| Hollywood's Best Kept Secret |
| Written by Bristol MacDonald |
| Thursday, 19 October 1995 08:14 |
 Charlotte Adams, owner of Artist and Talent Career Centre Just above the hustle and bustle of Jerry’s Famous Deli in Studio City, unknowingly tucked away on the second floor, a unique and enchanted world exists that few are privy to. Along the long private corridor, which houses two established theatres, a part of theatrical history can still be felt lingering in the air. Although the names and faces have changed over the years, if these walls could talk, they would spin their tales of the hopes, dreams and hard work of many generations of actors. Their spirits continue to live on here and now touch a new breed of aspiring talent that find themselves mysteriously drawn to this magical haven. It is here that Artist and Talent Career Centre, a talent management company, has come to reside. In their newly expanded offices, the energy runs high. Young, beautiful hopefuls scurry about collecting resumes, looking over proof sheets and enthusiastically confirming interviews. The sparkle in their eyes and eagerness in their motions reflects those of their predecessors from days long gone. At the heart of this whirlwind of activities is Charlotte Adams, owner and operator of this remarkable establishment. Adams, a small framed woman, with a heart of gold and a fiery passion to help and protect her clients, sits behind her desk in her busy, private office and smiles, obviously thrilled to be where she is today. “I really like the people that I work with. I enjoy them and I want to work hard for them,” she says. That type of sheer dedication and commitment is evident in the success stories of her past discoveries. These include; Ashley Johnson of Growing Pains, Erin Davis of Sinbad, Patrick Stuert of All My Children and an international model Beverly Peele, to name a few. Having started in the business eight years ago, Adams admits that her own rise to success is an unusual story. A housewife and mother of five from Cleveland, Ohio, she impulsively packed up her children one day and made the sudden move to California. She became involved in the entertainment industry only after one of her children showed interest in the acting profession. “I tried to get one of my daughters into the business, but nobody would give me any information on how to get started. So, I ended up at Faces International, spending hundreds of dollars for nothing,” she says with frustration. Discussing these type of get rich quick schemes, Adams cringes in disgust. “People who put ads in the newspaper are what I call portfolio rip offs. It’s the places that promise you in 12 weeks, for $1,800, you’ll be a star, that give the industry a bad name. They prey on people’s vulnerabilities. It’s awful,” she adds. As fate would have it, she met Michael Cushman, a man who had a solid, reputable background in the industry. Together they decided to make a positive difference in this business and began personally developing new talent. “I did my homework. I just made it a point to find out how a new person coming into town really gets started. I spoke to agents and managers. I even met with Stella Adler, an incredible lady. I think she ha a lot to do with where I am today,” she explains. Today Adams solely owns Artist and Talent Career Centre, having amiably separated with Cushman, although they still continue to consult each other. Her goal is to guide serious, aspiring talent toward their ultimate dreams and it is here that dreams come true. “It’s what I would call a one stop shop. I focus on grooming and developing talent. I have a slogan. I tell people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. Some people would rather hear you say, yes we can do this for you for this much money and they’ll pay it. Unfortunately, by the time thy get to me they’re broke,” she laughs. “But, that’s not what we are here. The industry is changing so much and no one is telling these new people what to do. I tell them what they need to know,” she emphasizes. At the Artist and Talent Career Centre the emphasis is not on money, but on training the novice actor from ages four on up. At very inexpensive prices,commercial, improve and scene study workshops are offered, as well as a class for models seeking to enter the European market. Her clients are also given the opportunity to work on stage, across the hall, at the Lionstar Theatre, which she rents from entertainment veterans Anthony Leonardi and Herb Mitchell. Mitchell, who has an impressive list of commercial credits, was so impressed with her success he too has just recently joined her client list. Adams and Diane Dahlen, her assistant, personally guide her people through each step necessary, from putting headshots and resumes together, placing them in the appropriate classes, to finding them in the appropriate classes, to finding them an agent. “Beginners start training here. That way it gives me a chance to see if they’re really interested. I won’t send anyone to an agent until they’re ready. I won’t embarrass myself or them. I tell my clients that it will take time. It’s like going to college to be a doctor or lawyer. You have to learn your craft or it’s not going to happen,” she stresses. Adams recommends to anyone just beginning, to join a theatre group, read the trade papers and get involved in student film projects in order to build a resume and tape. “Learn what the business is all about,” she says. Her receptionist enters the office and quickly reads off a list of updates on her clients whereabouts and interview information. She takes it all in with a nod, confident that everything is running smoothly. At the present time Adams handles approximately 15 clients, all of whom are actively working in the business. When speaking of their work, her face lights up like an adoring mother proud of her children. She jumps from her chair and points to the headshots lining the wall and begins rattling off their accomplishments. “Randy is appearing on the new series Live Shots this week. Carl is the new Marlboro man throughout Europe, Wendy has done a lot of work lately, including Models Inc. Chuck was discovered doing a showcase here and recommended by a casting director to the Nosotros Theatre. He’s now opening in The Impostor and Christine, who I found working at Jerry, just got an agent last week and has a call back on her first call out,” she openly beams. Adams may be tickled over her clients newly founded success, but she is very serious about her position. She constantly stays on top of the business at hand, going through the breakdowns, contacting agents to ensure her people are being sent out, watching over their progress and preparing them for the harsh realities and rejections that this business is so known for. In this industry, where getting started seems to be Hollywood’s best kept secret, Adams prides herself on being honest and telling it like it is. “Actors have to believe in themselves,” she says with conviction. “They have to take the time and energy and be willing to do the work,” she sits down at her desk and leans forward, slowly and clearly accentuating her words. “I tell people, if this is something you really want to do and you’re really ready to work hard, then you can do it.” |
| Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 January 2010 12:07 |