1. I love attending film festivals! One festival I have been attending for a few years now is the Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF). It attracts thousands of festivalgoers of all ages and ethnicities both in-person and online. As a fan of this Festival, I was thrilled to be asked to be a guest speaker for one of their panels. I’m so grateful to have been a part of TBFF’s panel titled “Representation- Does It Make A Difference?” It was an honour to be able to provide my insight on the relevance of representation in the entertainment industry, along with some amazing guest speakers. From an Emmy-nominated actor, to award-winning talent agents, as well as a critically acclaimed producer, this panel was jam-packed with inspiring knowledge and advice. I had an incredible time, and I’m ready to embrace more opportunities to share my expertise and experience in the future. Special shout out and thanks goes out to the “Queen of Festivals” Fabienne Colas, Andrea Este, Leandro Matos and the entire staff at TBFF for the invite and all their hard work in putting on this great Festival year after year!
So, do you really need an agent to be an actor? Tune in and gain some valuable insights from the clip below as I, along with esteemed industry professionals Jadiel Dowlin Lewis (Emmy-Nominated Actor/Writer), Jennifer Irons (Literary Agent), Andrew Burrows-Trotman (Producer/Writer) and Sohrab Merchant (Literary Agent) discuss the impact of having an agent as a writer, actor or director:
To watch the rest of the panel discussion, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyxmHDCrM-Q
2. What an incredible experience at The Halifax Black Film Festival (HBFF)! The HBFF is not just about films, it’s a vibrant celebration of culture and storytelling. Moderating the panel discussion on “Why Racialized Casting Directors are Key to Boosting Representation On Screen” was a highlight. Engaging with industry experts like casting director Zora-DeHorter, talent agent Tiauna Jackson, film industry veteran and producer Hank White, and actress Koumbie was truly inspiring. Let’s continue to amplify diverse voices in filmmaking!
To watch the full panel discussion, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKZnJ4wnQOk
3. I was thrilled to be back at The Toronto Black Film Festival! This year’s celebration was a vibrant mix of creativity, culture, and community. From the soulful sounds of Afro-Cuban Jazz to the lively beats of Soca and Calypso, every moment was unforgettable! I was honoured to have participated as a guest speaker on the panel titled: “Cinematic Activism: How Filmmakers and Crews Use Storytelling to Address Societal Issues, Challenge Stereotypes and Inspire Activism” alongside amazing talents including media producer Powys Dewhurst, actress and director Kharå Martin, actress Lily Yawson and producer Ravelle Thomas. Huge thanks to the TBFF for fostering such a vibrant space for creativity and dialogue. I’m already counting down until next year!
By the way, I’m available to be a guest speaker on panel discussions, radio/television shows, webinars, podcasts and any other virtual or in-person events to speak on various topics about the Business of Acting. I’m also available to be a moderator for panel discussions, question & answer sessions, online forums/summits, radio/television shows, onstage interviews, as well as interviews with high-profile personalities and celebrities. For details on speaking fees and availability, contact me at: francine@talentunleashed.ca.
*Disclaimer: Talent Unleashed is NOT a talent or employment agency. It is also NOT an acting school or casting office. The company does NOT promise or secure employment, jobs, auditions, or bookings for actors. Additionally, taking a workshop with an industry expert or using a service provided by the company is NOT a guarantee of future employment. Workshops and services provided by Talent Unleashed are solely to help actors to increase their chances of succeeding in the entertainment industry. Starting an acting career is not an easy endeavour to pursue. As an actor, it is your responsibility to do all that you can to succeed in the entertainment industry. With hard work, determination, and motivation from your peers, you can achieve your acting dreams.