Meet Jason Lockhart | Talent Agent / Head of Film & TV
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Lockhart and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jason, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work/life balance is a choice. You have to set boundaries. If you don’t, it’s easy to let people and passionate work take over the majority of your waking hours, to the point where negativity creeps in, and that doesn’t serve anyone. I used to be a workaholic, but now that I’m a husband and father, I’ve finally realized the importance of balance, my own humanity, and the value of time. As my wife says: “We all only have so many hours in the day, we gotta use them wisely.” And I actually think my job and clients see more success working with a happier, healthier, more balanced agent in their corner.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Many people think I’m scouting for talent all the time. False. I’m representing talent. Trying to find and solidify work for our existing roster of clients. I’ve worn many hats within the entertainment industry, and it’s been quite the bumpy road trying to figure out my path, but eventually it found me. All I had to do was make some selfless decisions about where I could benefit the world and other people most… And that was discovered behind a desk in Atlanta, Georgia. This year I was promoted to President of Atlanta Models & Talent (AMT), and our company reps actors, for Film, Television, Commercials, Industrials, Print and Voiceover work. I do oversee all departments, but day to day I’m still the Head of TV & Film, and that’s my wheelhouse. On any given day I’m a therapist, a lawyer, a negotiator, a salesman, a bill collector, and sometimes get to be a little creative too. I know it’s a competitive industry so I try to work as hard, fast, and smart as possible. Why choose just one? Efficiency in any job is a sure path to prevail, so my inbox is almost always at zero, anally categorized, and often sees over 1,000 emails/day, in addition to rolling calls and navigating seven text convos simultaneously. I’m probably known for my blunt, fast-talking candor, array of tattoos, and use of Bitmojis and GIFs in professional communication, and just don’t give a f*ck. I enjoy what I do, and the people I work with. I’m pitching actors all day long, getting them as many auditions as possible, and then hustling for deals and closing them. What am I proud of? The roster we’ve built & groomed. We have over 500 amazing, talented clients, landing dream-making jobs on shows like The Walking Dead and Stranger Things, and we’re constantly booking actors for DC Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Lately we’ve been extremely fortunate, racking up over 100 new contracts/month. The Southeast market is on absolute fire and our company is continuously growing. If I could rep every talented actor in the world, I would. Wish I could be the person who believes in them, and has the realistic power & position to help. I’d love to be that person for them, the one I never had. Unfortunately though, I’m just one guy and there’s only so many minutes in a day. So for all of whom I’m unable to cross paths with, I did write a book (Ask an Agent), and am thrilled it became a #1 best seller on Amazon. Hopefully that means it’s helping people far beyond my reach. It was intended to be a blunt resource for actors, filled with behind the scenes info, on the business side of things, in hopes that my personal advice, mistakes, and experiences can better serve their own.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I truly love Atlanta. It’s filled with culture, sports, shopping, and great FOOD. And being a foodie, that’s where my mind goes first. We’d hit Buttermilk Kitchen for breakfast, Grindhouse Burgers for lunch, and Fox Bros. BBQ for a full-on southern dinner. To burn some carbs, we’d walk the loop around Chastain Park, and stroll the beltline too. Other must haves: Thrifting in Little Five Points, a rooftop drink at Hotel Clermont for city skyline views, watch the World Series Champs (aka Atlanta Braves) at Truist Park, and take in some of the electric energy at Mercedes Benz Stadium during an Atlanta United soccer game.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, my parents. Every day I feel fortunate to come from a loving & supportive family. My dad came from very little, but worked his ass off and eventually joined the Navy just to put himself through dental school. He’s one of the smartest men and hardest workers I’ve ever known. Second, I’m a big Tom Brady fan. He went late in the draft, overlooked by all the Quarterbacks better than him. His one goal: Work harder than everyone else if you want to be better than everyone else. ‘Nuff said. Third, Sarah Carpenter, the sole owner of Atlanta Models & Talent, who hired me and has constantly taken care of me over the last 5+ years. She’s given me wings to soar, and her trust is forever appreciated. Lastly, a loud shoutout to the two rockstar talent agents on my TV & Film team, Kelly Nehmen & Madison Junod. I get way more credit than I’m due, being the head of the department. The three of us are completely in sync, all day every day, and I truly feel like one point on this triangle of a dream team making magic.
Website: https://www.amtagency.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason_lockhart/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lockhart-9561a344/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNXKHB_zkcyOWtKSGPJVo_g
Image Credits
Amanda Lockhart, Kristin Cheatwood, and Chase Anderson.
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