoBizzy is aiming to address this challenge.
What is ShoBizzy?
ShoBizzy is the latest professional networking app for the entertainment industry that aims to connect freelancers with job opportunities in TV and film production. Launched in January, the app sets itself apart from traditional job-post boards such as Backstage and Staff Me Up because it doesn’t require users to fill out applications. Instead, it provides a social platform for freelancers to create public profiles showcasing their skills and expertise, as well as form long-lasting connections with people in the business who can serve as valuable references for future job opportunities.
The Importance of Networking in Freelance Careers
"Freelancers live a very non-traditional career path, in terms of the fact that we never have a permanent employer, and it ends up being that your network is the most valuable piece to your career because of the fact that it’s such a who-you-know business," said co-founder Doug Weitzbuch in an interview with TechCrunch. Weitzbuch is a freelance TV producer with 20 years of industry experience and has worked on shows like "Duck Dynasty," "Hell’s Kitchen," and "Lip Sync Battle."
Expanding Opportunities beyond TV and Film
It’s a smart move to allow freelancers to broaden their horizons beyond TV and film, as there has been a lot of interest in the creator economy, which is estimated to be a $250 billion business. There has also been a surge in live events this past year. According to PwC, live event revenue in the U.S. is set to reach $68.7 billion in 2024.
"We’re building [ShoBizzy], we had a lot of interest from two tangential verticals," said co-founder Kevin Eberly. "One is live event production, so things like concerts, tours, and festivals. And the other is digital content, you know, YouTube creators and stuff like that."
New 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.
Additional 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.
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 can help match job seekers with available positions in real-time. This means that freelancers can quickly find work and live event companies can easily manage their workforce.
Impact on the Entertainment Industry
The impact of ShoBizzy on the entertainment industry could be significant. By providing a platform for freelancers to connect with job opportunities, the app has the potential to reduce unemployment rates in the sector. Additionally, by expanding opportunities beyond TV and film, ShoBizzy can help drive growth in the creator economy.
Conclusion
ShoBizzy is an innovative solution to the unemployment crisis in Hollywood. By providing a social platform for freelancers to connect with job opportunities, the app has the potential to make a significant impact on the entertainment industry. With its new partnership with Red Light Management and additional functionality for live event companies, ShoBizzy is well-positioned to become a leader in the professional networking space.
What’s Next for ShoBizzy?
As ShoBizzy continues to grow and expand its offerings, it will be interesting to see how the app evolves. With new features and partnerships on the horizon, it’s likely that ShoBizzy will continue to make waves in the entertainment industry.
Will You Be Joining the ShoBizzy Community?
If you’re a freelancer looking for job opportunities or a live event company looking to manage your workforce more efficiently, ShoBizzy is definitely worth checking out. With its innovative approach to professional networking and AI-powered algorithm, ShoBizzy has the potential to revolutionize the way we find work in the entertainment industry.
Get Ready to Take Your Career to the Next Level with ShoBizzy
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with job opportunities, grow your network, and take your career to new heights. Join the ShoBizzy community today and start building a brighter future for yourself in the entertainment industry!
