Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Royster. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chris , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I started IMTM Worldwide Radio as an addition to the talent management company I used to operate. Giving new talent an opportunity to talk about themselves, find out if they like being interviewed, gain experience becoming a personality. Interviews were conducted of models, artists, actors, etc. Soon I began interviewing magazine publishers, music video directors and others in the entertainment industry.
Eventually I created specific programs such as the Books To Read Show, The Top 5 and others. But the most important shows created were the Women In Business Show and Around The ATL. The Women In Business Show highlights women that have started their own business or used a talent that they have to create a career. Around The ATL is a sports show focusing on the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
IMTM Worldwide Images occurred because I had more time. As a talent manager, and working full-time in the secular world, there was not extra time to have another endeavor. Once I phased out talent management, I had more time to pursue photography. I used my experience behind the scenes of many photoshoots, my eye for talent, and ability to tell stories towards my photography. Although I don’t to shoot on a regular basis, I enjoy capturing moments for individuals.
Chris , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born in Queens, NY. Raised in Georgia. Had a normal childhood I feel. School, homework, Transformers, being outside all the time either riding bikes, playing basketball, or sitting around talking about nothing. Once I started working, had employment at large companies and small ones. Moved to Atlanta, and at a random day in Lenox Mall, I thought about working with talent for the first time. I observed so many people walking around, that could possibly be an actress or a model, etc. But without direction or because of a bad experience, they decided to not try or to not take it seriously. That’s when I created Innovative Model & Talent Management. I assisted many that did not have anything on their resume before me, to have accomplishments in print magazines, television, film, music videos, etc.
This is why I created IMTM Worldwide Radio initially. I wanted to give a chance for new talent to be interviewed live on the radio. They get a chance to tell their story, why they do what they do, what sets them apart, etc. Most had never been interviewed for anything before. I had a steady amount of interviews over a two year period and nice audience. I included people in the entertainment industry such as magazine publishers, music video directors, entertainment lawyers, etc.
Creating specific programs was a goal of mine, but it took awhile to decide on the type. Books To Read focused on published authors. The Top 5 was a list show to have fun rating everything from cartoons, 80’s action television shows, etc. But the main shows I developed have been the longest running. Women In Business concentrates on women that have created their own business or used a talent that they have to create a career. Around The ATL is a sports show that focuses on sports in the city of Atlanta and the State of Georgia. I’ve interviewed Olympic Gold Medalists, lawyers, doctors, chefs, journalists, professional athletes, broadcasters and more. When I interview a guest, I want to make them larger than life, even if its their first interview.
The other business that spawned from my talent company was IMTM Worldwide Images. Once I decided that I was going to phase out talent management, I had more time to invest in photography. In the past I had thought about taking photos, and talent I worked always wanted me to take photos of them. Working behind the scenes on photoshoots, my ability to find great talent, and experience as a creative director on a few projects gave me confidence that if I can get the basics of photography down, I’ll have great images to offer. I know how to tell a story and I’m very patient with clients to help them get the best image possible.
I’m glad that I’m still around, despite obstacles. If people decide to utilize either IMTM Worldwide Radio or IMTM Worldwide Images, know that you get a professional of 25 years in corporate America and the talent industry.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Initially, I had a goal to see talent that I worked with obtain a major role in a project that everybody would see, whether television or film. Unfortunately, my one fault is that when I feel someone has talent and ability, I want them to be able to succeed. Problem is, everybody doesn’t want to work or sacrifice to make a goal a reality. My two mantra’s, “Nobody can believe in you more than you believe in yourself”. Also, “Nobody can make you do what you don’t want to do”. Anything talent related has to be a two way street. Attending auditions, attending photoshoots, practicing lines for an audition, learning a runway walk, staying fit, these things are necessary to compete with those who have the exact same goals. Everybody has talent, but everybody does not have drive. Eventually, I had to pull back on what I was doing and soon, stop. That’s when I started directing my energies towards IMTM Worldwide Radio and producing shows. IMTM Worldwide Images was official a few years after that. The goal is to obtain a steady audience for the programs I have and enjoy all of the interviews over the years. With photography, I just want to make a few clients happy now and again.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, knowing that if one person benefited or enjoyed a social media post, an interview I conducted, enjoyed a photoshoot I did for them, it’s enough to keep going. I don’t “have” to do any of what I do. I choose to do it. One thing I’ve always told the talent that I managed, until everybody tells you know, someone may still say yes. So when everybody tells me my photos are terrible and they hate hearing me talk about sports, I will stop.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imtmworldwideradio.com and www.imtmworldwideimages.com
- Instagram: @imtmworldwideradio and @imtmworldwideimages1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imtmworldwideradio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-royster-b3b87b23/
- Twitter: @intellectatl and @imtmradio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imtmworldwideradio/streams