How Do I Get My Name onto The IMDB? - How the System Works

Insert Your Name Here

The Internet Movie Database, or IMDB, is the principal portal for finding people who work in film and broadcast media. It's where you go to look people up. Gone are the days when you had to dig through back copies of Variety to find out someone's track record - knowledge is now just a click away. Being listed is important. Anyone who isn't listed, effectively does not exist.

But how do you get onto it? Specifically, as a recent graduate, trying to building yourself a reputation and an online presence, how do you get your name included in their database? Here's how the system works:

First, you need to attached yourself to a project which is actually listed on the IMDB. This can be a student film, or a short project which is deemed worthy of inclusion. IMDB don't list every project that gets made - there are simply too many. So, you have to get past their gatekeepers. You have to prove yourself worthy. The best way to prove the worth of your project is to enter it for competitions.

But how do you enter it for competitions? It's easy, though it does take a bit of time, and you may have to spend a little money. One of the quickest, simplest methods is to list your project at withoutabox.com. The site allows you to upload your film, fill in some (rather long) forms, and then - hey presto - you can enter film competitions all over the world. Withoutabox is free. As for competitions, the fees vary from nothing to quite a bit. It's up to you as to how many you want to enter. For a complete survey of how withoutabox works, check out this post.

Once you have your project listed at withoutabox, an IMDB listing is more or less automatic. Why? Because IMDB will now assume that you are serious about making and promoting your film to as wide an audience as possible.

Your next job is to add the names of yourself and your cast and crew to the database. You do this through the IMDB tab marked "update" or "edit page". Again, it takes a little while, and the interface is a bit fiddly. But once you get the hang of it, it works great.

Submission of names is not automatic, so be patient. IMDB will review your submissions and, assuming all is well, post them around a week later. Now, with any luck, your name and those of your colleagues are listed online. Now you can start editing your profile, to add your CV, your demo reel, links to your website, your agent or lawyer if you have one - anything else to help make your profile as "real" as possible. Remember, your goal is to create an online space for yourself as an industry professional.

Sometimes you will see a project at IMDB that should have your name on it, but doesn't. Don't feel aggrieved - it's not personal. All you have to do is go to the project page and update it by adding your name. The system runs on the honesty principle, and it works pretty well overall.

Of course, getting on the IMDB won't get you a job in itself. But it will make clients and employers feel more confident, seeing that you already have a track record and an industry profile.

---Alex