We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ginger Renee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ginger, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?

Signing with my first agent in Atlanta came from tenacity. I had researched all the agents in the market, looked up their rosters, submitted my marketing package to over a dozen of them and heard back from three, who essentially said “not now.” I continued to submit to new agencies and followed up with the responders every three months. Got a few calls and finally signed five months later. For my LA agent, I was lucky enough to go the referral route.

I have so many friends who give up after a few months of outreach, or sign the first offer, or want to switch agents after 6 months. Two things I absolutely recommend are to: 1.) be persistent, keeping going until you get the “yes” or the “no”. There are so many reasons why the time may not be right but keep going! And 2.) don’t be afraid to ask tough questions in the interview – you’re interviewing each other to ensure it’s a good match on both sides. Does their submission policy match your own? What about their communication style? Do they work closely with your top CDs?

Ginger, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an actress with Texas roots by way of Colorado. My thirst to dive into characters is paralleled only by my thirst for travel – I’ve worked in France, the UK, Australia, India, and visited dozens more countries. Having starred in several films (Happy Birthday, Watching Amber, Evil for Evil, etc.), shows and commercials, I live for the magic of being on set.

Over the two past years I’ve also dabbled in writing – with my first short winning nearly a dozen awards – as well as producing. My latest script just received full funding and tells the story of an under-represented community I’m excited to spotlight.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My core passion is giving a voice to others – where “others” also means animals and nature. In acting, I’ve found the career I’m meant to have in how it challenges, satisfies, and compels me. Being able to voice and give life to these beautifully written characters drives me in each project. While on the producing side, shaping and selecting scripts or films that bring awareness to the plight of nature and animals really fuels my journey. Whether I reach a wider audience as an actor or a producer, my goal is to speak up for the world (and nature and animals) around me.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

To be an actor is to know yourself. It’s a continuous exercise in the art of allowing your full self to be present. I think really knowing and evolving into who you are is when the biggest character breakthroughs come.

This year I’m trying TBM to explore my authenticity and overcome blocks. When I do the work and the meditations, I actually do get emails I’ve been waiting on for months, or texts from people I randomly thought about, or free chocolate. It’s almost like being rewarded for uncovering the deeper layers inside yourself.

Recently, I also read “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, which seeks to erase self-limiting beliefs. A book like this is incredibly helpful in the creative world as there can be so much rejection outside of your control, but it’s not about you. Focus on your best and know it’s enough.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @msgingerrenee
• Other: imdb.me/gingerrenee

Image Credits
@joefunkphotography @taragulledgephotography