CHRIS YOUNG

ATA TV-Film Talent Agent/Co-Owner
Smith Young Talent Agency
chris@sytalentagency.com

Interview

• Where are you originally from?

  Trenton, NJ

• Where do you currently reside?

  Atlanta, GA

• What prompted you to get into the entertainment industry?

  As a teenager, my friend was auditioning in NYC for television, film, and theater, and I had the privilege of going with her. These were the days before smartphones. I would offer her advice and it often worked for her in getting more callbacks, etc. I created a relationship with Nancy Carson at the Carson-Adler Agency. After deciding to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, I phoned Nancy with the request for a referral, and landed a job at Atlanta Models & Talent. At that point, I was bitten by the bug to become an agent.

• Please outline the services you provide for clients, and any specialties:

  We're a full-service talent agency for television, film, and commercials. We also service multi-hyphenate talent. For example, there are several clients that happen to be singers, film actors, comedy-sketch players, and school teachers all at the same time.

• What type of clients do you typically represent? What factors do you consider when deciding which clients to take on?

  The typical client is an on-camera actor. We enjoy working with actors that really love the craft of acting. This means that they hunger for the process of storytelling. We look for a professional actor who has extensive training. It's always great to meet and pursue an actor that has taken time to create a strong resume and reel, along with industry viable headshots, etc.

• What is one thing people would be surprised to know about your profession? What is one of the biggest misconceptions?

  A great amount of the day is filled with phone calls and emails. We work nearly fifteen hours a day, if not more on most days. We are not on most red carpets; in fact, I'm typically uninterested in that. After hours of creating a deal and seeing it to fruition, that's the true reward.

• What are some challenges or obstacles you have faced as an African-American in this profession?

  There are many gatekeepers! This goes without saying, but we have learned to become very meticulous in our approach. As we have gained momentum, there are many who attempt at creating roadblocks, but there is always an honorable way to burst through them. Often, we find ourselves being held to a completely different standard of procedures, processes, rules, and regulations. Just know that there is always a way to success. We continue to thrive.

• What do you think can be done to improve diversity in regards to representation?

  The greatest responsibility we all have is to assist in getting a seat at the table. It is imperative that we create internships, hire individuals that look like us, and actively create opportunities for ourselves. Do not wait for or stand idly by awaiting the proverbial 'open door' because it doesn't exist for most. Create the door, and walk through it.

• What advice would you have for other African-Americans looking to enter this profession?

  Aggressively and thoughtfully create your own network of individuals that are already working in the field of entertainment. Meet everyone!

• What is the best way for people to get in touch with you?

  My social media is @ceomgmt on all platforms. For the purpose of general inquiry of talent submissions, feel free to email me at: chris@sytalentagency.com. Smith Young Talent can also be reached at: 1720 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 915, Atlanta, GA 30309, or 1620 Centinela Avenue, Suite 208C, Inglewood, CA 90302.