Rachelle DiVitto

There is rising interest in spurring economic development here in our region by welcoming the entertainment industry with open arms. Every film shot here, every scene filmed in our city, has made us a bit hungrier for a piece of the Hollywood pie. Our town is still abuzz with talk about films recently filmed here including The Oh in Ohio and the eagerly anticipated Spider-Man 3 due in theaters next year. But, those are only the projects you've heard about. Cleveland is quickly climbing the list of film-friendly towns - and no, it's not just 'cause it's cheaper here.

This town is popping with opportunities for would-be thespians and closet actors. Recently, Cool Cleveland sat down with Rachelle DiVitto, a former ex-pat that has returned home to Northeast Ohio - not because her career didn’t take off - but because she wanted to bring a bit of Hollywood to Northeast Ohio. Cool Cleveland talked with Rachelle about why she left Northeast Ohio in the first place, what’s happening on the entertainment scene here now and why she left the bright lights of Hollywood to bring her unique agency designed to guide locals on their path to an acting career and big success in...NEO-wood?

Cool Cleveland: Tell us a little about yourself. From what I understand you lived here first, moved to LA, and then came back.

Rachelle DiVitto: I grew up in Brecksville, OH. I went to school in Bowling Green and got my education degree. I lived in Los Angeles for six years.

What made you decide to leave Cleveland and go to LA?

I always had a desire to live in California and pursue an acting career. And I knew if I didn’t do it I would regret it. I always did a lot of theater here but I really didn’t know where else to go. I didn’t know there was actual work here, like most people don’t. And I think at that time there wasn’t as much. Now they are really doing a lot more filming in Cleveland. I think because LA is getting pretty expensive to film in and you know people are starting to look at other locations for movies and for commercials. Cleveland is a great start-up city.

What did you do while you were out in LA?

While I was there I was modeling and pursuing an acting career. I did some modeling work and stuff like that but I really felt more fulfillment with the acting. There is just more to it, really. After I did the LA thing got a lot of work, I was on Sex and the City.

Were you really? I'm a huge SATC fan. It's one of my favorite shows.

I was actually the waitress in the episode when Miranda rode the bull. Remember when they took that trip to Los Angeles? I was their waitress and you will see me if you ever saw that one. At the end of the episode there were only like four people on the screen for a good amount of time and there were only the three or four girls and me.

So, how did your company Future Stars get its start?

I love teaching. I love acting. I liked both of them and what I decided was why not put two things that I love together and teach people about acting and the acting business. What I found in LA is there are so many companies that really didn’t help people. You know, they get peoples’ hopes up and they take your pictures and put together a portfolio or do some acting classes but then they drop the ball. They don’t really help people attain work in the industry. And they don’t really teach them a whole lot about the industry.

Basically I had to teach myself about the industry out there and it took me a long time to know who to trust, what to get involved with, you know ‘cause there’s a lot of different companies out there. There are about 400 agencies that are union, you know, the screen actors guild so I had to teach myself how to get in the business, how to get an agent, where to get photos, who to trust - because there are a lot of creepy people out there. So it took me about a good year to get going and it shouldn’t have to take that long. So what I did then, I said you know I could really help people do this a lot more efficiently than I did and not go the wrong direction and waste all this money doing things the wrong way three times before they get it right and the first time they could’ve. I started out there and it still exists in LA, it is still going there. We have other people now kind of taking it over because it was already set up.

When I was in Los Angeles I started my company back in 2000. My idea for the name Future Stars was that, obviously, you are a beginner now and that’s okay. You’re going to learn about the industry and hopefully become a star one day. That’s the idea. For some people they do it for more of a fun hobby that they just want to pursue. They have an interest in it, maybe not a passion, but an interest. Like you would sign your kids up for gymnastics or soccer and so they give them a chance. They take the acting classes, they take them to the casting site so they hear about the auditions going on, they do some extra work, like in Los Angeles they get to do extra work and be on movie sets, kind of give them a real flavor of what it is all about. Then if they want to get more involved they get an agent, they go on their own speaking part auditions and that’s kind of the progression. This is something that is fun and on the side and if you can do it, that’s great, but school comes first. I am a big believer in that. A lot of times this really helps kids because, like anything, if they have the motivation to do something they really want to do they have to keep their grades up, because they have to have good grades in order to do this. It is a good motivator.

Why did you move back? What brought you back from LA?

I just decided my parents are in Cleveland and I really miss being around the family. I’ve done my thing in California and I’ve proved it to myself that I could do it. I wanted to start a franchise in Cleveland and eventually I am going to start one in New York and Chicago and that is in the works. I am a big believer in not moving on to the next project until this one is finished. So in Cleveland now I have a great photographer and a great acting coach and a great casting site. The agencies, they work with me. Like they won’t just accept everybody but when they come from me they know that they are going to be professional, that they understand the business, they have good pictures, and a good resume and they are all ready to go. The agency does not have to spend the time teaching them how to do this. That is where I am kind of the liaison between the actors and models and agencies. So anyway, I came out to Cleveland to start it and it is going very well and I am probably going to keep Cleveland as my home base and then go and try to do franchises in different cities, because I think especially with all of the American Idol stuff that’s out everybody wants to be in the movies or on TV. I think that they always have had a passion for it, a desire for it, so I want to make their dreams come true.

You said you moved back home basically because you were more homesick and you missed your family. Starting an entertainment-based company in LA, okay that’s a no-brainer; but, what made you think that in Cleveland it would be able to work? Was it because there is much more happening in the filming and entertainment industry here now?

I actually thought about it. In LA there are really not a lot of people that do what I do, but there are a lot of avenues to go down. Where as in Cleveland I feel like there is really kind of an un-tapped resource so I felt like hey there are not as many people here but there are not as many people who are in the business here.

What I found, honestly, is that here I have a good niche of people that I work with and people who are doing this in Cleveland, they love it. And they are doing it for all of the right reasons. This isn’t a business where you make quick money. This is a business where you pursue it. And people work for free at the Indie movies, and I do too, because I think its fun and it’s good for Cleveland basically. It’s a passion of mine.

Where is the Cleveland operation of Future Stars based?

The photographer’s studio is downtown. His name is Eric Mull and he is amazing. He is known as like the best photographer in Ohio and pretty much the whole Northeast. People come to him from all over. He travels, he takes pictures in different states, different countries and he is top notch. So, I was fortunate enough to surround myself with really good people. So people are really happy with their pictures and he is fun to work with.

You mentioned that there weren’t a lot of entertainment opportunities in Cleveland before and there are a lot more of them now. We know that everyone is still buzzing about Spider-Man being filmed here and then there was The Oh in Ohio. There will be a panel discussion on the economic impact of Spider-Man 3 and the future of filmmaking in Cleveland in a few days. (Held on Tue 8/8 at the City Club). Let’s talk more about that, the increased opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Well for instance, the Indie Gathering - a big independent film festival that is coming up (Event took place on August 4th, 5th, and 6th. Visit http://www.TheIndieGathering.com to learn more.) Future Stars will have a booth setup so we are going to be getting people who are interested in getting into the business. There will probably be some directors, casting directors, producers, from all over the country. At least a few will be from out of the country and that is just here in Cleveland. It’s the 3rd annual one for the Indie Gathering. Tomorrow (on 7/28) there is an open audition for a Cleveland-based reality show called, Born to Act.

Oh really? It’s going to be based here?

The company is called, “Who is She Entertainment”. It is going to be like American Idol but with acting and I am one of the judges for that and I am going to be probably even the host for the show. We’re going to Detroit, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, and Cleveland. So there are five cities. We are going to do big auditions, like open casting calls. We are going to film everything, it is going to be edited then we are going to pitch the pilot. I’ve got a friend that works with BET (Black Entertainment Television), and MTV. I have a lot of friends living in LA, I mean great connections.

I am one of the judges. Once the pilot is completed then we shoot it to some networks and see if it gets picked up. If it gets picked up, it might be, they are thinking about having it in a house, where all of the winners from the five cities come and live together and they have to do acting competitions where they work as partners or by themselves and really let the American people see what it takes to go from being a beginning actor to a really good actor. Some people catch on more quickly than others and some people really have to, struggle with opening up and letting themselves really get into the role.

That is kind of the focus of my whole project and working with people like this, we are giving people what they want. We are helping them get in the business, we help them find out about each audition and really better themselves and get with good agencies. Another thing that I do because I do have good contacts in LA, New York and D.C., if people are interested now they got their career started here and they want to move to a different city, we help them out with agencies in LA. It is like sister companies. They can go there and they already have their head shots. I give them a list of the agencies that are reputable in Los Angeles and they can do all of that from Cleveland. You don’t have to waste time out in LA like I did going to book stores figuring out what to do, because I was teaching myself, so they will have a head start. So they go there with a agent already hooked up and with extra work and have their permits and background work done. I wish somebody would have helped me.

Tell us a little bit more about Eric Mull the photographer and the acting coach, Ray Szuch – I saw him on the website and I’m wondering if that’s Frank Jackson undercover in Hollywood sunglasses.

(laughs) Eric Mull is the photographer and he has been in business for over 20 years and he works also directly with the three agencies here in town that are in the union. I tell my clients, an agent you want to sign - they better be in the union. You want to make sure they are union status, that they are legitimate. The fact that I work with the union agencies should tell you something. It is not some fly-by-night company that doesn’t have any real contacts. So that is how Eric works directly with them. If the person were to go straight to the agent they would tell them go get pictures, go through Eric Mull, he is the best. Go find an acting class and get some experience. Type out a resume, if they even got them on the phone. People think get an agent first. No, that’s the last step. You need to get all of your ducks in a row and then get the agent.

The other misnomer is people think, I shouldn’t have to pay for anything. If this is real, they should want me. It should be free. It is not like that because no one is going to pay for your pictures. Agents don’t make money unless you get real work so they want to see that you are investing in this too and that you are going to show up for auditions. How are they going to pay for everybody’s pictures? And they don’t have to. There are enough people who want to do it bad enough that they will pay for their own pictures. If it something someone can’t afford then I tell them there are ways to do it yourself – it’s not the best way – but there are still ways. But, you know, I make it a lot easier and I get really good discounts because I give them a lot of business. So that way they aren’t spending as much money as they would, even without me, and this way they get all of my help. It is really a good deal for them if they can afford it.

You talk a lot about kids, are adults taking advantage of your program or are you primarily looking at kids right now?

The reason I focus on kids is because I was a teacher and that is kind of my niche. Also, I think if people are going to do something like this most of them do it by the time they are in their 20’s. Most people don’t think of it at 30. They already are busy, they are working, and they don’t have time. But you never know. I will be happy to work with adults and I have but I think most people get into it when they are younger. It is kind of a young business, but there is actually plenty of work for older people and I wish that they would realize that. Because if you look at commercials it is not all young beautiful people. There are all sizes, shapes, colors, and ages. People think everyone has to look tall, skinny, and a certain look and that is so not the case. Especially nowadays, people want real TV, they don’t want the 1950’s where everyone looked the same on television, they want to see that diversity. People who have a different look kind of get into it quicker, because they stand out more and there is not as much competition because if you get ten people who all look the same you are competing against them.

If a parent has a child and they want to do this, what would be the first steps that they need to take?

I would say first they should look at the website because they can get a lot of information and then when they call me they can ask specific questions. The website walks them through who I am and what I am about, where the company got started where out future is going and then it breaks it down into different steps. I call it the five step program - photos, resumes, acting class, casting service and the agent. So that way they have a sense of direction, and they do one step and go to the next step. Let’s say they already have photos then they don’t pay that part of it, they would only do the acting class, casting service and the agency.

What is the casting service?

With the casting service every week or so, and sometimes on a daily basis, people are emailed a list of upcoming auditions. So you hear about everything going on from the Spider-Man audition to the Amazing Race auditions.

I really try to focus on modeling and acting, but for the casting service there are opportunities for dancers. But it is amazing once you get involved in it a little bit here it’s like boom, boom, boom. You are just meeting everybody. Being on a casting site is how I found out about that [Born to Act]. They send me everything so I can keep up-to-date with what is going on. I called them. They needed a host. I auditioned and I got it. So I pursue an acting career as well as this and I think that is the best way. When I was teaching I was always taking classes. I was with the students because I think the best teachers are students too. This is my business; I am an acting coach coordinator so I need to stay involved with doing things myself, too.

I was going to ask you that. How exactly is it categorized? Is it acting coach?

I am an acting coordinator and the company Future Stars helps people get started in the entertainment business. It is a service-based company that leads you in the right direction. It gives you all of the tools. It puts the power of information in your hands.

I think it is good for kids because it gives them some confidence. Confidence goes a long way with this. How not to be shy, even helps with memorizing lines, learn how to wait for other people before you go. There are some skills that you can learn with theater. It is very well respected. If you do theater and then you go to acting you are more respected.

Ray (the acting coach) teaches people how to really choose the character. Everyone is going to get the same monologue and then see how they choose their characters. Somebody can do it angry and somebody can do it sarcastically, somebody can do it funny and it be the same words. So it is making a choice, and that is very big lingo in LA. Choose something. What happens with the auditions is sometimes the casting directors don’t even know what it is that they are looking for and they see it when they see it. So you don’t always know what they are looking for. You just internalize what you think it means and do the best you can and then that might be exactly what they are looking for. Because they might think that they are looking for someone who is shy doing this part but then you come out and really knock them off their feet. They might just change their minds. You gotta make a choice. He goes over that, how to build a character and how to stay in character.

The casting service opportunities you mentioned; are those things that are happening here in Cleveland?

Here in Cleveland. Now if you want to get on the national casting service that is available, too. That is for people who want to travel or submit their head shots to out-of-state auditions. You can but the thing is they are going to want you to fly out and for most people that is not practical. I recommend getting started here in Cleveland. There are a lot of independent movies, commercials, print work, and real big films coming up.

What kind of film projects are you aware of that are coming up here in Cleveland?

I will get back to you on that. I do have a list of them but that is what is great about the casting service, you don’t just have to wait for your agent to send you on auditions. You can actually be proactive. I tell clients, you don’t just have to sit back and wait for your agent to call. You can go out looking for stuff on your own, because they only care about getting work that is big work. They get a 20% commission. Agencies are not allowed to charge money. So that everyone knows they take a commission, you can’t do both. You can’t charge up front and then take a commission. You have to do one or the other. I charge upfront, they take it from the back. The casting service has everything in it from JCPenny’s commercials, catalogues, everything. Like the Amazing Race held auditions here, the Apprentice. People could do a lot of stuff here. Most people don’t even know that they are here.

Do you think that is something that is lacking here? There are opportunities but they are not being marketed well?

Yes, because I think the more people who are interested then there would be more people who are making movies here because a lot of the time they go from being actors to directors. They learn about the business, they act, and then they want to create themselves. Then you have more directors coming out of Cleveland, filming more films in Cleveland… more money for Cleveland. This could be a real boost for our economy. It puts us on the map it gives us something exciting to talk about in Cleveland.

What do you see as the future for the entertainment industry here in Cleveland?

I see it growing. I have seen it in other markets now. The Vancouver market now is huge for movies. They have festivals there all the time, they are shooting a lot of movies there. People can’t afford to shoot in LA so they are going to other cities. Cleveland people are so generous in this city, so nice and so kind and so honored that they are here in our city and we open our arms to people. We let them shoot for free. We don’t even charge them. We closed down Prospect Avenue, and Euclid, too, while we’re at it. Cleveland is so generous with their city and the people here will do so much for film makers. I think it is a good opportunity for filmmakers to shoot movies here and then it brings in more business for our town. It brings in more work for actors, writers, producers, casting directors, agencies, and Future Stars. (Laughs)

I see a lot of people in America wanting to get into this industry and seeing that it can be practical, that they don’t have to be 5’8” and 100 pounds. There’s a niche for everyone. If you have a passion you should give yourself a chance.

What advice would you give someone who wants to get started in the entertainment industry here in Cleveland?

You don’t want to wake up one day and say I should have, would have and could have. I would have been a good actor. I would have been a good singer. I would have been a good dancer and you did not do it. You’ve got to try things and same thing for your kids. If they show an interest in something, that is your job as a parent, I guess, to give them a chance. At least show them that these are the steps that you need to do not that it is all glamorous, fun, and games. There is work. You’ve got to enforce that with the kids. I try to get them to take out their resumes so we can put it together. For them to write their submission letters and for them to figure out what are their special skills that they are going to put on their resume. Trying to get them to really focus in on themselves, realizing who they are in this world, what their talents are, what they are good at and to be proud of those.

I tell people do Indies some, do extra work, because these add more things to your resume. The other thing that I wanted to mention is that this profession has a lot of negativity with it. I see a lot of positive with it. It builds self esteem and kids that are confident. They become more vocal. Being good at public speaking really relates to anything they are going to do with their future. Any kind of profession you have to learn how to talk in front of others. I think that is something that people don’t realize, until I mention it and they say yeah that is true. I have to give a presentation in a few days and I am a nervous wreck right now. This kind of thing can really help kids to come out of their shell. Maybe the kid is not the best in sports or in school. Maybe this is their niche. Try to figure what your interests are, and if this is one of them.

How did you get your initial start in acting and modeling?

(Laughs) I can't believe I almost forgot to tell you this. In 1997 my dog won Advantage Flea Control’s Best Singing Dog Contest. It was a nationwide search and he won that. He was the spokesdog and I was the spokesperson. We flew all over the country and that was my job. I was the spokesperson for Advantage and he would sing That’s Amore by Dean Martin. We sang on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. We sang for (New York) Mayor Rudolph Juliani. I would talk about the product and he would sing.

Explain the singing.

Like (imitates singing dog) but to the beat of the music. I think you can Google him still. His name is Reagle Beagle. There were a lot of stories about us. We went from city to city and that is when I got to LA and kind of got used to the whole being in front of the camera thing.

That happened here and then you moved on to LA?

That happened here. Then we went to LA the next year. He is still around. He is 15-years-old and he’s totally deaf. He still can sing. It is like real loud. I put headphones on him so he can hear it. That is what got me started.

A perfect story of how entertainment success can start right here in Cleveland.

To learn more about Rachelle DiVitto and her company, Future Stars, visit her website at http://www.FutureStarsUSA.com.

Interview and pictures by Cool Cleveland Contributor Roxanne Ravenel RoxanneATCoolCleveland.com.

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