THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 14, 1996 TAG: 9601120153
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Janelle LaBouve
LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines
Being a talent agent can be stressful.
In February, Karen Whitlow and her husband, Western Branch residents, bought Talent Connections in Norfolk.
``We had a shoot scheduled in West Virginia for a `CBS Movie of the Week,' '' said Whitlow, 30. ``The actress was in Richmond. But she couldn't get to West Virginia because of the snow. I called to check on the roads and tried to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle, but there was none to be had. So, basically, she couldn't get there. At the time, we were at a stand-off.''
Despite stressful moments, the work is rewarding.
``I love working with the directors,'' said Whitlow. ``I love seeing a job go from start to finish. We see the beginning when they are looking for the actors. We choose the actors we think are best suited for the roles and send those people to audition. Then we see who gets the roles and see them through the shooting process. We get to see the finished product and see it air or on video or a movie. It is really neat how it all evolved.
``We are busier than we've ever been,'' Whitlow added. ``This time of year, it is usually a ghost town around here. But business is booming. It's a catch-22, because I need a breather. But I don't want a long breather. It's better to be busy. That means more work for everyone in the business. It benefits the area economy too.''
Since she's been in business, Whitlow has switched gears from keeping her resume current and a supply of her own glossy photos. Now she advises budding actors and hopeful extras to provide current information for Talent Connections files.
In 1984, Whitlow began her career by acting in area commercials.
``Some people really seek it out (acting as a career),'' she said. ``I sort of fell into it. I was in a pageant at 18 or 19. Marty Terry (Talent Connection's previous owner) was there and asked if I'd like to audition for a Water Country U.S.A. commercial and I got it. That's how it started.''
Becoming an agent just evolved, said Whitlow, who had been a partner in another talent agency for three years.
While Whitlow responds to queries and searches talent summaries of 200 area actors in their files, her husband acts as the company accountant.
Their clients include another 500 actors from across the East Coast and 400 folks who are seeking employment or the limelight as extras.
``It helps if an actor has a record of experience in the field,'' she said. ``Extras can drop off a picture to us if they'd like to appear in a commercial or a film.''
There is greater demand for actors in the Tidewater market than ever, Whitlow said.
They've had calls from places such as CBS.
`` `Walker, Texas Ranger' has called for our talent,'' Whitlow said. Other requests have come from as far away as Tennessee.
``Our talent have been cast in principal roles in feature films such as ``Eddie'' with Whoopie Goldberg (a Disney film to be released in the spring), ``Nixon'' with Anthony Hopkins and ``First Kid'' with Sinbad.
Actors affiliated with their agency have performed in ``American Gothic,'' a CBS TV series, and the movies of the week, ``Blue River,'' ``Twilight Man,'' ``Please Forgive Me'' and ``Garska vs. McCoy.''
Full name: Karen Hope Whitlow
Hometown: Chesapeake
Fond childhood memories: ``Playing the piano at my church (New Life Pentecostal) and going to my grandmother's house, which I still do.''
Spouse: Carlton Mark Whitlow
Children: Candace
Occupation: Talent agent and director of Talent Connection Inc.
Hobbies: Playing the piano and reading
Last book read: Max Lucado's new inspirational book ``A Gentle Thunder''
What's your favorite game? ``Canasta. I've stayed up all night on that game, and I'm not a good loser.''
Describe yourself as a color: ``I'm red because I'm a little fireball.''
If you could be any tree, what would it be? ``I think I'd want to be a maple because in the fall they have such different, vibrant and pretty colors.''
What irritates you the most? Rudeness
Favorite type of music: ``I like everything but country. My whole family loves country. They swear I'm adopted because I don't like it.''
Favorite movie: ``My all-time favorite movie is `Tootsie.' ''
Can't resist: ``Chocolate. If it's in front of me, I have to have it.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``Just one thing. I've got tons. I would change my personality. I'm too sensitive. I get my feelings hurt way too easily, and I wish I weren't that way.''
Favorite TV program: ``Frasier''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Carvers Creek
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``I don't get days off. My days off consist of cleaning and taking care of Candace. My ideal day would be to take a long hot bath, reading and renting about five movies.''
What would you choose for a last meal? ``Something Italian.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
by CNB