Building a network is one of the most talked-about keys to success in both entrepreneurship and the arts. Whether you're launching a business or creating art, connecting with the right people can make all the difference. I’m here to share what’s worked for me in Albuquerque, NM, and how these strategies could apply to any city or creative industry. First, I’ll walk you through my journey, then share some networking tips that can help anyone trying to break into a creative field.
When I graduated with a BFA in Film and Digital Media from the University of New Mexico in 2022, I had the theory, but not much real-world experience in film. Like many recent grads, I was eager but unsure where to begin. The film industry is vast, and I knew I had to start small—especially in Albuquerque, where the film scene was growing but still relatively tight-knit.
UNM would send emails about productions looking for PAs (production assistants) willing to volunteer. I took every opportunity to dive into the field. My first gig was as a PA on a TV pilot called Die Pretty. From there, I was recommended to work on another project, this time as a PA on the short film Two Roads.
It quickly became clear that volunteering wasn’t just about getting experience—it was about building relationships. I made sure to show up on time, work hard, and develop a reputation as someone reliable and passionate. That paid off. After a few more PA gigs, I was hired to direct and edit a music video for a local punk-synth band, Thurst Trap, for their song “A.S.S.”, followed by another video for Chula Punk, "The Trees Have Eyes". These projects were pivotal in helping me transition from working on other people’s sets to creating my own work.
I didn’t just volunteer for any project—I was strategic about where I spent my time. I looked for projects where I could learn from talented people and where my hard work would be recognized. Volunteering wasn’t just about doing the work—it was about building relationships and proving I was someone others could count on.
After a few more gigs, I moved up the ladder, taking on roles like 1st AD (Assistant Director) on a feature indie film, Forsythian Dweller’s Club, directed by Mary Lumley, and on a short film called I’m With You, I’ll Be There, directed by Juan Kleban. On these productions, I made it a point to connect with as many people as possible—both those I’d worked with before and new faces.
The way I landed the job on Juan Kleban's production was completely unexpected. I was having lunch with a friend when I noticed Juan sitting across from us. The tables were so close together that I overheard him talking about working on a short film. At the end of the meal, I took a chance and introduced myself, explaining what I do. We exchanged contact information, had a meeting, and I was hired soon after.
That chance encounter opened up a whole new set of opportunities. Not only did I get the job, but I was also able to bring several people I had worked with before onto the project—like their DP, 1st AC, lead actress, DIT, dancers, and set designers. Some of the locations we used were also owned by people I had worked with in the past. If I hadn’t made that connection, I wouldn’t have had the chance to tap into the network I had built. That moment highlighted the importance of relationships in this industry.
Starting Casa del Creativo at the beginning of this year required a lot of groundwork. We needed to create content, build partnerships, and find a team who was as passionate as I was about local art. We kicked off with Casa TV, a show featuring local talent.
To make this happen, I turned to a local studio, 519 Studios, which offers free access to equipment and space. With that, I was able to book a four-hour slot and film much of the content for our first episode. But here’s the thing: we couldn’t have done it without the network I had spent the past two years building. The entire production came together because of volunteers who believed in the vision.
What helped tremendously was drawing on the talent and trust I had built through previous collaborations. I reached out to local cinematographers I had worked with—Samuel Tomatz, Seth Beabout, and Cherrita Thao—who all agreed to join the project. Since we had worked together before and had a solid rapport, I knew they’d bring their best work to the table. This is just one of many examples where networking and collaboration made a huge difference. It wasn’t about "who you know"—it was about "who you've built a relationship with" over time.
When you’re trying to make something happen with limited resources, being resourceful is key. For me, networking wasn’t just about asking for favors—it was about building something meaningful where everyone’s strengths aligned. When you work in creative fields, people are much more likely to join your project if it speaks to their passions and skills.
I approached these projects with the mindset of a producer: making things work by being resourceful, creative, and adaptable. I made sure to check in regularly with my collaborators, not just to update them on the project but to ensure they felt involved and valued. Small gestures like thanking them or sharing the final product with them to show how their contributions helped make it all possible went a long way in building lasting relationships.
Ultimately, the real magic happened when everyone involved was aligned with the vision—when people’s talents, energy, and passion came together. That’s what makes working in film so incredible: it’s inherently collaborative. No one does it alone. Every idea is an invitation to create something bigger, something greater than the sum of its parts.
Building a network isn’t about collecting names—it’s about fostering genuine relationships where everyone can grow together. It’s about creating spaces for people to collaborate, contribute, and support one another. The people I’ve worked with aren’t just colleagues—they’re fellow artists who have poured their time and energy into creating something special. That shared energy, that mutual support, is what makes projects like Casa del Creativo possible.
These are just a few of my experiences networking this year as I also attended many events, mixers, and connected with companies and organizations such as Vault Studios, Channel 26, NMARTS, Art off The Rails, Monsoon Music House, Art Before Comfort, and more. So, whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for a while, remember this: networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you build and maintain those relationships. Every idea is an invitation to collaborate, and every person you meet could be a future collaborator, mentor, or friend.
If you’re in Albuquerque—or any city for that matter—don’t be afraid to step out, volunteer, and build your network one connection at a time. After all, the best things are created when we come together.
If you’re looking to start building your network or need advice on your next steps in the creative world, feel free to reach out. Let’s connect and create something amazing together.
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