Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane and Sarah Pardoe.
Diane and Sarah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Diane:
I started managing years ago, in Atlanta. I managed only 1 actor then, and sought opportunities, found agents, and made sure pictures were up-to-date for her. I also drove her to auditions and bookings, hung out on-set, packed snacks, and made sure audition clothes were clean. My one client was my sweet child, Sarah. Once we moved to LA, I continued managing just her for a while and learned the ropes – how to “read” a breakdown, how to pitch, how to submit. I then grew to managing many more and I’ve worked for a handful of other companies, including my own, growing with each new opportunity.
I realized, after watching talented, driven actors walk into my life and then turn right around and walk back out at the first sign of us not seeing things the same, that I am probably better suited to helping actors who are really looking for answers and changes, rather than assurances and affirmations. Actors who want to put themselves in a better position for success. Not necessarily looking for a manager, but looking for the tools and skills that make a manager or agent want to represent them. Instead of getting a fish, you learn to fish.
Sarah:
Through the years, I contributed my opinion about clients & roles. I would come along to client meetings and offer my perspective afterward on what the actor’s niche might be, what their vibe was, and what I noticed about them. I would take notes, help with getting to know them, give advice when watching their footage. We would sit down on the weekends and look through their headshot sessions, and pick photos together! As years went on, I became an important part of helping Mom manage her clients.
We realized that simply put, we make a great team, and this grew to realizing we should start a consulting business together. We’re very different – in how we see things, how we approach things – even so far as our personalities, ages, temperaments.
Diane:
I tend to be much more black & white. Coming from the background of being a manager, I see the business side of things so much clearer – how what you’re doing affects how Casting and the rest of the world sees you, and oftentimes directly affects the direction of your career.
Sarah:
Since I come from a background of being an actor, I tend to be more empathetic about why actors are where they are, and how/why they have seen or done things a certain way in the past. I am also the quieter one – I usually sit back & observe, and take notes, while Mom is the one leading the conversation.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle was learning how to package what we do into being something actors would feel they need & want. We’ve had this idea for years, and we’ve let it steep, but we haven’t felt the time has been right – until now.
Because no-one really likes criticism, do they? Everyone wants to be better but doesn’t necessarily want to hear how they can be better, or embrace change & growth. That is the core of what we do. We assess where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re headed – both where you want to be, and where you currently are.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Improv(e) Actor Consulting – what should we know?
We help actors chart the course that’s right for them. We look at the whole human – body, mind, soul, and spirit, past, present, and future-looking at what’s worked, what is working, and what this means for the future. And then collaborate with the actor to get a concrete plan for moving his or her career forward.
Improvisation is a necessary skill as an actor. But, improvising the business side of an acting career, not so much. Success is built on the foundation of a plan, directed by intention, and shaped by conscious choices. Deliberate decisions lead to deliberate results. Ambiguity leads to…
Bottom line, we truly want to help the actor succeed. We believe actors need to be well-rounded, well-balanced, thinking individuals. We believe that there must be balance and harmony in life, so they are in a position to give their best and focus on trying their hardest, armed with knowledge that comes from the other side of the coin.
We are most proud of those “aha” moments that occur when we connect the dots and actors can see something they’ve been missing!
What sets us apart is our honesty. We believe actors have a right to know.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Honesty is the most important quality to our success, and the cornerstone of our consulting followed closely by compassion, sincerity, and insight.
Pricing:
- Introductory Meeting – Free – Usually a 45-minute meeting to get to know each other & see if working together is a good fit.
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Comprehensive Assessment – $100.00.
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More information on pricing on the website.
Contact Info:
- Website: improveactorconsulting.com
- Phone: 323-363-3803
- Email: info.improveactorconsulting@gmail.com
Image Credit:
David Chan, @davidchanphoto, davidchanportfolio.com – for the two images of us & the image of our marketing material, David Rosenfelt, author of “Dog Tags” – for the use of his Andy Carpenter quote, The Palm Coffee Bar, @thepalmcoffeebar – for the location of the three photos taken by David Chan
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