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An Interview with Gina Stoj, Talent Manager, Head of Gina Stoj Management

by Mike Haberfelner

May 2016

Quick Links

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First of all, why don't you introduce yourself to those of us who don't already know you?

 

My name is Gina Stoj I am an Australian based agent who operates out of Sydney, NSW where I represent over 200 actors. As an agent/manager my career spans across 15 years. I also run Gina Stoj Management USA and manage over 100 actors in Los Angeles and New York combined.

 

Do talk about some of the talent you're currently managing, and what are your criteria for choosing suitable talent for your agency?

 

I have a little over 100 people in America and over 200 people in Australia. Recently I have I have booked actors on shows such as Scorpion, NCIS, Madam Secretary, Mistresses, Marvel Agents of Shield, Law & Order SVU, Bones, Castle just name a few. In Australia lots commercial bookings and TV shows such as A Place To Call Home, Home and Away, Neighbours, Deadly Women, Rake and several others. I am very committed to building relationships with actors who are self motivated and reliable. Obviously I have a very high standard when looking for talent but I am open to nurturing relationships with actors who are developing their identity in the industry.

 

Any free advice for actors trying to make it in the business?

 

Having talent is important - however I do believe understanding that you are your own business helps you move a lot quicker through the industry hoops. Always keep your agent/manager informed of your movements/answer your phone, keep CVs and headshot regularly updated - your material is one of you tools. And always be prepared, it is important to do the research that is required of you… find your niche, understand what makes you tick because in the end you are the product. I guess the best advice I can give an actor who is starting out is be yourself because in the end it is your “uniqueness" that we are looking for.

 

You are known for getting your talent into some top shows and movies - so could you give us a quick rundown how that works?

 

I spend a lot of time looking at the breakdowns that come out each day and submit my actors that I feel are suitable for those roles. If an actor is 100% spot on in what they are after – I will call the casting director and pitch that actor and point out what they have to offer for that role. With that we hope that the actor will get an audition. Then it’s up to them to win the room.

 

How does one become a talent manager, and how does one train to be one actually?

 

There is no training – I think the most common route people take is intern in offices and learn the ropes that way. I jumped in the deep end and just decided to be one! I am a member of the Talent Managers Association in America but that was after I had managed for a while and proved myself to be legitimate. When I need to know something – there is always someone there to advise me. I think it was easier for me because I knew the business and spent many years reading information about the American entertainment industry.

 

You originally started your company in Australia - so what can you tell us about the early days of Gina Stoj Management, and about the Australian entertainment industry?

 

Starting out as a "stage mum" I saw the need for a middle tier agency. The agencies that were out there were either top on the line or they took care of only extras - I saw a huge gap so I filled it! I learned so much about the entertainment Industry from being immersed into it - GSM grew very fast through word of mouth. I still represent many of actors that I signed 15 years ago - how’s that for loyalty?

 

What were your motives to expand to the USA eventually? And how does working in LA compare to working in Australia?

 

Seven years ago I travelled to LA to explore the industry for my son, at the time I represented him in Australia only. As an actor he wanted to explore his options to relocate and work in the US. I visited several actors studios, upon mention that I was an Australian agent I was inundated with headshots and CVs from US based talent so many actors reached out for management - I was surprised at the high calibre of these actors so I thought to myself, “Why not try to establish myself here?"… The support I received at the time overwhelms me till this day. There is no secrecy when it comes to the film/TV industry in the US - it has been an amazing ride… I now manage my son’s career in the US as well and have done so for many years. I have met so many casting directors who I not only call work colleagues but I call friends - their generosity and support has never ceased to amaze me.

 

You seem to have come pretty far already - so what are your aspirations for the future?

 

I would love to continue to support the industry by producing quality feature films!

 

On a more personal note: Your favourite movies, and movies you really deplore?

 

The genre of films that interest me vary... I love psychological thrillers - I simply loved the Saw films. But give me a good ol’ romantic film any day etc Dirty Dancing, Ghost. There are not may films I deplore … I appreciate and value what has gone into getting a film off the ground. Usually a lot of blood sweat and tears - so you gotta respect the process.

 

Your/your company's website, Facebook, whatever else?

 

Feeling lucky?
Want to
search
any of my partnershops yourself
for more, better results?
(commissions earned)

The links below
will take you
just there!!!

Find Gina Stoj
at the amazons ...

USA  amazon.com

Great Britain (a.k.a. the United Kingdom)  amazon.co.uk

Germany (East AND West)  amazon.de

Looking for imports?
Find Gina Stoj here ...

Thailand  eThaiCD.com
Your shop for all things Thai

www.ginastoj.com

https://pro-labs.imdb.com/company/co0122856/?ref_=sch_int - Australian IMDb.

https://pro-labs.imdb.com/company/co0324774/?ref_=sch_int - USA IMDb.

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=gina%20stoj%20management

 

Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?

 

Yes!!! With the time difference, my day starts at 3am – submitting in LA. I am constantly working hard for my actors their success drives me!

 

Thanks for the interview!

 

© by Mike Haberfelner


Legal note: (re)Search my Trash cannot
and shall not be held responsible for
content of sites from a third party.




Thanks for watching !!!



 

 

In times of uncertainty of a possible zombie outbreak, a woman has to decide between two men - only one of them's one of the undead.

 

There's No Such Thing as Zombies
starring
Luana Ribeira, Rudy Barrow and Rami Hilmi
special appearances by
Debra Lamb and Lynn Lowry

 

directed by
Eddie Bammeke

written by
Michael Haberfelner

produced by
Michael Haberfelner, Luana Ribeira and Eddie Bammeke

 

now streaming at

Amazon

Amazon UK

Vimeo

 

 

 

Robots and rats,
demons and potholes,
cuddly toys and
shopping mall Santas,
love and death and everything in between,
Tales to Chill
Your Bones to

is all of that.

 

Tales to Chill
Your Bones to
-
a collection of short stories and mini-plays
ranging from the horrific to the darkly humourous,
from the post-apocalyptic
to the weirdly romantic,
tales that will give you a chill and maybe a chuckle, all thought up by
the twisted mind of
screenwriter and film reviewer
Michael Haberfelner.

 

Tales to Chill
Your Bones to

the new anthology by
Michael Haberfelner

 

Out now from
Amazon!!!