Daily Inspiration: Meet Wendy Alane Wright

I started in the entertainment business in my 20’s as a singer, songwriter and music producer. I had three top 40 hits internationally and after several years of recording and performing, I felt happy with the level of success I reached so I decided to become a Music Agent. I represented pop star Deniece Williams and the legendary Four Tops and then I became a Talent Manager. I specialized in getting brand new actors with no experience into TV, Film, and Commercials.

As a Manager, I learned that the majority of people who are trying to enter this business fail because they have no idea what they are doing. Absolutely none. Their training ends with craft and misses the business aspect completely. Which is really unfortunate because this is called “Show Business” for a reason; there is far more Business than there is Show. Actors who don’t understand the business have the odds stacked highly against them.

I feel, actors that my job is to stack the deck in your favor instead because it’s almost impossible to start any small business and succeed without knowing something about business. This business is no different, in fact, I would say especially the entertainment business because it is fraught with scams, rejection, massive competition and people promising “overnight success” on every corner.

If actors want to build a real, sustainable career they need business strategies and support.

So I started a YouTube Channel called “Secrets of a Hollywood Talent Manager” (111,000 subscribers and 6+ million views) and a Facebook group called Talent Managers For Actors (TMFA) to provide actors with answers and guidance 24/7, 365 days a year from Industry professionals only. Every single day myself, and an amazing team of Moderators get to help people succeed, not only in business, but in their lives. It’s really an honor and a privilege.

I am also really excited about the TMFA LIVE! event coming up in Los Angeles May 20-21, 2023. It is a weekend of amazing seminars, industry panels, hands on interactive career-building strategy sessions, and a whole lot of fun! I just think we all need to get back in person, get face-to-face with people, (give and receive plenty of hugs) and feel a real sense of community. The TMFA Live! is a powerful event, the TMFA mods will be there along with panels of agents, managers, casting directors, working actors and a chance to make some great personal industry connections! If you want to join us for the weekend and get some help getting your acting career off the ground, you can email info@hollywoodwinnerscircle.com for more information.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
That’s an interesting question. Well, there are always challenges and struggles along the way to achieving anything, but I enjoy a good challenge. Challenges shouldn’t ever stop you from pursuing your goals. Creating successful businesses takes time, bringing together the right people and learning lots of new technology is challenging. Actors face a lot of challenges they have to overcome; affording an acting career, figuring out how to have a flexible schedule, dealing with tech-based auditions, a lot of unknown outcomes and close calls. It’s stressful and actors need to learn time management and stress management skills that they may not already have. However, I feel learning new tools and strategies for success is all part of the fun in my opinion.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am very focused on my online business school The Hollywood Winners Circle Academy, which is in it’s 4th year now and we have over 4,000 students worldwide. Show Business training is a component that has been missing in the industry for the entire time there has been an industry.

HWC provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of the acting industry, including Actors Access and LA Casting/Casting Networks, creating professional online casting profiles, resumes, identifying and showcasing one’s type, creating clips and reels, headshot preparation, self-submitting, auditioning, targeting agents and managers, reaching out to casting directors, social media strategy, and maintaining a positive mindset. We have over 200 teachers, all experienced industry professionals, including working actors on TV and film, casting directors, agents, managers, and other experts, which allows our HWC students to learn directly from people who are currently working in the industry and have a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed. They train for a year on the business of acting and our actors are a force to be reckoned with. They come out of HWC confident and on fire for their careers, armed with the knowledge and the tools to succeed.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice to anyone is get clear on what it is you really want to achieve… and then, do it. That is the reason you are here on the planet having a life. Live it. Get over the excuses, realize that past events do not define your future, and know that you are capable of more than you have been believing. You really are.

I believe in you.