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	June 2000 Elena Kirschner of Lucas Talent "Remember - it's Show Business, not Show Hobby."
Elena Kirschner got her start in the film and television business when she was 14 years old as a professional actress . She worked both in Vancouver and in Los Angeles on various stage, film and television productions until her early twenties. At that time, she "left the business" and went to university, completing a degree in Archaeology. She found herself pulled back into the biz when she took a summer job working as Coreen Mayrs' casting assistant. The job stretched to a year-long association after which Elena evaluated her skills and decided she would be best suited to an agent's life. She started out as an assistant and later as a junior agent. She is thrilled to have been working as an agent at Lucas Talent for two years now and is shepherding her roster to great success! She is one of the people in the world lucky enough to say that she loves her job and has enjoyed great success at it!
VAG - What do you enjoy most about being a Talent Agent?
Elena Kirschner - Two things come to mind. First and foremost, it feels great     being instrumenetal in the development of talented actor's careers. Secondly,     my days are never the same. Everyday I use different skills and it keeps me     focused and interested.
VAG - What advice would you give to actors looking to "break into the industry"?
EK - Get training from a reputable class, and ask for advice from people who     are already in, and successful in, the business. Take the time to get trained,     get the professional pictures and know how to put together a resume so that     you can effectively market yourself. Remember - its Show Business, not Show     Hobby.
VAG - What advice would you give to experienced local actors?
EK - Have a game plan for your career. Have specific goals and strive to meet     them. Be careful putting together the team of people who will guide your career,     they are taking care of a very precious commodity - you!
VAG - What should people know when contacting you?
EK - We work really hard in this business and won't see people whom we don't     know who just drop by. Drop off a picture and resume, we will look at it, make     our decisions and get back to you as soon as we can. I have had actors tell     some pretty tall tales to get to see me personally or to get through to me on the     phone when I am working, and I can tell you, it does not make me think the     actor is creative--it makes me think they are painful.
VAG - What would you say is the worst casting choice in the history of Film/TV & why?
EK - Off the top of my head, I can't think of the 'worst'. I always had a real     problem with the casting of the 'Vampire Lestat'. I have to say that I had a     difficult time with Keanu Reeves in 'Much Ado' as well.
VAG - If an actor wanted to get in your "good books", what is the best thing they can send you?
EK - A great headshot, resume and lots of bookings. Really, we are lucky in this     industry to get gifts for simply doing a good job, that's lovely. My clients know my     tastes, but they also know that I just love them, I don't need anything extra at all.
VAG - Which actor do you admire most & why?
EK - Kevin Spacey - always interesting.     Johnny Depp - Right from the "Jumpstreet" days, I knew he was special. Picks         GREAT projects.     Jodie Foster - can't get smarter performances from anyone.     Julianne Moore - love her. Smart, fearless and really sexy.
VAG - What are your thoughts on the upcoming SAG strike?
EK - If I close my eyes and wish real hard, it won't happen. Honestly, it is     already heavily affecting our industry, even if they decide tomorrow that they are     ready to settle, it has already damaged our high season. However, there is     nothing that we can do to affect the outcome, so we can't get too upset about it.     We need to roll with the punches this year, it will pass.
VAG - If there was one thing about this industry that you could change, what would it be?
EK - Racial stereotyping and the objectification and stereotyping of women.
VAG - If the local film industry was like "Survivor", who would you vote out & why?
EK - I think they won the immunity challenge so I'll have to pass on that one.
VAG - Do you have any interesting or funny stories you'd like to share with us?
EK - Lots, but I find they are much better over drinks...
VAG - Is there anything else you'd like to tell the local acting community?
EK - Produce your own work and support local actors and theater. There are     few things that tick me off more than actors whining about Vancouver's lame     theater scene when they haven't been to see a play in months (or years!). How     can it develop if no one goes!
Thanks to Elena Kirschner for taking the time out of her busy schedule to be interviewed.  This interview was held by Brian Hughes.