When she starts talking, Jamie Lentz can't stop. While talking, there's a certain excitement and enthusiasm to her voice, like someone who just found a new passion or has a new discovery.
In a way, her new venture is just that. Lentz created Lentz Promotions, which looks to place people in a wide variety of local, regional, and national commercials, voiceovers, and other print and on-camera work.
Lentz said that her namesake company is "not a modeling agency, but a talent agency" that is looking for everyday looking people, including those with or without acting experience, to take part.
"They look like regular people," Lentz said. "They are not all pretty faces. If you're a little heavy or skinny, that's what I want."
In its month of operation, the company has landed people in commercials like the one for Galt House's KaLightoscope holiday event as well as a regional medical commercial.
Getting into the business does require preparation, which Lentz Promotions can do. Classes are available for all ages and include a range of topics from on-camera acting, an introduction to the stage, headshot and resume help, and even help with health and wellness. The eight-week courses start at $265 for kids and $295 for adults, which is competitive with other talent companies in the area.
"The classes I offer are not money makers for me," Lentz said. I don't make money off the people I sign. I make money by working with the ad agencies."
Don't expect to become famous because of the classes. That's not Lentz's goal.
"I don't live in Hollywood," Lentz said. "I don't teach people to be famous. I teach people how to make money in the business."
Among her clients are a number of Louisville theatre actors, and Lentz is hoping to add more to her growing list.
"Actors may not always know all that is available," Lentz said about acting jobs.
Classes are slated to begin towards the end of November. More informaton on Lentz Promotions can be found at by calling 502-749-1144, going to the company's Facebook page, or visiting 100 North 6th Street in downtown Louisville.
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(Image from Lentz Promotions)
