How to update your IMDb profile

7 tips to make your IMDb profile standout

IMDb.com is the premier destination where Producers and Directors visit to lookup cast and crew and validate their experience. If you aren’t listed on IMDb and you are in the film/tv industry you should aim to get credits as soon as possible.

Below I have outlined a few tips to keeping your IMDb profile updated.

1. Create an account

   Anyone can create an IMDb account. It’s FREE and it won’t cost you anything. If you want to add a headshot to your profile then you will need to pay for IMDb Pro. Bonus: if you are a DGA member you can get a 30% discount visiting the DGA site (once logged in).
   

2. Update your contact information, bio and personal details

   Having updated contact information is critical if someone who knows about you but doesn’t know you personally wants to reach out. If you are weary listing a cell you can always just list your email. If you have an agent or manager, you can also list their contact information. On occasion, I will try to hire someone, but because I can’t find their contact info quickly, I move on to the next person. That’s how important this is.

   
   Below I have outlined a few steps for updating this information.
   
   Once logged into your account, you can easily add your contact information. Here are the simple steps to follow:

   1. Visit your profile page, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click edit page.

   2. Once logged in, you can select what areas you want to update, such as Contact, Bio, Links, etc. Select the items you want to add or correct by using the pull down menus.

   3. Scroll down and click continue at the bottom of the page.

   4. Make the addition or adjustment, and then click submit.
      

3. Update your headshot

   Having a professional headshot linked to your profile, even if you are a crew member, can really help you stand out. Yes it costs money but so does keeping a website updated etc… Once logged into your IMDb Pro account, you can easily update this by clicking edit primary image.
   

4. Add missing or new credits

   It’s possible that a project you worked on did not list you on IMDb, or they listed the wrong person by accident. It’s a good habit to go through your latest projects and verify that you are indeed listed. If you aren’t listed, you can simply visit the page of the project where you should be listed, click edit page if logged in via pro or click contribute at the bottom if you have a regular profile. Once you are in the edit version, you can find your position and update accordingly. Note that some positions will not necessarily fall under a certain category and may be listed under the Misc section. If you are unsure which category to use to find your position, you can always look at someone else’s credits and see how they were listed.
   

5. Add missing or new projects

   If you are producing a project, whether a short film or movie, you can add the project to IMDb. Once the project is added, you can add yourself to the project, which will automatically link to your profile.

   1. If you are an established producer or someone in production with credits, you should be able to add a new title relatively easily. Simply fill out this information on the site.

   2. If you are a beginner filmmaker and have limited or no credits, you may need to submit the project to an IMDb qualifying festival via Filmfreeway before you attempt to update the project.
      

6. Add additional information to make your profile stand out

   1. Add behind the scenes pics to your featured pictures

   2. List any unions or guilds you are associated with

   3. Add any college or university you attended

   4. Add links such as your website etc
      

7. Create a vanity URL

   The vanity URL is used as a short url that you can use on your social media platforms, email signature, or business card. Instead of having to remember the imdb url you can use the vanity url.