As Hollywood grapples with a persistent unemployment crisis, freelance crew members are facing unprecedented instability and irregular income. In response, the professional networking app ShoBizzy has emerged as a strategic alternative, recently expanding its reach beyond film and television into the high-growth sectors of live events and digital content creation.
Redefining Freelance Networking
Launched in January, ShoBizzy differentiates itself from legacy job boards like Backstage and StaffMeUp. Rather than forcing users through tedious application processes, the platform functions as a social ecosystem. Freelancers build public profiles that highlight their specific skills, allowing them to cultivate long-term industry connections—a necessity in a business where “who you know” often dictates career longevity.
“Freelancers live a very non-traditional career path. We never have a permanent employer, so your network is the most valuable piece to your career,” explains co-founder Doug Weitzbuch, a veteran producer with credits on Duck Dynasty and Hell’s Kitchen.
Capitalizing on the Creator Economy and Live Events
The pivot to include live events and content creation is a calculated move. The creator economy is currently valued at approximately $250 billion, while U.S. live event revenue is projected to reach $68.7 billion in 2024, according to PwC data.
Kevin Eberly, co-founder of ShoBizzy and creator of PayYourRent, notes that the platform is opening doors for crew members that they might not have discovered independently. The company has already secured partnerships with major entities like Red Light Management—which represents stars such as Sabrina Carpenter, The Strokes, and The Black Keys—providing freelancers access to high-profile concert tours and festival projects.
Streamlining Production Workflows with AI
ShoBizzy has upgraded its suite of tools to assist production companies in managing complex hiring requirements. The platform’s production workflow is now optimized for multi-date, multi-location concert tours and includes features to coordinate with vendors, such as camera rental houses.
At the core of the platform is an AI-powered algorithm that suggests talent based on production location, real-time availability, and verified IMDb credits. This system allows companies to track hiring progress and communicate directly with candidates within the app.
Rapid Adoption and Future Growth
Since its inception, the app has gained significant traction, recording 6,500 individual signups and onboarding 650 companies. The client roster includes major industry players such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Nike, and the WNBA. Currently, ShoBizzy is in the process of raising a $2 million seed funding round to fuel its continued expansion.