What am I looking for in new talent?

As a talent manager with more than 30 years in Vancouver advertising, I’ve had the privilege of scouting and representing talent who have gone on to appear in some of the most memorable campaigns of their time, from major international brands and viral spots to Super Bowl campaigns and advertising that became part of pop culture.

After all these years, I still love discovering someone with that certain something on camera.

Commercial casting is wonderfully broad. I’m looking for interesting faces, real personalities and people who feel multidimensional on camera. People with an ease and conviction that draws you in and makes you believe them.

You need imagination, good instincts and a willingness to be brave on camera. Bring your own take to a concept while still following casting direction and the specifics of the ask.

You’ll also need some basic technical know how. Be comfortable creating and editing a self tape at home, taking a good photo and capturing that spark on demand.

My Agent Wish List:

  • Youth - Ages 4 to 12

    Relentlessly entertaining kids. Funny, curious, expressive and imaginative.

    A pretty good clue is when people are already asking, “Does your child have an agent?”

    Real families are also in demand. Siblings, twins, parents, grandparents and multigenerational combinations can create additional opportunities. If several members of your family are interested, start with your strongest candidate and tell me about the rest of the crew.

  • Teens - Ages 13 to 19

    Oddball characters, unique personalities and emerging role models.

    Theatre, dance, improv, music and even TikTok can all be great training grounds. I’m looking for teens who feel current and authentic and can have fun playing everything from the wonderfully awkward outsider to the confident cool kid.

  • Young Adults

    Natural beauties, interesting faces, models, athletes, creators and lifestyle types.

    People who photograph beautifully but can also come alive in a scene. Product, beauty, fashion, fitness, lifestyle and social campaigns all live here, so confidence in both still and moving images matters. A natural social media presence is a bonus.

    Most importantly, someone an audience can relate to and root for.

  • Moms, Dads, and Business Types

    People who can move naturally between professional and everyday life.

    The inspiring executive. The trusted professional. The slightly frazzled parent. The sentimental mom or dad in a proud life moment. The neighbour we all know. Or the wonderfully goofy character who could have walked straight out of The Office.

    Improv skills, comedic instincts and the ability to make a scenario feel real are especially valuable here.

  • Real Couples - Ages 35 to 75

    Real chemistry is hard to manufacture.

    Couples who are comfortable on camera together and can jump into natural, fun scenarios are especially valuable. You don’t both need acting experience. Sometimes the familiarity, humour and shorthand of a real relationship is exactly what makes it work.

  • Seniors

    Healthy, active lifestyle types and wonderful real characters.

    Warmth, humour, elegance, eccentricity or simply a great face that tells a story. Seniors who feel vibrant, interesting and genuinely themselves are always in demand. Real couples are especially welcome.

    Real people. Real presence. Personality that pulls focus.

If you think you're a good fit, click here to audition for Pamela's roster!