Variety Moves Into Social Networking

Variety magazine has launched a social networking site called "the Biz" which will be focused on the entertainment business.

The site focuses on three main areas.  Connect: Find colleagues, peers and mentors in the entertainment industry. Networking made easy. Careers: Meet professionals directly inside entertainment. Recruit new talent. Search for jobs, promotions or projects.

Community: Exchange ideas. Projects or test your latest big pitch among peers. Industry experts are here to bounce ideas. Your big break starts here.

The site allows users of Facebook or Linkedin to import their existing profile information. Users can upload photos, videos or resumes to their profile. The Biz is powered by Jobster and allows users to search for jobs and for recruiters to post job openings.

"The Biz will give our readers a unique new way to interact and forge relationships with their peers in the community," Variety president and publisher Neil Stiles told the magazine.