IMDb is adding features to make it a professional social network for the entertainment industry.
The Amazon-owned platform is known for holding details of film and TV productions, from onscreen talent to producers, directors, writers and crew.
Now, “at a time when production shifts and rapid technological change are reshaping the way the entertainment industry works,” it’s taking some cues from another professional platform: LinkedIn, encouraging pro users to make connections and help find the next opportunity.
IMDb on Wednesday launched “Connections,” a new professional network for Pro users that connects them with people they’ve worked with, met at industry events, or otherwise want to stay connected with. It also launched “Endorsements”, which will let users connected to each other write professional recommendations for their colleagues.
Both features will require approval from both users involved, and will be available to all IMDbPro members who have claimed their name page. IMDbPro is currently built around an industry database, providing information on publicists, managers, and other decision makers, as well as services for actors and other creative people looking to advance in the entertainment business.
The new features build on a traditional professional social network based on who you work with and who you connect with, with the goal of ultimately helping professionals in that field connect.
“IMDbPro has long been the place where entertainment professionals represent their work and discover the people and projects that matter to their careers. Connections and Endorsements takes it a step further, giving members a way to pledge to each other that is based on actual credits,” said Nikki Santoro, CEO of IMDb. “We’re proud to help you speak out publicly to the people who know your work best, and we’ll continue to create tools that make it easier to see and trust professional reputation in this industry.”