Reaching Out to Childhood Friends in the Entertainment Industry: The Right Way

Reconnecting with an old childhood friend who is now a famous TV actor can open a whole new world of possibilities. Whether you're looking for a job in the industry or simply looking to rekindle an old friendship, the approach you take is crucial. Here are some steps to consider to make sure your outreach is effective and respectful.

Choose the Right Medium

The first step is to choose the right medium to reach out. If you have their personal contact information, that is ideal. Otherwise, consider reaching out through social media or a professional platform like LinkedIn. Using these platforms not only increases the chances of your message being seen, but also shows that you respect their space and privacy.

Be Respectful and Considerate

Acknowledge the time that has passed since you last connected. Mention any significant events in their life that you've noticed, such as their recent movie role. A friendly message that expresses genuine interest in their life can help rekindle the friendship. For example, you could start with something like:

"Hey [Friend's Name], it's been a while! I noticed you were in that recent [movie/tv show] and was really impressed. How are you doing?"

Express Your Interest Intelligently

Clear communication is key. If you are looking for job opportunities, be clear but not overly forward. You might say something like, “I'm exploring new opportunities in [your field], and I remember talking to you about this when we were kids. If you know of any openings or can offer advice, I'd really appreciate it.”

Be Prepared for Any Response

They may be busy or may not have any job opportunities available. Be understanding and keep the tone positive regardless of their response. Remember, the goal is to build a positive relationship, not just get a job. It's important to stay focused on the well-being of your friend as well as your professional aspirations.

Maintain the Friendship

Regardless of the outcome regarding jobs, focus on rebuilding the friendship. This can lead to more opportunities in the future. Networking is about building relationships, so approach it with that mindset. Good luck!

Alternative Contact Methods

If you choose to use these alternative methods, keep in mind that the response may not be immediate, but it's worth it to respect their privacy and professionalism.

Through their family: As an old friend, their family will likely be happy to share their private contact info with you. Through their publicist: Hopefully, the publicist will remember you and contact you as soon as they see your message.

As an example, let's consider a personal anecdote. My college roommate, Jack, recently had a pretty hefty role in his first movie, Devils Due (2014). When we were in college, he was majoring in Engineering, while I was minoring in Theatre. My conversations about becoming a movie star actually ended up generating more interest in him than it did for me. Our friendship had its spans of non-communication, but the shared experiences from living together for a while created a strong foundation.

Discovering Insider Tips

Even if you already know the steps he took to get to where he is, asking him about the process can provide valuable insider tips. For example, if I were still interested in the industry, I would call him up and ask him to describe the steps he took to get to where he is today. Since we are Facebook friends and he is a showy type of person, I would get some insider tips on how to make my process easier and quicker, without completely neglecting his hard work and achievements.