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Vince Paul and Talent Link Agency
By Lucinda Dunn, Editor-in-chief of The Rock Hill Runway Newspaper He’s back….. When I say that he’s back, I only mean that he is back here on The Rock Hill Runway again showing the rest of us how he continues to take his successful company, Talent Link, Inc to yet another level of success. Vince Paul, actor, author, and agent has recently taken on another new role—-Extras casting director of a major motion film. The founder of the Charlotte based company is a well-known actor, model, and author. Vince has personally appeared with numerous television, commercials, movies, industrials, print ads, and national touring theatrical productions. He is one of North Carolina’s top commercial and film agents, and in 1998, he started the talent agency after noticing a need to provide affordable services to those who could otherwise not afford to train or learn the acting craft. Currently Talent Link represents a diverse body of actors, actresses, models, comedians, poets, and entertainers of all ages with an interest in commercial, film, Christian theatre, print fashion and the entertainment industry. ANSWERING THE CALL When the production company for the film Gospel Hill called Charlotte based casting agency Corrigan and Johnston to cast the extras in the film, they felt that it would be better served by Vince Paul and his Talent Link Agency. Gospel Hill, directed by the award winning and well-known Giancarlo Esposito, is a movie set in the South about haunted men, the former sheriff of a southern town dealing with past sins, and the former Civil Rights worker withdrawn since the martyrdom of his brother thirty years before. Their final confrontation comes when a corporation descends on the town. Echoing a struggle thirty years old. (www.IMBD.com) The film stars Danny Glover, Samuel Jackson, Angela Bassett, Julia Stiles, Taylor Kitsch, Giancarlo Esposito, RZA, Nia Long, and others.  LINKING THE COMMUNITY Wanting the community to be involved in this opportunity, the first thing Vince Paul did was to have an open casting call in Charlotte, NC and Rock Hill, SC. Since most of the filming would take place in Rock Hill and York County, he was advised that his job was to place 1500 extras in this movie. He was also given the responsibility to cast the stand-ins for Angela Bassett, Danny Glover, and Nia Long. Instead of only using his Talent Link Agency database (humbly boasting over 4500), he reached out to other local talent and casting agencies as well. Vince delighted in the response from the community. The lines were long with many hopeful aspiring actors and actresses. Some as young as Talent Link actress Azariah Jones and others well into their years. The community had thrown their arms of support around Vince Paul.  LIFE ON SET When the trailers, trucks, production crews, and Hollywood Celebrities arrived, Vince Paul was ready! Always the professional, he blazed into action. He made sure that the extras for each scene knew their call time and wardrobe. The news of the movie and all the stardom spread, and he received calls from talent all over—Florida, Georgia, Philadelphia! Jesse Gore, a principal actor in the movie and Talent Link actor attributes his success to Vince Paul and Talent Link, “ Vince has been a blessing in my life. We get more work here in North Carolina than some (actors) in New York. In Charlotte, NC, I can say that I am a working actor.”  THE ROAD TO GOSPEL HILL Prior to moving to North Carolina in 1989, Vince Paul lived and worked in New York and Chicago. Deemed as a triple threat, he has enjoyed a successful career as an actor, author, and agent. The multitalented artist has an impressive track record in the fields of modeling, television, film, and theater production. Appearing in over 200 hundred advertisements and commercials for national companies such as Ebony, Bally Total Fitness, Ford Motor Company, Wachovia, The Weather Channel, Time Warner, Road Runner, and Nike has made him a sought after actor and model. Vince’s reputation as a successful director, actor, and motivational speaker has led to requests from numerous well-known Universities and organizations to conduct seminars of “How to Launch Your Career in the Commercial, Film or Fashion Industries” and “The Actors Boot Camp”. His dream of equality and empowerment for all models and actors of all races was realized when he developed and implemented Talent Link Inc. His cutting edge Talent agency accommodates both “Artist” and “Industry” and has definitely soared to new heights with the new title of extras casting director for film Gospel Hill. Vince’s goal to give aspiring actors and actresses a road to success with his agency has helped many, especially African Americans. He continues to exemplify that you can become whatever you desire, and if there isn’t a road, then create one. Contact Talent Link: www.talent-link.com Pick up your copy of The Rock Hill Runway Newspaper to see more pictures with the "Stars" of Gospel Hill! |
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