What is IMDb? Do you have any idea about it? People who associate with films or the media industry may not be unknown with this word. Nevertheless, I will explain here today about the topic. I will begin with the so-called definition but besides I will try to provide as much information as possible related to IMDb. Let’s check it out.
Table of Contents
Acquaintance
IMDb stands for Internet Movies Database. It is an online database platform that provides information related to films, television programs, and video games. Including cast, production crew, fictional characters, biographies, plot summaries, trivia, and reviews IMDb conveys additional information about any film or TV series.
It is owned by Amazon which launched in 1990. IMDb originated with a Usenet posting entitled “Those Eyes”, by the British film fan and computer programmer Col Needham. IMDb incorporated in the UK as Internet Movie Database Ltd in 1996. With the revenue generated through advertising, licensing, and partnerships it became a subsidiary of Amazon in 1998. Moreover, IMDb got popularity at the beginning as an advertising resource for selling DVDs and videotapes.
IMDb Pro
IMDb pro is the main feature of IMDb. Actors, crew and industry officials can post their own biography as well as upload their own photos for annual subscription fee to IMDBPro. It is likewise willing to pay any fee, which is US$19.99 per month or annual payment, US$149.99. Membership facilitates a user to access the rank order of each industry personality as well as agent contact information for any actor, producer, director etc.
Entering in IMDbPro permits members who are industry personnel to upload a head shot to open their page, as well as to upload hundreds of photos to accompany their page. Anyone can register as an IMDb user. Similarly, they can contribute to the site and view its content. However, those users enrolled in IMDbPro have greater access and advantages.
Why We Need IMDb?
IMDb is considered as one of the glorious online encyclopedia for TV shows and movies. It apprises us film’s everything from cast breakdowns to ratings and fan reviews. Some people want to justify film’s rating before they watching it. Certainly, IMDb is an ideal platform for them. Besides rating why we need IMDb in the entertainment business, it is explained in the following:
Credibility
Credibility is probably the first reason why we need IMDb in the entertainment business. There is an unspoken social aspect to it. For instance, if you open your own profile in IMDb, you will get many facilities. Before opening your own account, go on IMDb and see other actors, directors, producers and crew members with their profiles full of credits. If you want to be there too, so follow the core rules. Have your profile picture and all of your credits etc. IMDb is an effective platform to gain individual credibility in media industry.
Control
You need to control your profile. Specially if you are an actor. Often I look people up on IMDb to see what they have worked on and they don’t even have a picture, or they show up with 3 different profiles and all the credits are spread out. IMDb can be hard to update, and when you have a neatly organized profile with your headshot it makes it a lot easier for other people to find you and also add you to future projects.
Headshot
Your headshot is the key element. It doesn’t matter if you’re working in front or behind the camera. Hollywood literally is a film industry that built on the basis of images. Suppose, You’re putting all of best hard work samples in your career reel but when someone sees your flat, gray and simple pictures they may not be interested in you. Try to get your headshot there. Make sure that you put your most viewed and liked photos in the IMDb profile.
If you are an actor, cinematographer or set designer having your reel here is also very important task. Remember to have different reels depending on the type of projects like commercials, short films, features and TV.
Research
This is my favorite feature of IMDb Pro and the reason why I really pay for it. If you want to be a film and TV professional you will have to work on projects with many different people. You will have to prove yourself again and again over time. Most importantly, you need to make sure that you are working with people who know what they are doing and have professional reputation.
Before you say yes to anyone who wants to work with you, do research about them in IMDb pro. Specially when working in smaller independent projects. Try to find out whether they have a track record of projects that have proper posters, credits and other information. IMDB Pro shows you other people you have in common with any person. Reach out to people who are listed on their Production and ask about their experience.
Tracking
Tracking is a new feature that added about one year ago. It allows you to get notified every time someone is added to a new project or they appear on a news article. This feature can help you be on top of what is happening with people on your network. You can also see what the actors on your previous projects are up to, and then reach out to congratulate them for the new role.
Final Thought
IMDb is not only a film database or rating analysis program but also its new features enable people with diverse advantages. Specially people who are associate with the entertainment business can take advantage by using this platform properly. Information is not enough useful unless you utilize that information. Above all, I hope this informative article can help you more or less to utilize IMDb.
