Stop Complaining About Nepo Babies and Start Acting Like One

Written By Joshua Morgan

You might have heard the term ‘nepo baby’ floating around lately, especially in the entertainment world. Basically, it’s a buzzy way of saying someone got a leg up in the industry because they were born into a family with connections. And yeah, there’s no denying it—having a parent in the biz definitely gives you a certain edge. Just ask Emma Roberts. Or Dakota Johnson. Or Lily-Rose Depp. Or—yeah, OK, you get the picture.

We’ve all been there—feeling the frustration of seeing our most rivaled nepo babies in the entertainment industry succeed and getting all the juicy roles. It’s easy to fall into the trap of complaining about not having the same privileges, pointing fingers at the unfairness of it all, and feeling like we’re being left behind. But here’s the thing: all this bitching and moaning isn’t getting us anywhere. The reality is, we need to come to terms with a very simple truth about the world: people like to work with those they trust. And that’s why nepotism exists, and why ‘nepo babies’ have had some level of success. If we want to succeed in this industry, we need to focus on building our own trusted name and establishing our own credibility—famous parents or not.

I mean, think about it. We all want to work with people we can trust, right? That’s just part of being human. You want a reliable dentist, a moving company that won’t lose your stuff, or a cleaning person who won’t mess up your place. It’s the same in our industry. The only difference is the stakes are way higher. When you’re making a big hire for a movie or a show, you don’t want to mess up because it’ll cost a hell of a lot more than a broken vase. You want someone who’s got a good reputation, someone who’s been vouched for by others. That’s why nepo babies exist, it’s why they’re successful. It’s just the way it is.

So here’s a wild suggestion: instead of griping about the nepo babies, let’s start acting like them! Think about it—wouldn’t it be great if we could earn those knowing nods and trust-filled smiles when our name comes up in industry circles? Wouldn’t it be convenient if we too could have a reputation that precedes us? And the best part? We won’t have the added pressure of being compared to our ultra-talented, Oscar-winning parents if things don’t go exactly as planned.

Alright, so you’re not a nepo baby and you’re sick of hearing about them getting all the gigs. It’s time to take matters into your own hands. Building a network of trusted professionals is key to getting ahead in this industry, and guess what? It’s not rocket science. You don’t need to be the offspring of a Hollywood legend to make it happen.

Just focus on making real, meaningful connections with people you respect and who respect you. Whether it’s joining industry groups, going to events, or simply reaching out to people you admire, start building your tribe of supporters. So, let’s strive to build our own name brand, establish credibility, and have people vouch for us just like the nepo babies do.

Becoming Your Own Nepo Baby:

• Get in on the ground floor: Network with aspiring filmmakers and actors, go to film festivals and industry events, and offer to assist on their projects.
• Be a team player: Work hard and be dependable on set. Show that you’re a collaborative and supportive colleague, and people will be more likely to want to work with you in the future.
• Be a jack-of-all-trades: Brush up on all aspects of your craft. Being well-rounded will make you a more valuable asset on any project.
• Create your own opportunities: Write your own scripts, make your own short films, and enter them in festivals. This will not only build your reputational capital but also give you a body of work to show off.
• Cultivate relationships with the right people: Find mentors who can help guide you and introduce you to others in the industry. And most importantly, be genuine and treat people well. A good reputation is worth its weight in gold in this business.

So there you have it folks, the secret to becoming your own nepo baby. Just remember, it’s all about who you know and who you know is your responsibility. No longer will you be left on the sidelines, muttering to yourself about the injustice of the world. With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll fool everyone into thinking your dad is Marty Scorsese! Just don’t forget to bring your dynamite, one of a kind talent to the table, otherwise it’s all for naught. 😉