With Hollywood’s ongoing employment challenges, especially affecting freelance TV and film crew members, finding steady work has become more difficult than ever. Freelancers often grapple with unstable jobs and fluctuating pay. ShoBizzy, a new networking app for the entertainment industry, aims to tackle this issue head-on by offering an innovative solution.
Launched in January, ShoBizzy offers a platform where freelancers can create profiles highlighting their skills and experience, allowing them to connect with industry professionals who can offer valuable referrals for future opportunities. Unlike traditional job boards such as Backstage or StaffMeUp, ShoBizzy eliminates the need for tedious applications, focusing instead on building long-term professional relationships that open doors for freelance workers.
“Freelancers don’t follow the typical career path. We never have a permanent employer, so your network becomes the most critical part of your career because it’s such a who-you-know business,” said co-founder Doug Weitzbuch, a freelance TV producer with over 20 years of industry experience. His past work includes shows like “Duck Dynasty,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” and “Lip Sync Battle.”
Recognizing the evolving needs of freelancers, ShoBizzy recently expanded its scope to encompass not only TV and film but also the booming live events and content creation sectors. With the creator economy valued at an estimated $250 billion and live event revenue in the U.S. expected to reach $68.7 billion by 2024, this strategic move allows freelancers to tap into lucrative new markets.
Co-founder Kevin Eberly, who previously founded PayYourRent, a rental payment software company, noted that the downturn in the television industry has made it harder for many to find work. “As we built ShoBizzy, we saw significant interest from two adjacent sectors: live event production—like concerts, tours, and festivals—and digital content creation on platforms like YouTube. We’re providing opportunities for freelance workers in areas they may not have considered before.”
The company has already secured strong partnerships with prominent names in the live event space, including Red Light Management, which works with top artists like Luke Bryan, The Black Keys, and The Strokes. This opens up a range of exciting projects for freelancers, offering career-defining opportunities in the process.
ShoBizzy has also introduced features specifically designed to help live event companies manage their productions. These include tools that simplify scheduling for multi-date events and enable companies to match with necessary vendors, such as equipment suppliers. The app’s AI-driven algorithm further enhances the hiring process by recommending the most suitable crew members based on their location, availability, and relevant experience.
Since its debut, ShoBizzy has attracted over 6,500 users and partnered with around 650 companies, including industry giants like Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon. The platform is currently raising $2 million in seed funding to continue its growth and innovation in the industry.
