The entertainment industry in Hollywood finds itself facing a palpable employment crisis, casting uncertainty over many TV and film crew members. This situation is particularly difficult for freelancers who navigate the landscape of unpredictable work and paychecks. Enter Shobizzy, an innovative professional networking platform tailored for this industry’s unique challenges, aiming to redefine how freelancers connect and find opportunities.
Shobizzy, which made its debut in January, differentiates itself from traditional job platforms like Backstage by offering more than just job listings. It provides a vibrant social network for freelancers, empowering them to craft detailed public profiles that display their skills and experiences. This platform emphasizes building lasting connections with industry professionals who can act as invaluable references in the future.
The co-founder of Shobizzy, Doug Weitzbuch, a seasoned freelance TV producer with an impressive portfolio including hits like “Duck Dynasty” and “Hell’s Kitchen,” emphasizes the importance of networking in freelance careers. He remarks on the significance of who you know in the industry, implying that Shobizzy’s approach aligns perfectly with this reality.
In a strategic effort to stay relevant, Shobizzy has wisely expanded its scope to include opportunities in the booming creator economy, pegged as a $250 billion business, and the flourishing live events sector. Predictions by PwC highlight that live event revenue in the U.S. could soar to $68.7 billion by 2024, underscoring the potential of this expansion.
Co-founder Kevin Eberly, who previously launched the online rent payment platform PayYourRent, recognizes the challenges facing the television industry and the need for diversification. During the development of Shobizzy, the team noticed heightened interest in live events and digital content production, providing new avenues for freelancing crews to explore.
A partnership with Red Light Management marks a pivotal development for Shobizzy. As Red Light manages high-profile artists like Luke Bryan and The Strokes, freelancers on Shobizzy could find themselves working on influential projects that bolster their careers.
Shobizzy’s platform isn’t just about finding jobs; it aims to simplify the hiring process for live event companies. It has introduced tailored workflows for concert tours, accommodating multiple dates and locations. This enhancement extends to matching companies with essential vendors, from camera equipment to sound services, using an AI-powered algorithm that suggests the best-fit candidates based on location, availability, and credentials.
Since its inception, Shobizzy has attracted a growing community, with 6,500 users and about 650 companies, including industry giants like Amazon and Netflix, already on board. The platform is on the move, currently raising a $2 million seed funding round to further its mission to transform the entertainment landscape for freelancers everywhere.
