Meet Lanier Pressley | Talent Manager & Casting Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lanier Pressley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lanier, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment industry somehow, some way, mainly behind the scenes. So, it all started when I was an intern at a radio station assisting then PD, Don DC Cody in Gainesville, Fl. in the early 2000’s. But I played with it off and on for years, because there were so many different avenues (meaning positions and departments within the film & music industry), to take that I didn’t know about because I didn’t have the connections or major transportation to get to other A and B market cities where the major events took place. But I’ve always had the dedication to network to connect with some in the same field as myself. I Just didn’t have nothing to offer business wise in return.

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?
Negotiable Deal Inc, Talent Management and Casting. Or NDi Talent for short is an independent talent management and casting company based out of Mobile, AL., with a team of only 4. We started off managing fashion and urban eye candy models locally nationally, model consultations, breaking them into the modeling industry, getting them placement/published and providing representation. Then once I was able to master that area after about 5 years, I began venturing into the film industry. managing actors and actresses and learning about becoming a casting director. We’re set apart from other talent management companies because we’re in a B market city, Mobile, we’re not over saturated with 4 or more companies of the field and we’re known for Hip Hop music because of 8 plus major artist that are signed. So, we standout easily. Majority of our clients come from outside the city, other cities and states, that we’ve represented in the past and currently. And the same with casting music videos., but 3 of rap/hip hop artist, PBE Pluto music videos were cast by NDi Talent so far, and more to come from him and more other great artist, male and female. Film projects that we’re involved with, as a casting director or associated producer comes from outside the city and state, a lot of it in Atlanta, New Orleans, parts of Florida, connections in Houston, LA, And I’m most always proud about seeing my credits on I.M.D.B as a casting director or film production credits as producer, and being able to provide a product or service to the celebrities that they’ll trust you can get the job done right for them and their team every time when they hear or call on your company for the work. Patients, stay consistent, dedication, move in silents, let your work speak for itself and show through your network, network, network when building your brand. A great track record speaks for itself also, So, when ppl hear my name through word of mouth or recognize my brand logo on social media, I want them to know that I provide a service that they call back for and always refer others too on a regular basis.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It depends on what time of the year that there coming. Late January we have the senior bowl that rolls right into Mardi Gras season in mid-February (and yes Mardi Gras originated in Mobile back in the 1700), or other than those times of the year we have downtown Mobile where tourist are hanging, club and bar hopping throughout the night, blending in with local nightlife. Loda Beer Garden is the #1 spot to eat at downtown Mobile. They stay open until about 3am on Friday and Saturday nights, and it’s a unique burgers, fries, salads and wings eatery, you have to try the donut burger! Gulf Shores Beach in Gulf Shores, Al. where the Hangout Fest takes place, The Senior Bowl Musem, A University of South Alabama Jaguars basketball game, to name a few

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God first and foremost because without him there would be no me or who I am today and none of this would have been possible. And Walter “Esau” Jones outta Mobile, Al. That brother right there! I’ve learned so much from him over the years business wise, starting with the music industry and he believed in me and knew I had the drive and passion to get to higher levels as time came and passed

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nditalent

Facebook: www.facebook.com/negotiabledealinc

Other: www.instagram.com/ennovativevisuals

Image Credits
Photographer: Kennth Jordan Company: Vizual K