To IMDb or Not To IMDb

To IMDb or Not To IMDb

To IMDb or Not To IMDb

Sam Borowski
Sam Borowski
5 years ago

To IMDb or Not to IMDb?

Indeed, that is the question, lately… here on Stage 32.

Many experienced players on this site – myself included – are surprised that this is even a debate. How can having your credits listed on the actual, “Internet Movie Data Base,” be harmful to your career? Moreover, if it even helps you a little bit, in such a competitive business, how can you resist doing so?

Obviously, there is a little sarcasm in the above paragraph. IMDb allows prospective investors, name actors, casting directors and others you want to be involved in your project/s to check you out at a moment’s notice. It acts as a resume.

To IMDb or NOT To IMDb

“It’s like asking if you should have headshots,” quipped Duane Whitaker, who you might recognize as Maynard, the Pawn Shop owner who is stabbed with a samurai sword by Bruce Willis in the Oscar-Winning movie Pulp Fiction. “Yeah, you should have headshots – it’s an obvious thing.”

Whitaker also stressed that you should be doing quality work, saying, “Six meaningless IMDb credits are still better than no IMDb credits… by a (hair).”

To IMDb or NOT To IMDb

Put Some Personality In Your Page

IMDb also affords you the opportunity to show a little of your personality on your page with a biography, and up to 100 photos. Most people who subscribe to IMDb Pro – you can have a page without IMDb Pro, but while your credits will be listed, you will have to pay per photo – really take advantage of this with the 100 photos you can post for free. (Conversely, while subscribing to IMDb Pro gets you a page, it doesn’t get you a single credit, so an empty page would only draw more attention to your lack of experience.)

Besides, what better way to look like a player than to have a long litany of credits in your Filmography – be it, as a writer, director, producer OR actor? And, to have corresponding photos on your respective sets, on the red carpet at major film festivals and alongside Oscar-Winners?

Every major filmmaker, actor, producer or craftsperson has their credits listed on IMDb. If you are truly serious about being in this business, you need to have an IMDb page.

Casting Directors Use It

“I was using it this morning ... it's funny you asked me that,” New York City Casting Director Donna McKenna smiled. “I use IMDb Pro all the time."

“I use it for rankings, I use it to check out people's credits if I want to find out about a filmmaker; if they're legit.”

McKenna also thought maintaining a real IMDb page with legitimate credits is something every young actor and performer should be doing.

“I think they should have an IMDb page if they have reputable credits to back it up – even one (good) credit,” McKenna said.

McKenna also stated that IMDb Pro is a great tool that other Casting Directors use to contact each other.

“A lot of times I’ll get calls from other Casting Directors that are looking for other actors - for example, someone like Eric Roberts,” she said. “After consulting his page, they see I cast or produced (a number) of his movies. They’ll say, ‘Hey do you have a contact number for him?’ We all work together that way.”

Now, before you say anything, McKenna has been a Casting Director on no fewer than 40 features and 34 more shorts. She has also been a producer on 20 features to date and 11 shorts, not the least of which was a horror project I produced, Wraith. And, she is based out of New York City, has won three awards, is a member of CSA and has even been to the Cannes Film Festival. You can verify this information on her IMDb page. There is absolutely no disputing Donna’s body of work.

To IMDb or Not To IMDb

If It’s Not Listed, It Didn’t Happen

If you don’t have any IMDb credits, it’s not helpful to hide your last name on forums and social media, so you remain mysterious. This will not help you with prospective Casting Directors, Actors, Producers or Angel Investors, who may want to check you out. I’ve also had discussions with filmmakers who’ve claimed to have several successful film releases of movies that were profitable but were nowhere to be found on IMDb – or anywhere else, for that matter, much like Anthony Michael Hall’s crafted geek in The Breakfast Club, Brian Johnson, telling others he really did, indeed, have a girlfriend, but no one knew her … she lived in Canada.

“I think it’s important that actors, writers, and filmmakers understand that they’ve got to keep it updated with legitimate credits and need to grasp that as far as people are concerned if it’s not listed, it didn’t happen,” advised Daniel Roebuck who was Andy Griffith’s No. 2, Cliff Lewis, on Matlock and played the infamous Dr. Leslie Arzt on LOST, as well as playing Detective Biggs in both The Fugitive and US Marshalls.

While most credits are verified, some filmmakers and writers will list films in development that perhaps are not as close as they should be, just as some actors list extra work in major studio features in an attempt to make their role look bigger than it was. Roebuck cautioned against all of the above.

“But, I caution that people should not fill it with any kind of fake information, because any time that you lie, you invite someone to lie back to you.”

To IMDb or Not To IMDb

From the Mouths of Professionals

So, IMDb is good enough for films such as The Godfather, but not the afore-mentioned filmmaker with the secretive, but profitable productions? There’s just no side of the argument that will explain, why as a filmmaker, actor or craftsperson, you don’t have your credits listed on there.

"I believe that it is the one-stop-shop for all legitimate buyers,” Roebuck said, before adding, "Legitimate people use it as a source of their information."

So, there you have it. From the mouths of Professionals.

And, are you going to argue with people from Oscar-Winning films, prominent Actors and experienced Casting Directors? Perhaps your resume is better than theirs – just it’s in a super-secret location? And on it, is a list of films no one has ever seen or heard of, starring actors that don’t exist. Or who live in Canada.

Okay, before anyone gets too upset here, obviously this is satire mixed with a healthy dose of sarcasm. But, please understand that I find this whole debate ridiculous.

Something that can help your career even a little bit is not something you can afford to resist. Moreover, a real Filmography, Awards listed – perhaps some at major Film Festivals – and noticeable photos, along with an impressive bio and professional headshot are all things that are the bare minimum for this career.

So, to not have them is just ludicrous.

In conclusion, To IMDb or Not to IMDb?

That is the question that I have answered for thee.

Get engaged
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About the Author

Sam Borowski

Sam Borowski

Director, Producer, Screenwriter

Sam Borowski was destined to be a filmmaker. In fact, he grew up just a stone's throw from the house that served as the Corleone Home in the Academy-Award winning film, "The Godfather." He also watched the Oscars intently as his cousin Danny Aiello was Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1990. Ev...

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16 Comments on Sam's Article

Marcelo Dietrich
Screenwriter, Producer, Director, Actor, Host/Presenter, Script Consultant, Story Analyst
Never again will I ever have an IMDb page, nor will I ever create 1 for my projects Set-up a profile on Stage 32 instead. https://www.cinemablend.com/new/IMDB-Accused-Rigging-Star-Meter-42058.html
5 years ago
Vital Butinar
Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Filmmaker, Photographer (Still), Screenwriter, Colorist
I always put my credits in IMDB. I think it's essential. Unfortunately they're all small projects but they were all produced with our own team and we all began from virtually anywhere but film making.  But in either case it can not hurt. The only thing that I don't like is that I have a bunch of projects that have not been released on stuff like youtube so I'm not sure if I can list it on IMDB yet. There's one music video that I created for a band but I'm not sure if I can list it (unfortunately IMDB was no help) because the record company hasn't put it on youtube but they are distributing the video on the bands album. So it's not online or can only be watched on streaming services. Anyone know if I can add this and how? Thanks for the great post Sam! Best regards and happy holidays to all
5 years ago
Vital Butinar
Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Filmmaker, Photographer (Still), Screenwriter, Colorist
Well the good news is that just this weekend they the band told me that they'd be releasing the song in February. So I'm just going to wait until February to add it on IMDB too. Thank's guys for the help anyway.
5 years ago
Vital Butinar
Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Filmmaker, Photographer (Still), Screenwriter, Colorist
Dianne E. Butts thank you very much. I'll do just that. The band have a blog listing that we made a new video so yes that would work. Sam Borowski you're very welcome and I wish you all the best as well to both of you.
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
I will be checking back here these next days to hear your thoughts! MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HAPPY CHANUKAH and the HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS!!! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! <3
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR, Macela! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! <3
5 years ago
Macela Robison
Producer, Filmmaker, Director
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
5 years ago
Dianne E. Butts
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
A couple of people in the business have scoffed when I mentioned IMDb to them. They said it means nothing and they refuse to list any credits on IMDb. I don't get that. For heaven's sake why not list your credits? I've also heard from many more people in the biz that when we meet someone or, even better, when we're talking with someone on the phone, they are on IMDb searching for us and checking us out. The first thing I do when someone says they're in the film business is check them out on IMDb. If I don't find them, I seriously wonder if they are legit. When I do find them, that lends a ton of credibility. My entertainment attorney told me more than once that it doesn't matter whether it's a credit on an awful project or a good one -- people don't look into how great the project was, they just see that you have credits. (Some may disagree, so please don't send me hate mail. But that's what he says, and my experience is that it's pretty true.) When I'm watching TV at home, I constantly have my Kindle tablet open and am looking up the show I'm watching and following the links to everyone involved -- writers, producers, actors... Can learn a lot that way. 
5 years ago
Isabeau Vollhardt
Actor, Author, Content Creator, Narrator
i use it to research who i may want to work with, as well as to promote myself. and in putting together and updating my resume on occasion, i get to take stock of what's pertinent, and what's not...and as i said above, i was surprised when i realized how much of what i've done, even outside of the business, is actually pertinent.
5 years ago
Lorenzo Anderson
Director, Producer, Actor
Exactly,  IMDB helps to show that you belong to what is a very exclusive industry and that you want to be a part of it. The industry is changing an although some may be against change, social media, an online presence, IMDB etc.. play a role in ones career, especially those starting out or those that are still unknown which is about 90% of the industry.  
5 years ago
Phillip Parker
Screenwriter
Why is this a question, indeed! Good article, Sam. If I listened to all the self-proclaimed experts about ... self-promotion, IMDb, websites, social media, contests, film festivals, pay-to-play platforms, screenwriting forums, where I should live, what I should/should not write, how I should format my page,  etc., ... I'd still be an unpaid, unemployed, unnoticed, and very confused screenwriter. But I'm not. I used common sense, listened to some reputable advice (and ignored some, too), and forged my path. Too many industry people think the sun shines only in Hollywood and out their pie hole. All advice should be examined and researched (as you've shown with the quotes in your article) before being adopted.
5 years ago
Isabeau Vollhardt
Actor, Author, Content Creator, Narrator
Phil, you bring up a good point in a tangential way: one of the reasons i did get an Imdb.pro listing is precisely because I'm not in Hollywood geographically (being a writer, however, means my works are available everywhere). So it's one way to be there without physically being there first.
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thanks, Phil! I  have a good friend - who ironically is a Writer, LOL - that always says, "Consider the source," which is partly your sentiment here today. Have yourself a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! <3
5 years ago
Isabeau Vollhardt
Actor, Author, Content Creator, Narrator
thanks for this article. i put up my resume a few years ago, and in the process of doing so, realized i actually had two credits already on Imdb for work i did with a local documentary filmmaker. i've revised it a couple of times since i've had it up. resumes and headshots are part of the profession. as i composed my resume, i realized i had a good body of experience not only as an extra actor years ago, but for other professional work i've done in the interim. i've also linked it to my personal website. it's a good resource. why not use it?
5 years ago
Cali Gilbert
Photographer (Still), Author, Director, Screenwriter
Yeah, great to kick off the day with a good laugh. Why NOT indeed Sam Borowski ? Happy Holidays!
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thanks, Greg! MERRY CHRISTMAS and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! <3
5 years ago
Greg Orscheln
Producer, Actor, Musician, Assistant Editor, Financier
Genius title.  Very resourceful info for those looking for it. .  merry merry ! 
5 years ago
Sam- very sound advice. Not having an IMDB page if you’re in “the biz” is akin to someone in the job market not having their resume on job boards. It’s vital! Hopefully, some day I’ll have some credits that I can list on a page that can then catapult my career in a field that is my true passion.
5 years ago
Dianne E. Butts
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Mike, offer to write a short screenplay for a film team that wants to enter a short film festival contest. Or form your own film team so you can write the script. Team up with actors, camera operators, etc. who want IMDb credits. That's how I got my first credits. I've participated several years, and got my start, in https://www.168film.com/  
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
To quote Chuck Norris: "DREAMS DO COME TRUE if you work hard enough!" ;) HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Mike! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! <3
5 years ago
John Ellis
Screenwriter, Author, Assistant Director
Why is this even a question? I've had people say IMDb is for amateurs...what?! You've shown definitively that view is just dumb. Good one, Sam!
5 years ago
Irene Santiago
Actor, Host/Presenter, Voice Actor
Thank you. You gave great insight. Yes, sadly a tool is only going to work if you use it... correctly.  God Bless you as well. Take care and have a wonderful Holiday Season. 
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Irene, Obviously, like anything the process - and database - can be improved. I agree. But, what I don't agree with is some on this wonderful web-site acting as if it means nothing and it's not that important. As you agree, it is. THANKS for your comment! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! <3
5 years ago
Kimberly Ruzich
Screenwriter
This is an absolutely CRITICAL article on the importance of iMDB in the film community. Thank you for sharing this valuable information. GOD BLESS & STAY FRESH!
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
And, this is an absolutely CRITICAL COMMENT! Thank YOU, Kimberly!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! <3
5 years ago
Scott R. Wright
Actor, Voice Artist, Crew
I've always felt that IMDb was a useful tool to have in my acting arsenal. Thank you for your confirmation Sam.
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thank YOU for this WONDERFUL COMMENT! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! GOD BLESS an STAY FRESH!!! ;)
5 years ago
Shara Maude
Screenwriter
Great advice again, Sam. Personally, I'd love to have an IMDB page. 
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Shara, Keep working at it. It will come. ;) HAPPY HOLIDAYS! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! <3
5 years ago
Great advice and thanks for sharing Sam!!! 
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thank YOU Sara! MERRY CHRISTMAS and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!!
5 years ago
Valerie Michele Oliver
Director of Development, Producer, Screenwriter, Creative Executive, Executive
Hi Sam. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences about IMDb. I LOVE using the LIST feature. I have ones for Potential Cast & Crew, Attached Cast &  Attached Crew. It's great for organizing projects. Soon, I'll need to refine the "potential" one to specific crew jobs (line producers, cinematographers, screenwriters, composers, etc.) for specific projects because it's getting harder to search & find quickly. I've had good success reaching producers, directors, and such through the managers, agents and publicity resources as well. I got in touch with Sarah Jessica Parker via her publicist who introduced me to her agent. Work it! Thumbs way up! ~Valerie
5 years ago
Valerie Michele Oliver
Director of Development, Producer, Screenwriter, Creative Executive, Executive
Sam Borowski - You're welcome. Thanks for all your well wishes, and the same to you and your loved ones! Much love and many blessings from here in oceanfront Atlantic City! 
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Valerie, Thanks so much for the poignant and helpful comments. Great to see people totally 'Getting' what I'm saying! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY CHANUKAH and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! <3
5 years ago
Mike Chinea
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Above or below the line, it is your calling card. 
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Amen, Mike! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! <3
5 years ago
Great post. I really think this should settle it. But I don't really see why there's a debate about this anyway. 
5 years ago
Thanks, Sam! Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to you, too!
5 years ago
Sam Borowski
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Jacob, From your mouth to GOD'S ears! ;) HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY CHANUKAH and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! <3
5 years ago
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