Dawn Reese Industry Interview

w/ Nancy Rich, founder/owner, Teen Talent Management West Palm Beach, FL area * . * . * . * . *

DR: Hi again, Nancy. Thank you for doing the interview. Tell us how long you've been a manager in Florida.

NR: I have been a manager for 10 years now, Dawn.

DR: Were you yourself ever involved in acting or modeling, Nancy?

NR: Never, I'm a behind the scenes person. I didn't even like to give book reports aloud when I was a kid.

DR: How did you hear of me, Nancy, and how did we first meet?

NR: Through a promoter that we know, Gerry Ralston.

DR: I met your daughters, and they are all Beautiful. My promoter friend, Mr. Ralston, told me about you & the girls. I know the producer over at the Jenny Jones Show, and they put your daughters on the show. How'd the girls like Chicago & the Jenny Jones talent show? I thought they were Awesome! : )

NR: It was so exciting for them. They have gone on & done wonderful things since then. It was very inspiring!!!

DR: What are you looking for in a teen if they submit pictures & demos and want to be with Teen Talent Mgt?

NR: Boys have an easier time than girls in getting started. Girls have to have a special something. I have girls who are the "perky" type, or the girl next door, or exotic or very very talented as a dramatic actress. Regular teen age boys will book as long as they have clear skin and weight proportionate to their height. Girls have to be wonderful to compete for the same jobs. Boys can be a character type, there is little work for that type of girl in Florida.

DR: How is the market for Commercial, Film and Printwork in Florida, Nancy?

NR: During the season (January-April), there is quite a lot of work. During the off season it can be slow.

DR: If talent has never had any training in Commercial or Film, what can you tell them to really help?

NR: There are excellent commercial training courses given over weekends in Hollywood Florida or North Miami Beach. Lori Wyman's sister, Marjorie Morhaim gives a great one that I highly suggest. Lori Wyman is one of the most well known casting directors in the U.S.

DR: You have an Awesome Website for talent to learn & know more about Teen Talent Mgt. It says it all. Mark & I really appreciate what you are doing for these kids. We wish to offer them our Hollywood promotional efforts to prove valuable to both YOU & them, Nancy. I have a very important question. If you see a teen that you know can work as an Actor or Model, and the parent is too pushy, or has an unprofessional attitude, do you still work w/ this marketable talent?

NR: By the time kids are teenagers (which is the only age I work with) it was has to be about the teenager not the parent. If the teen doesn't want to do this, no amount of pushing by the parent will make it happen. The teens are the ones in the casting directors office giving a "read" not the parent. I don't work with annoying or irresponsible parents at all, no matter how talented the teen is.

DR: Tell me more what your daughters are doing with their band Swept Away. They're Rising Stars, and you are extremely busy with them presently on a Summer Tour, correct?

NR: They're on a tour that they organized themselves of 27 cities. It's a radio tour and they've been so fortunate to have their music played on major top40 stations all summer long. They'll be performing at the Orlando House of Blues on August 19th, their first trip back to Florida since May. They were in CT, MA and Rhode Island singing. They're loved in Boston.

DR: I have to tell you. I went to Florida State Fair last year, and I was so impressed how your family all works together in Production. That's so Awesome, as it shows how you really pull together as a Family Unit.

NR: Now it is mostly the girls themselves, but I was with them in NY last week when they were recording and meeting with record companies. My husband is very supportive of their activities because he knows how much this means to them. My other children like to help out when they can.

DR: You took a trip to Vonny Hilton Sweeney's Pre-Grammy Party in Hollywood in February 2000. Can you tell me what you thought of the people that were present at this year's Party?

NR: It was great! Everyone was really nice and friendly. The girls had a wonderful time and met many, many people.

DR: Since you work with so many teens, can you give some real "Advice from the Heart" as to what it takes to be accepted into & stay in this Business of Show?

NR: Believe in your Dreams & invest in Yourself. If this is what you want, invest the time and energy to go for it. Talking won't get you where you want to go. Only action will. Be a Doer!

DR: Thank you, Nancy. I sincerely wish your lovely daughters Great Success in all they do. Having a manager like you is a True Blessing, as you really care about your talent. Save me a Front Row Seat for a Swept Away gig for when I'm there in Florida, OK? I'll bet Mark will get the girls work in Cali if they want it. He knows various Radio & TV Station personalities in Southern CA, Nancy.

DR: Until next time, this is Dawn Reese. Reporting from Dawn 'til Dusk, simply because that's me! That is why I call myself The Winning Edge. Pageant Gals really need to bring Headshots and Demos to Pageants. Not leave them at home. This is so Important. If anyone is interested in the Demo Tape of the World Championships of Performing Arts, send $5 for postage. I can send it to you, and you will see this Awesome Event In Hollywood, California. Send $5 to: Winning Edge, P.O. Box 33722, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 33420

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