Inside Chrome

            Talent agencies are known for bridging the gap between budding talent and career opportunities for the talent. Contracts are made between the talent agency and the talent, and the talent agency and business clients. The Vice President of Operations for Chrome Talent & Creative Group, Charles (Charlie) Reader, made this statement,” as a talent agent, one of the most important things you must be able to do is to be a good negotiator.” During an interview with Charlie, he discussed how he focuses on gaining mutual benefit, refraining from using dirty tricks, and most importantly separating the person from the situation.

            In order to gain mutual benefit, Chrome has diversified it’s business in such a way that any one willing to use their service will benefit from more than just representation. For example, the state of Florida prohibits talent agencies from charging for representing or acting as an agent of a person. Chrome’s goal is then to contract talent, under the circumstances that they receive a full professional portfolio from Chrome and a commission from bookings. This contract is negotiated individually and the terms may vary from talent to talent. However, the ultimate aim is for both parties to gain mutual benefit.

            During the interview, Charlie also talked about the importance of an agent being able to handle different personalities and being cautious of any dirty trick that might be used during a negotiation. He stated, “some clients do not posses the best attitudes, and as an agent your must be able to remove all emotions from the situation and remain professional at all times.” This indicates that in order to be successful in booking clients, you must be able to handle pressure, lies, poor attitudes, or any dirty tricks that might be used against you. You must remove yourself from the situation and act in the best interest of the person that you are representing and the company. 

            It can be said that negotiations play a big role for a talent agent. Therefore, the ability to negotiate effectively is extremely important within the talent agency industry.  

Celebrities for Charities

           It is not uncommon for a celebrity to become philanthropic and donate to a charity. Many charities and non- profit organizations gain tremendous amounts of their revenue from the assistance of celebrities as well as in the form of holding fundraisers to raise money. However, it has become a trend where celebrities join forces, using their talents, and put on an event using the proceeds from the event as a donation to a specific cause or charity.

On February 9^th, 2013 New York City will welcome a fashion show event called, “ The Realtiy of Fashion, The Reality of Aids,” that will bring together 20-30 American reality TV stars set to take the catwalk. As a noble philanthropic event, this fashion show will be featuring couture pieces from New-York Based designer Dominique Auxilly.  After the show, the couture pieces will be auctioned offline and donated to the 2013 Aids Charity of Choice. Another philanthropic event schedule to be held in the upcoming weeks is UNCF An Evening of Stars.

The UNCF event will premiere nationwide on Sunday January 26^th, 2013 on BET. This event will feature Grammy award winner Usher, Steve Harvey, Kevin Hart, Chaka Khan, and many others who will present scholarships to deserving college and college-bound students. UNCF is an organization focusing on a crisis facing African American’s, which is Education. As a result, they award up to 15,000 of the 60,000 students who apply for financial aid every year. Since it’s inception in 1979, UNCF An Evening with Stars has been able to raise over $200 million dollars, which has helped hundreds of thousands of college and graduate college students. However, the most popular and current event showcasing the unity of celebrities for a cause was the Hurricane Sandy Relief concert.

On December 12, 2012 an all-star line up of music legends joined together to rather funds for the victims of the storm Sandy. This nationally broadcasted event showcased stars in particularly black or grey clothing (representing a somber tone), that continually encouraged viewers to donate. This event raised over $35 million dollars in ticket sales alone, according to USA today.

            It is then evident that events such as these have become a main element in the financial life of charities with the help of celebrities. 

The Price of being a Beauty Queen

Copyright- Miss Junior Grand Bahama

It's every girl’s fairytale to become a queen, and what better way to do that than by entering a pageant. Pageants are known to be extravagant, attracting mostly females who are looking to win the crown. Although the glitz and glamour might be blinding, the financial aspect of pageantry is very important. According to an article from DailyFinance.com, a former pageant participant named Hillary Beulah stated that “pageants are a financial endeavor; the travel, the coaches, wardrobe, make up, hair, and in some cases fees are staggering.” This financial endeavor requires a great deal of money, time, and commitment.

            The pageantry industry typically children’s pageants, thrive on the excess amount of money parents spend to ensure that their child has the best chance at winning the pageant. It has been reported that some parents spend anywhere from $20,00 – $100,000 annually. This includes, the entrance fee, wardrobe, coaching, photos, hair and makeup, props, hotel and lodging, transportation, paraphernalia, etc.  In 2008, T.L.C. began airing a show names “ Toddlers and Tiaras,” that clearly showed how expensive pageantry is. A great deal of money is invested into pageantry as well as a great deal of time and commitment.

            Time and commitment are two key factors needed when considering entering a pageant. The coronation ceremony (crowning) may vary from 3 hours – to a 2-week process. However, the preparation for a pageant requires a great deal of time and commitment and can take up to 6 months of preparation. There are some contestants who practice year round, but for others they are bombarded with the times of strenuous rehearsals. If these two elements are missing, it is very unlikely for one to win the crown.

            The advantages of becoming a becoming a queen are a great deal, yet the road to winning the crown is not an easy one. It requires tremendous amounts of commitment and time, and money. 

International Models & Talent Association

Each year, thousands aspiring models, actors, singers, dancers, and songwriters sign up to participate in the most recognized and successful talent and modeling association competition in the world. International Models & Talent Association is a hub where the world’s top model and talent agents, managers and casting directors all meet up in hopes of finding the next rising star. From 1987, IMTA has been deemed a leader in bringing new faces to the people whose business is to identify talent. Through conferences and multiple weeklong competitions, IMTA has produce an impressive and consistently growing list of people who are now seen in magazines, movies, fashion shows and television.

Each year the IMTA host conferences and competitions in Los Angeles and New York City. They solicit top industry professionals who are looking for new faces, to become members of the association, to judge, and select winners for the competitions. Winners of the IMTA competitions gain tremendous opportunities of a lifetime. The IMTA competitions have launched the careers of many celebrities such as Jessica Biel, who was a scholarship winner in 1994. Therefore, it is important for aspiring artists to attend a convention/competition of this nature as a stepping-stone towards a successful career. IMTA conferences and competitions also serves as a place for aspiring artists and models to network.

In an industry that is highly populated and bombarded with new talent, it is important for aspiring artists and models to network and make their presence known. By attending an IMTA conference or competition, all members are given access to network with the aspiring artists, models, dancers, etc. Networking is also beneficial to those who may not be winners in the competition, but who can still make connections with the industry professionals. Moreover, many talent agencies harness tremendous amounts of talents but lack the ability to make the connections with the big business clients. IMTA bridges the gap between the small talent agencies and the big business houses by providing a platform where they can meet and network.

Through its networking advantages and consistently ability to launch the careers of many successful celebrities, IMTA creates opportunities for those entering into this industry and those already in it.

A teen trying to figure it out

Between the ages of 12-19 girls are known for becoming extremely complex, difficult, and are known to be diagnosed with the “I’m finding myself,” syndrome. Most find it difficult to find a positive role model to follow, one that fits their persona.  In her speech “ A teen trying to figure it out,” Tavi Genson a feminism advocate, talks about the issue of teenage girls trying to find themselves. Gevinson’s speech is inspiring based on her knowledge, her work, and personality.  

Gevinson begins her speech sharing knowledge with the audience, educating them on the problems both women and young girls face. One main point that stood out was women being able to become a female with strong character. Gevinson described such a women as one who is able to recognize her flaws, fixes them, and becomes relatable. Television shows such as Lina Dunahm’s “Girls,” are used to spread this message as well. Gevinson realized at an early age that one group of people who where faced with this similar problem, which was not being addressed, were teenagers. This sparked the beginning of her business.

 What is most significant about Gevinson is her blog website Rookie, which she created for young teenage girls. As a young fifteen-year old- girl, Gevinson saw a need for positive role models in the world and created a platform for girls wanting to build their character and make some sense of who they are. The main message of this website is to encourage young teenage girls to accept who they are and to not allow the opinion of others to define them. Although this is a common message, Gevinson is able to connect with teenage girls much easier not only because she too is a teen, but also through her simplicity, humor, and personality.

Gevinson is also able to connect with the audience through her humor and easygoing personality that contributes to the overall performance of her speech.

            As a young entrepreneur, I too have recognized that young teenage girls find it very difficult to accept who they are and find positive role models. It is then good to see young another young woman such as Gevinson, promoting positivity for young girls.