The most common method used by freelances and small companies to obtain work is through contacts with colleagues, friends and previous employers/customers. Almost half say that they heard about their current or most recent job via someone with whom they had previously worked and over one third say that they got the job directly from the employer or customer. To be a successful freelance or to run a successful small business, you will need to be well organised and keep records and lists of contacts. It is a contacts business; if nobody knows you and/or your company exist you will not be offered work. Once people know about the skills, knowledge and experience you have to offer, they are more likely to consider you seriously for a job or commission. The media, the arts and related activities are almost invariably a collaborative process, and teams tend to be made up of people that already know each other. Keep in touch with other people you have worked and/or studied with, take work experience or unpaid or low-paid runner-type jobs: you will gain experience and build up contacts. Investing in further training will develop your skills and you will meet other people who are working in the industry.

			Interview Material

Our Media Professionals discuss their methods procuring new work.

			Victoria Noble On how she finds work, through friends, publications and the Web

			Kate Broome On the importance of maintaining contacts, and maintaining a high quality portfolio of work

			Sarah Beecham and Graham Howard On the importance of word-of-mouth and reputation

			Christine Molloy On identifying the important people to persuade to see your work

When just starting out there are a number of ways you can go about developing your network of contacts. Make contact with people already established, attend talks and conferences, ask advice and build up a picture of what the work really entails. There are numerous organisations that can provide you with the opportunity to meet people working in the media and the arts. Also, if you are a full-time student, enter student competitions and awards: many successful entrants to the film and commercials sectors have been cherry-picked at student festivals.

And don't be over-ambitious when approaching potential employers for a first job. Many smaller companies prefer people to prove themselves in a junior capacity, involving long hours and low pay, for say 6 months to allow time for the company to decide if they want you to join their team. One of the biggest complaints is that media graduates believe they are qualified as film or programme makers just by doing the course.

			Web Research

Organisations and resources that can provide you with networking opportunities:

m4media
An on-line network agency, m4media provides a regular information service on all that is happening within the film and television industries, as well as providing a support network for freelances and production companies, big and small.

Exposure
Provides comprehensive listings, information and contacts for UK festivals and competitions, as well as information about funding and development schemes plus some international festivals too.

Regus London Film Festival
The Regus London Film Festival actively welcomes filmmakers to submit their work for consideration; this site contains all the information about the festival, and how to enter.

PACT
The Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television is the trade association representing independent television, feature films, animation and new media production companies, and it aims to encourage the development of new production companies and producers. The PACT Directory of Independent Producers is available from the website.

New Producers Alliance
The New Producers Alliance is a membership organisation for new independent producers. It provides access to contacts, information and advice regarding film production, and a forum and focus for over 800 members, ranging from film students and first-timers to experienced feature film makers and major production companies. The site also includes a series of web-casts, including one about the Film Council's Development Fund.

First Film Foundation
The First Film Foundation is a charity that exists to help British writers, producers and directors to make their first feature film. By providing a range of high-quality educational and promotional programmes, the Foundation aims to give filmmakers the contacts, knowledge and experience they need to achieve their goal. It also has 3 funding schemes and a prize.

MEDIA
MEDIA is a 5 year programme of the European Union to strengthen the competitiveness of the European film, TV and New Media industries. MEDIA Plus supports professional training in screenwriting, business and new technologies, project development and the distribution and promotion of European work. Individuals may also benefit from subsidised places on training courses and international marketing.

British Interactive Multimedia Association
The British Interactive Multimedia Association is the trade association representing the interactive media industries and aims to provide networking opportunities, guidance and information through its activities and initiatives, including awards, meetings, seminars, conferences and publications.

Moving Image Society
The Moving Image Society. As well as meetings, presentations, seminars and international exhibitions and conferences the society also organises a programme of training courses, lectures and workshops, special events and evening meetings.

BAFTA
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Famous for its high- profile awards, BAFTA is a membership organisation running events etc.

Royal Television Society
The Royal Television Society is dedicated to bringing together individuals from all parts of the industry to exchange ideas, debate topical issues and to provide a forum for networking. The RTS organises lectures, workshops and award ceremonies.

Jobs Unlimited
Jobs Unlimited, the Guardian's media recruitment pages.