IMDb’s Latest Pivot Takes a Cue From LinkedIn

IMDb is adding features to make it the professional social network for the entertainment industry.

The Amazon-owned platform is best known for housing the details on film and TV productions, from onscreen talent to producers, directors, writers and crew.

Now, “at a time when shifts in production and rapid technological change are reshaping how the entertainment industry works,” it is taking a few cues from another professional platform: LinkedIn, encouraging Pro users to form connections and help find that next opportunity.

IMDb on Wednesday launched “Connections,” a new professional network for Pro users to connect with people that they have worked with, met at industry events, or otherwise want to be connected to. It also launched “Endorsements,” which will let users who are 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 that have claimed their name page. IMDbPro is currently built around an industry database, providing information about publicists, managers and other decision-makers, as well as services for actors and other creatives seeking to break through in the entertainment business.

The new features build out more of a traditional professional social network, based on who you work with and connect with, with the goal of ultimately helping professional in the space get to work.

“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 take that a step further, giving members a way to vouch for each other that’s grounded in real credits,” said Nikki Santoro, CEO of IMDb. “We’re proud to help the people who know your work best say so publicly, and we’ll keep building tools that make professional reputations in this industry easier to see and trust.”