HomeFront BannerINDUSTRY SHOWCASE Professional Actors Studio November 15, 2021 Front Banner, Special Events Nick Conti and The Professional Actor’s Studio proudly present The Actor’s Bridge BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN ACTORS AND INDUSTRY This unique program provides current students at The Professional Actor’s Studio an opportunity to be seen by top industry professionals including casting directors, agents, producers, directors and screenwriters. Intermediate and advanced actors will have the opportunity to perform live and submit headshots and resumes to the industry guests. Depending on space availability, beginner actors are welcome to observe and present headshots and resume. Previous Showcase Guests Wednesday, October 17 th, 2018 7:30pm Jessica Fox Owner & Director of Fox Casting Jessica Fox-Thigpen began her career in the mid 80’s alongside Mick Dowd Casting in Los Angeles. During this time she secured talent for multiple commercial campaigns and “Hoosiers”, the Orion picture film starring Gene Hackman. Some other notable accounts she has worked with include Toyota, 7-UP, Bud Light, AT&T, Cheerios and Maybelline. Jessica Fox began her Casting company in 2015 and has been a powerhouse since. Her most recent projects include the hit TV series “Swamp Murders”, “Your Worst Nightmare” and Investigation Discovery’s “Dead Silent” and is casting for the upcoming Bollywood feature “Siman” directed by Hansal Mehta. Jessica Fox understands that great casting is built on the strength of relationships and effective communication. Known for being an actor’s advocate and a champion of clients she has a keen eye for spotting talent and is making a strong mark in the southeast. Jacob Lawson Owner & Agent of Privilege Talent Agency Since 2013 Privilege Talent has opened its doors to some of the finest talent in the southeast. The company has a strong roster comprised of children, teens and adults. Privilege Talent has a unique division devoted to experts in media such as on camera psychologists, doctors and leaders in business. When Atlanta native Jacob Lawson joined the team he immediately became a dynamite asset to the Privilege family. Jacob’s professionalism and natural charm wins the hearts of talent and casting directors alike. Edward Reid Vaslov Entertainment Edward Reid is a screenwriter, actor, producer, and director. He is the owner of Vaslov Entertainment. His projects include the dark comedy about a mobster on the run who ends up in Moscow, Idaho, “The Grand Prince of Moscow,” which has distribution overseas. His projects also include “64/8”, an unconventional comedy about a group of extras navigating their way through the film industry. The pilot just premiered at the Plaza on May 5th. His team will be seeking distribution for this with the networks. He is currently acting in and producing “The Meaningful Life of Art and Henry,” a short film about two dysfunctional and depressed neighbors trying to find purpose in life. In June he is beginning another film, a surreal drama, “The Redemption of Charles Stone”, a story about a hopeless heroin addict who overdoses and wakes up to find himself living in the perfect life. Wednesday October 18, 2017 7:30pm Michael Gillespie is an Atlanta-based Casting Associate and Rhavynn Drummer is an Atlanta-based Casting Director. Michael began his career at Tyler Perry Studios, working for Rhavynn. While working at the studio, he has participated in the casting of two sitcoms, three drama series, and three feature films. He has also worked with Nickelodeon and was casting associate on the new YouTube Red series, “Step Up: Highwater”. Rahavynn has always had a love for actors and great performances. She began her career in casting at Tyler Perry Studios where she’s participated in the casting of 13 feature films, six television series and seven theatrical productions. She’s had the privilege of working on projects like “The Family That Preys”, “Why Did I Get Married Too?”, “The Marriage Counselor” and the most recent television series, “The Haves and The Have Nots” and “If Loving You is Wrong”, currently on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Wednesday, October 18 th, 2017 7:30pm Pierre Casting is an Atlanta based company with agent and manager relationships in LA, NY as well as the South East. Committed to setting their standards high on every project from beginning to end. In conjunction to casting Series Regulars, Lead and Day Player roles, Pierre Castings extensive EXTRAS database with over 10,000 members allows them to be a stronger asset for your casting needs. Pierre Casting was formed in 2007. Since then they have worked with industry giants such as The Weinstein Group, Sony Screen Gems, Universal Studios, MTV, CNN, TV ONE, BET and talented directors such as Sam Miller, Tim Story, Paul Hoen, and Malcolm Lee. They’ve also worked with industry super producers Will Packer, David Zucker, Rueben Cannon, Jeff Davis and Roger Bobb whose projects together have grossed over a billion dollars, has allowed Pierre Casting to contribute and be a part of: Scary Movie, No Good Deed, Ride Along, Teen Wolf and The Rickey Smiley Show, etc. Jeff Karantza Jeff is a casting director/ producer/ director who has several projects coming up this spring including the feature films “Trapped”, “Memphis Son”, and “People Can Fly.” He helps cast for the shows “The Have and Have Nots”, “Love Thy Neighbor” and “For Better or Worse”, at the Tyler Perry Studios, as well as the recently wrapped “Boo! a Media Halloween,” to be released this fall. Jeff started his career at the age of 6, having appeared in some of Stephen King’s projects. Established in 1959, Atlanta Models & Talent, Inc. is a full service, SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) franchised agency. AMT has been providing professional talent for the film, video, commercial and television industries as well as the voice-over, new media, print and trade show markets for over 50 years. AMT prides itself on maintaining a select and exclusive roster of highly skilled and highly motivated professionals. Wednesday June 14, 2017 7:30pm Ryan Monolopolus Ryan Monolopolus is a director and performer from Buffalo, NY. He’s worked professionally in New York City, San Francisco, Virginia and most recently Atlanta, Georgia where he now resides. He has worked in many facets of film, with the goal of telling authentic and compelling stories to better the lives of others. Ryan graduated with high honors from the University at Buffalo with a degree in Media Production and Sociology. He created a small production company: Monolopolus Productions. Since then, he has traveled internationally designing media content and creating films. In 2010 he began work on his first feature film, Let Them Have Their Way (2015) the largest independently financed film to be shot in Buffalo, NY. In 2013 he released his first feature documentary, Recovery (2014), which details a young man’s struggle for survival after a car accident and traumatic brain injury. To date he has directed and produced several features, produced broadcast episodic content and has written and directed several shorts. In the commercial world he has worked with many high-profile brands and clients including the Humane Society, Mercy Flight, HP, YellowPages, World.org and NewsMax creating media for theatrical release and national broadcast. Julie Martin Began her 20+ year career with Arlene Wilson Management. She was a driving force in creating their Children’s Division for the Atlanta market, eventually becoming the Director of the Broadcast Division, & continued in that position even after Arlene Wilson became Ford Models. In 2009 Julie accepted the position of Broadcast Director with Real People Models & Talent later moving in 2010 to Click Models and J Pervis Talent as an Agency Director where she continued to build the successful careers of the many adult fashion and commercial print talent represented. In 2015 Julie accepted the Agency Director Position at BMG Atlanta, a larger National Agency representing Model and Talent at their newly opened Atlanta Offices, where the focus of full circle management reflected her own personal views of one agency working with each talent from youth through adult for Print, Commercial, TV and Film on a National and International level. BMG has offices in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Milwaukee, Orlando, Miami and Los Angeles. New Life Casting is the only extras casting agency in Fayette County, Georgia. Since opening New Life in November 2012, Ann Whittenberg has worked on films and television shows, including “Synchronicity,” “The Hidden City,” “Lost & Found,” “Implosion,” “Stuff You Should Know,” “Swamp Murders,” “Desires of the Heart,” “Queen of the Castle,” and “The Circle.” She’s cast commercials for Coke, Listerine, Belk, Homewood Studios, Disney, and Emory. She’s even cast photo shoots and a couple of music videos. Wednesday February 22 nd, 2017 7:30pm Jessica Fox Owner & Director of Fox Casting Jessica Fox-Thigpen began her career in the mid 80’s alongside Mick Dowd Casting in Los Angeles. During this time she secured talent for multiple commercial campaigns and “Hoosiers”, the Orion picture film starring Gene Hackman. Some other notable accounts she has worked with include Toyota, 7-UP, Bud Light, AT&T, Cheerios and Maybelline. Jessica Fox began her Casting company in 2015 and has been a powerhouse since. Her most recent projects include the hit TV series “Swamp Murders”, “Your Worst Nightmare” and Investigation Discovery’s “Dead Silent” and is casting for the upcoming Bollywood feature “Siman” directed by Hansal Mehta. Jessica Fox understands that great casting is built on the strength of relationships and effective communication. Known for being an actor’s advocate and a champion of clients she has a keen eye for spotting talent and is making a strong mark in the southeast. Jacob Lawson Owner & Agent of Privilege Talent Agency Since 2013 Privilege Talent has opened its doors to some of the finest talent in the southeast. The company has a strong roster comprised of children, teens and adults. Privilege Talent has a unique division devoted to experts in media such as on camera psychologists, doctors and leaders in business. When Atlanta native Jacob Lawson joined the team he immediately became a dynamite asset to the Privilege family. Jacob’s professionalism and natural charm wins the hearts of talent and casting directors alike. Edward Reid Vaslov Entertainment Edward Reid is a screenwriter, actor, producer, and director. He is the owner of Vaslov Entertainment. His projects include the dark comedy about a mobster on the run who ends up in Moscow, Idaho, “The Grand Prince of Moscow,” which has distribution overseas. His projects also include “64/8”, an unconventional comedy about a group of extras navigating their way through the film industry. The pilot just premiered at the Plaza on May 5th. His team will be seeking distribution for this with the networks. He is currently acting in and producing “The Meaningful Life of Art and Henry,” a short film about two dysfunctional and depressed neighbors trying to find purpose in life. In June he is beginning another film, a surreal drama, “The Redemption of Charles Stone”, a story about a hopeless heroin addict who overdoses and wakes up to find himself living in the perfect life. Cheryl Louden-Kubin The Atlanta Casting Director Cheryl has over twenty years of experience with casting in the south including, Emmy, Golden Globe, People’s Choice, and Clio Award winners. She is a graduate of Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY with a BA in Drama & English. She also attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, England as well as Carnegie-Mellon University. She began casting work as an associate at The Casting Directors, inc. and then moved on to in-house casting for Miami Vice with Lori Wyman. After Vice wrapped, she opened The Casting Crew, inc. in Hollywood, FL and was President/Owner there for 10 years. She then relocated to Atlanta in 2000 where she put her acting degree to use as it has helped her to become a greater casting director. Danita Florance Director of Talent “Littman Talent Group”( LA/ NYC/ Atlanta) Danita has worn many hats throughout her career on and off the camera. Her career began at an early age, where she quickly rose to become a well-respected actress and industry expert. Her acting career lead her to National Television Commercials, Feature Films, Broadway and Print Advertisement seen in Global Markets. Formerly the CEO of Premiere Incorporated with divisions that included (est. 1996-2012) Premiere Productions, Premiere Talent Agency, and Premiere Performing Arts. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Minnesota and received a vocal scholarship from Georgia State University & Boston Conservatory of Music. Danita is an accomplished musician in vocal performance and has been a member of the Broadway touring company “Atlantic Productions”. She has been a member of Screen Actors Guild, AEA, and has held “Title” roles in National Plays, Broadway musicals, and performed for Government dignitaries throughout the United States and Europe. A former Mrs. Georgia United States 2001 and Consult Producer for Black and White TV, Maverick TV USA, CW, and Bravo networks. Her success as an agent has been attributed to her diverse background which earned the trust and formed solid relationships with Casting Directors throughout a Bi-coastal market. Always the visionary and thinking outside the box, she has helped actors soar to new heights in their careers. Wednesday October 19th, 2016 7:30pm Brenda Pauley Senior Vice President & Head of Film & TV, People Store Brenda Pauley began her career over 25 years ago in Los Angeles as a talent agent for Inner Vision Talent Agency. After forming the commercial and film department, she relocated to Atlanta and opened the theatrical department for Serendipity Models and Talent. In 1997, she opened the adult division of the Talent Group and Hot Shot Kids/Teens. Brenda’s knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for the business made the Talent Group/Hot Shot Kids and Teens one of the top theatrical agencies in the Southeast. Her continued presence in Los Angeles has afforded her actors the opportunity to venture into the west coast arena and work successfully in television and film. In 2002, The Talent Group and Hot Shot Kids joined forces with People Store creating People Store/Hot Shot kids and teens, the South East’s premier talent agency. Patrick Ryan Head of Talent, Alligned Stars Agency Patrick opened his doors to deliver superior talent for creative projects. Because he keeps his book of talent small, he only takes artists with outstanding technique and unmatched professionalism. His agency, ASA, puts its reputation on the shoulders of each one of their talent roster. ASA demands that they live up to astronomical expectations. ASA feels that their clients deserve no less. ASA represents Artists working in the Film & Television, Commercial, and Modeling Industry. The agency focuses on finding work in Television, Film, Commercials, Industrial, Print, Promotional Modeling and Editorial work. Each day the agency sets out to help its clients’ stars align so that they achieve their professional goals. It is ASA’s belief that talent is not just found, but that it requires cultivation, vision, and personal attention to reach new levels. That’s exactly what the agency commits to give each of its clients. Jeff Karantza Independent Casting Director Jeff is a casting director/ producer/ director who has several projects coming up this spring including the feature films “Trapped”, “Memphis Son”, and “People Can Fly.” He helps cast for Tyler Perry shows such as “The Have and Have Nots”, “Love Thy Neighbor” and “For Better or Worse” as well as “Boo! a Media Halloween,” releasing this fall. Jeff started his career at the age of 6, having appeared in some of Stephen King’s projects. Jordan Brown Independent Casting Director Jordan Brown has been working in the Atlanta film industry for three years. After receiving a B.A. in Paralegal Studies/Theatre she worked in NYC where she studied at Stella Adler. Prior to moving back to the midwest to pursue work in the film industry. She started with extras casting as an assistant for major films like such as “The Avengers”. Jordan has been working as a casting director for Georgia independent films for two years and her work includes “Caesar”, “Thieves of Almira”, and “Sunrise Electric”. Recent projects include SAG film “Mine 9”. Wednesday May 25th, 2016 7:30pm Julie Martin BMG ATLANTA Began her 20+ year career with Arlene Wilson Management. She was a driving force in creating their Children’s Division for the Atlanta market, eventually becoming the Director of the Broadcast Division, & continued in that position even after Arlene Wilson became Ford Models. In 2009 Julie accepted the position of Broadcast Director with Real People Models & Talent later moving in 2010 to Click Models and J Pervis Talent as an Agency Director where she continued to build the successful careers of the many adult fashion and commercial print talent represented. In 2015 Julie accepted the Agency Director Position at BMG Atlanta, a larger National Agency representing Model and Talent at their newly opened Atlanta Offices, where the focus of full circle management reflected her own personal views of one agency working with each talent from youth through adult for Print, Commercial, TV and Film on a National and International level. BMG has offices in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Milwaukee, Orlando, Miami and Los Angeles. Edward Reid Vaslov Entertainment Edward Reid is a screenwriter, actor, producer, and director. He is the owner of Vaslov Entertainment. His projects include the dark comedy about a mobster on the run who ends up in Moscow, Idaho, “The Grand Prince of Moscow,” which has distribution overseas. His projects also include “64/8”, an unconventional comedy about a group of extras navigating their way through the film industry. The pilot just premiered at the Plaza on May 5th. His team will be seeking distribution for this with the networks. He is currently acting in and producing “The Meaningful Life of Art and Henry,” a short film about two dysfunctional and depressed neighbors trying to find purpose in life. In June he is beginning another film, a surreal drama, “The Redemption of Charles Stone”, a story about a hopeless heroin addict who overdoses and wakes up to find himself living in the perfect life. Wednesday February 24th, 2016 7:30pm Reuben Cannon REUBEN CANNON AND ASSOCIATES President, Casting director 1974-1978, Warner Brothers Head of Television Casting 1978-1979. Some of his casting credits include: “Ironside” for Universal Studios, “Roots II, The Next Generation”, “Matlock”, “Touched by an Angel”, “The A-team”, “Riptide”, “Hardcastle and McCormick”, “Moonlighting” ( casting Bruce Willis in his first big break), “The Bernie Mac Show”. Reuben won the casting society of America Artios Award for his casting. In 1985, he teamed up with Stephen Spielberg on “The Color Purple”, where he cast Oprah Winfrey. He also cast “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, “The Josephine Baker Story”, “Desperado” and “What’s Love Got To Do With It?.” Mr. Cannon has produced and co- produced a number of projects , including the T.V. series “Amen” and the mini-series “The Women Of Brewster Place.” Jeff Karantza Jeff is a casting director/ producer/ director who has several projects coming up this spring including the feature films “Trapped”, “Memphis Son”, and “People Can Fly.” He helps cast for the shows “The Have and Have Nots”, “Love Thy Neighbor” and “For Better or Worse”, at the Tyler Perry Studios, as well as the recently wrapped “Boo! a Media Halloween,” to be released this fall. Jeff started his career at the age of 6, having appeared in some of Stephen King’s projects. Wednesday May 27th, 2015 7:30pm Kitty Bundy Presence Models & Talent An Atlanta native, Kitty first entered the model and talent business in Georgia as an actress and model. From there she moved into creative positions in the fashion industry and, ultimately, into her current role as an agent, successfully finding and developing talent for fashion, lifestyle, film and TV. Her actors have been on Vampire Diaries, Drop Dead Diva, 90210, Greeks, Meet the Browns, House of Payne, Shark and An Uncommon Family; and have booked featured roles in films shot not only here in the Southeast but also in the Los Angeles and New York markets. Presence is committed to maintaining a personal relationship with each person chosen for representation and development in order that each can reach the goals that they set. Wednesday March 11th, 2015 7:30pm Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA The Atlanta Casting Director Cheryl has over twenty years of experience casting in the south, including Emmy, Golden Globe, People’s Choice, and Clio Award winners. She is a member of the Casting Society of America, and casts projects across the entertainment media spectrum: film, television, commercials, etc. Wednesday December 10th, 2014 7:30pm Shon Middlebrooks Associate Casting Director, Tyler Perry Studios A self-described “couch potato,” Shon’s love for performing arts began at the age of nine. He began his acting career at age 13 performing in local and professional theatre and went on to receive a scholarship to attend The Actor’s Studio Drama School in New York. Signed to a talent agency in his first semester, he continued to work professionally as an actor before transitioning into working behind the scenes, starting his career at The Gersh Agency. From there, Shon went on to work in the industry in talent representation and is currently a casting assistant. As a casting assistant, Shon has worked on these projects: For Better or Worse Season Two, House of Payne Season 6, Madea’s Witness Protection and The Marriage Counselor. Wednesday October 22nd, 2014 7:30pm Tim Cibene Agent’s Assistant, Houghton Talent, Inc. Tim Cibene was born in Israel and spent much of his childhood in Scotland. At an early age, he developed a love of filmmaking and the business connected with it. He has nearly five years of experience in film producing, combined with professional experience in location management (on the set of AMC’s hit show The Walking Dead) and independent film distribution and talent agencies (having interned with William Morris Endeavor at the Festival de Cannes and Sundance). He graduated with a bachelors in cinema with an emphasis of business from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia (2013). 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