Nestled next to Orlando, a city with a booming entertainment industry, Plant City talent has the opportunity to align itself with the stars. And that’s exactly what Yvonne Fry and Taylor Baker plan to make happen. The duo has just launched its own talent agency, Fresh Picked Talent, in Plant City.
Fresh Picked Talent will hold its first open casting call on April 26, at its offices in Historic Downtown. Only a limited number of aspiring actors, models and performers will be selected for representation for good reason.
“We want to know our talent,” Fry said. “We want to know the intricacies about them. We will remain diligent to stay true to who we are and keep that small-town feel.”
The idea for the boutique agency started while Fry was working with two members from her youth pop singing group, NRG, which she produces. Two members, Bryson Keel and Fry’s son, Arie Fry, were scouted for parts in an upcoming international boy band and worked with Brad Davis, of Marquee Casting, in Miami.
“You think of the entertainment industry as really cut-throat,” Fry said. “But, here we were, and we saw how down-to-earth this agency was.”
With Davis’ support, Fry decided to branch out to start her own agency. Her goals also coincide with the Tampa Hillsborough Film and Digital Media Commission, which is setting up initiatives and resources to help promote the film industry in the Tampa Bay area.
“It’s kind of been an organic growth, but it’s not just about the talent,” Fry said. “It’s also about sustainability.”
In the planning stages, Fry brought in Baker to help her run the agency.
“She just brings such enthusiasm about the business and also about developing the talent and their careers,” Fry said.
Baker and Fry have worked together before. Baker’s daughter is in the NRG Junior singing group, and she helped plan NRG’s trip to New York City to be part of the show, “Feather.”
“I am most excited that there’s going to be something new in Plant City,” Baker said. “There’s a lot of talent here. For people looking for something like this, they won’t have to leave Plant City.”
Fry also brought in local photographers Stephanie Humphrey and Sophia Hyde to offer packages that will aid in representation and allow aspiring talent to have what they need in their portfolios, such as head shots and comp cards.
“They are perfect for telling the story of each individual talent we will have,” Fry said.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
OPEN CALL
WHEN: Saturday, April 26. 11 a.m.: Youth up to age 12; Noon: Teens 12 to 18; 1 p.m.: Adults
WHERE: Fresh Picked Talent offices, 110 W. Reynolds St., Suite 107
INFO: Those interested must complete a pre-screening questionnaire and submit a headshot. Contact Taylor Baker at tbaker@freshpickedtalent.com or (813) 365-0302. Of those who come to the first open call, one will be picked to receive a photo package worth $800. Fresh Picked Talent is looking for talent of all ages and sizes.
“There’s a stereotype where you think you have to be a certain size and look a certain way,” Fry said. “But that’s not true. Advertisements, films, commercials want real people with a little character.”