Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Hayes.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Michelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey in the entertainment industry began several years ago when I started an agency to help actors looking to break into the industry. Hayes Talent Agency is a SAG-AFTRA agency that works with talent looking to take their careers to the next level. We have been influential in booking actors on such shows as Fox’s Empire and NBC’s Chicago Med, Fire and PD. In addition, we have booked talent on Showtime’s Shameless and The Chi.
Just recently, I formed an online streaming platform called Cre8sion with two other partners. We are working with independent content creators to showcase their works to a larger audience. Currently, we have about 50 unique and interesting projects on our site including a film starring Chicago Comedian Lil Rel Howery directed by Chicagoan James Reed. We are in search of curating more projects from filmmakers across the country and throughout the globe.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been filled with many transitions. However, throughout my career, I’ve learned to remain positive and grounded. The entertainment industry can be very uncertain but as a believer in my faith, I know I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Hayes Talent & Cre8sion Media story. Tell us more about it.
Hayes Talent agency is an agency that helps get actors speaking roles on some of your favorite shows. I am responsible for building actors careers. Many of our actors have been on The Chi, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Empire, and Shameless just to make a few. I also talk to my clients about thinking outside the box and creating their own shows. Many of my actors have done just that and I decided to create a platform for them to showcase their work. I created Cre8sion Media. It is an online streaming platform that showcases a variety of content from independent creators. Available for free, subscribers can currently watch about 50 projects: from webisodes to documentaries, comedies, films and so much more. In the near future, we will have some of today’s hottest social media influencers on our network streaming live content for their fans. We are proud to be a streaming platform founded by three African Americans with a passion and desire to help curate content for other creatives who have some really amazing work. Cre8sion Media is for the people, by the people.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve been very fortunate and favored all throughout my life. When we first started the agency, the timing was impeccable as Fox was casting a new show called Empire. We had many actors book roles on that show which put the spotlight on our agency. From there, a well known Director by the name of Spike Lee came to Chicago looking to hire local actors which were huge for our company.
Call it luck or whatever, I can truly say we’ve been extremely blessed to be in the position where we are where people have looked to us for quality talent.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hayestalent.com & Cre8sion.com
- Phone: 773 565-4422
- Email: submissions@hayestalent.com and info@cre8sion.com.
- Instagram: Hayestalentageny & Cre8sion Media
- Facebook: Hayestalent & info@cre8sion.com.
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