Beneath the glitter

I was thrilled to read a feature story about a small agent (who just happens to be African American) and the below-the-usual-Hollywood-radar agency that franchises him.

I believe that Carolyn Sun’s article (“A Hollywood Role Player,” May 23) is a pioneering work of journalism because it showcases a young up-and-coming, hard-working agent. Sun has painted a realistic portrait of Damu Bobb as a paradigm of Hollywood’s “farm team,” i.e. talent scouts on the front line and in the trenches, fighting the battle of discovering unknown actors, then convincing the powers-that-be to take a gamble on these would-be stars. Agent like Bobb hustle like crazy to get their talent in to see and be seen by the initially resistant buyer who then has to be convinced to trust his or her instincts and give the actor, writer or director that big break.

Their initial monetary reward for first jobs is minimal and that’s why “major agencies” steer clear of the art of pioneering of new clients. The general public doesn’t deem this type of work sexy nor is it viewed as newsworthy to the industry press.

If publications like the Los Angeles Times continue to spotlight hard-working talent representatives like Bobb, actors might think twice about leaving them when the champagne and limousines arrive at their doorsteps.

History has shown that the careers of the biggest stars began with only a tentative dream bolstered by the tenacity and conviction to make this dream come true.

Darryl Marshak

Beverly Hills