A little more light backstage, please.

Ever wonder what makes an actor’s or actress's star shine so brightly? Is it their natural beauty that leaves us breathless and wanting to look just like them? Could it be their unparalleled talent that so inspires us to elevate them to celebrity status? Or, could it be that, just maybe, all the “little people” they so grandly give credit to while accepting their golden award really do deserve credit? You betcha! Take away the makeup artist, acting coach, lighting technician, costume manager, grip, best boy, caterer, speech therapist, dance instructor, writer, hair stylist, publicist, agent, personal secretary and what do you have? Probably just our next door neighbor. And so it is with agencies.

We have our president, a growing army of vice-presidents, sales people, art directors and the like all bathing in the spotlight of recognition and acknowledgement. Yet, it’s the “little people” who truly make things happen. I think credit should go to the assistants and the assistant-assistants, not only for acts that border on heroism, but for day-to-day getting the job done. We rely on them more than we realize. They are a significant part of this agency’s foundation, our bedrock. For example, there is our assistant office manager, Meg Stan. Too often I approach her with a “crisis situation,” hoping for a miracle, that she will once again save the day…and my bacon. She invariably responds with, “I can handle that.” And so she does. There are many more like her working back stage and our superstars should always be mindful of that. Without them they would not shine so bright, if at all, and this would be just another agency. Let’s have all those working in the shadows step forward into the stage lights to take a bow and enjoy some well deserved applause.
 

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