Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Ring.
Hi Monica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small town in Orange County, New York. We had drama classes and one video production class, but it was never anything major. I’ve known since high school that I wanted to do something entertainment based, and I’ve also always loved helping others. I majored in Screenwriting during college, and it was one of those “when I graduate, I’m moving out to Los Angeles and becoming a screenwriter” spur-of-the-moment dreams. Though I’d still love to eventually sell my LGBTQ+ based screenplay, I knew that I needed to do something practical to pay my bills and survive in LA. So, I started off doing content creation for a digital advertising agency. Then, I moved onto casting.
Growing up, my hometown friends used to recommend that I become a talent agent because I was always fascinated with “discovering the next big thing”. The talent agency thought had completely slipped my mind until I saw a LinkedIn job posting for a role at a local talent agency. I applied on a whim, underwent several rounds of interviews, and was finally offered the opportunity to not only explore the talent agency side of the entertainment industry but I was also provided with the opportunity to help others achieve their biggest dreams. Since then, I’ve met so many creative industry professionals, hardworking + talented actors, musicians and models, and I’ve been able to see our talent on billboards, on storefronts, in magazines, and even in national commercials.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel like everyone has their own challenges throughout their journey, and I’m no exception. I left my entire family and all of my friends behind when I decided to make the move out to Los Angeles. I moved out here only knowing one person that I had consistently been in contact with. So, the start of my newfound life in LA was really lonely. Once I began building more friendships, that lead to more frequent outings — which meant less money to budget for monthly expenses. Aside from both of those factors, I moved here with one intention — to become a writer. I greatly underestimated the 9AM – 6PM daily work schedule, and I no longer had time to write. When I wasn’t trying to survive in LA, I was trying to maintain a social life. By the time I finally had time to write, the motivation just wasn’t there anymore. Additionally, within just a year and a half of living here, I’ve moved a total of four times. Living in Los Angeles has been quite the adjustment, but I believe that everything happens for a reason. Although it may sound cliché, the most important thing that I can do to overcome these hurdles is: to pause, take a deep breath, and remember that tomorrow won’t be the same as yesterday. Each day is different, and the future is still so unknown.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work as a Talent Agent at a talent agency called Sports + Lifestyle Unlimited. I specifically love working at this agency, because of how diverse it is. It doesn’t matter what you look like, what your body size is, your race, your sexual orientation, etc. The biggest factors that we look for when we sign a new talent is: motivation, communication, and teamwork. Our goal is to connect with our talent, ensure that they know we’ve got their backs and that we’ll always push to maximize their commercial/print booking opportunities. We call ourselves the “#SLUFamily”, and our team is always there to support one another, through even the toughest of days.
(PS: This is also the first job that I’ve had, where I’ve been able to work + travel. So, that’s a win in itself!)
I’d say that I’m most proud of my determination to succeed in the self-love category. I grew up extremely closeted, in a conservative town that still viewed being LGBTQ+ as “gross”. I remember watching The Fosters when I was in high school. Seeing a show with two moms as primary characters made me feel less alone, in a town where I was terrified to be myself. When I realized that I wanted to become a writer, I vowed that someday, I’d write an LGBTQ+ storyline that will positively impact some closeted individual, in the same way that The Fosters impacted me.
Joining Sports + Lifestyle Unlimited, I was able to view the modeling industry from a light in which I’ve never experienced. This team accepted their LGBTQ+ talent with open arms — no questions asked. Your authentic self is enough, and needless to say, that’s all I needed to finally complete my first full-length LGBTQ+ feature script.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The entertainment industry is always growing and evolving, so it’s honestly hard to say.
I’ve been a Production Assistant, Script Supervisor, Freelance Writer, Content Creator, Casting Coordinator, Social Media Manager, Talent Coordinator, Background Extra, Chief of Operations, and finally, a Talent Agent so far in my career. With how quickly social media is evolving, a new platform could launch tomorrow, and that would change the trajectory of the industry.
I’ve lived through the MySpace, AIM, Skype, Facebook, OoVoo, Club Penguin, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok eras, and there’s still new apps developing each and every day.
My favorite GenZ-style app right now would have to be BeReal. There are so many different AI filters and electronic enhancements that further promote the “standard beauty expectation” that society has engrained in our minds.
My hope is that regardless of how many apps, streaming services, and changes the future may bring, that “being real” remains a constant.
I also think that the expansion of social media in the future will further encourage the new generations to continue bringing awareness to important current events.
Contact Info:
