Breaking into Show Business: Tips from Talent Agent Charlie Winfield, FFT Models, President

Episode 301 of the Silver Disobedience® Perception Dynamics™ with Dian Griesel: How People Think, Lead & Create Success podcast, hosted by Dian Griesel, Ph.D. aka @SilverDisobedience, titled "Breaking into Show Business: Tips from Talent Agent Charlie Winfield, FFT Models, President" was published on December 1, 2025 and runs 51 minutes.

December 1, 2025 ·51m · Silver Disobedience® Perception Dynamics™ with Dian Griesel: How People Think, Lead & Create Success

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Summary

Navigating the World of Acting and Modeling: Insights from Agent Charlie WinfieldHave you ever wanted to be a Star? Model in magazine or TV ads? Act in commercials or films? In this episode of the Silver Disobedience® Perception Dynamics™ podcast, host Dian Griesel interviews Charlie Winfield, president & co-owner of FFT Models and a long-time talent agent with personal experience as a child actor. They discuss the realities of becoming an A-list celebrity, the importance of passion and commitment, and the key qualities needed for success in the acting and modeling industries. Charlie shares valuable tips on what agencies look for, the significance of authenticity, and the necessity of doing thorough research. He also emphasizes the importance of confidence, perseverance, and continually honing one's skills. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to enter the entertainment industry.Please SUBSCRIBE!I’m Dian Griesel and in November of 2017 I began blogging as @SilverDisobedience on my website and @SilverDisobedience on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ and @DianGriesel ⁠X⁠ Career-wise, I am a perception analyst, counselor, hypnotherapist, author of 16 books and a Wilhelmina model. For 30 years, via owning an investor & public relations firm, while being in private practice, I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. A couple of years ago I added a podcast. Episodes are unscripted, with plenty of no-holds-barred revelations from fascinating, accomplished guests living diverse lives. Intimate stories about work, play, psychology, relationships, pop culture, trends, B.S. + more are unpacked through thought-provoking questions that spark honest revelations, pivotal moments, and unguarded insights — stunning even the boldest guests with their own “aha” truths. ✨🔗 YouTube Channel Spotify i❤️podcasts 🍎podcastsLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/diangriesel/⁠ This episode was recorded in collaboration with The Manhattan Center, New York City, New York⁠⁠Show Run: 00:00 Introduction to Becoming a Celebrity00:28 Insights from Charlie Winfield00:54 The Reality of the Modeling Industry02:28 Passion and Commitment in Child Acting03:27 Charlie's Early Acting Days04:00 Scouting and Training Young Talent09:37 The Importance of Confidence and Perseverance11:00 Navigating the Industry's Challenges14:41 The Role of Social Media and Digital Submissions25:28 Charlie's Journey from Actor to Agent25:55 Navigating the Entertainment Industry26:26 From New York to LA and Back26:57 The Best Talent is in New York28:58 The Importance of Versatility34:05 A Day in the Life of an Agent38:39 Understanding the Role of Agents and Managers40:17 Industry Changes and Regulations42:47 Diversity and Marketability in the Industry45:36 Confidence and Persistence in Show Business48:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Episode Description

Navigating the World of Acting and Modeling: Insights from Agent Charlie WinfieldHave you ever wanted to be a Star? Model in magazine or TV ads? Act in commercials or films? In this episode of the Silver Disobedience® Perception Dynamics™ podcast, host Dian Griesel interviews Charlie Winfield, president & co-owner of FFT Models and a long-time talent agent with personal experience as a child actor. They discuss the realities of becoming an A-list celebrity, the importance of passion and commitment, and the key qualities needed for success in the acting and modeling industries. Charlie shares valuable tips on what agencies look for, the significance of authenticity, and the necessity of doing thorough research. He also emphasizes the importance of confidence, perseverance, and continually honing one's skills. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to enter the entertainment industry.

Please SUBSCRIBE!

I’m Dian Griesel and in November of 2017 I began blogging as @SilverDisobedience on my website and @SilverDisobedience on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ and @DianGriesel ⁠X⁠ Career-wise, I am a perception analyst, counselor, hypnotherapist, author of 16 books and a Wilhelmina model. For 30 years, via owning an investor & public relations firm, while being in private practice, I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. A couple of years ago I added a podcast. Episodes are unscripted, with plenty of no-holds-barred revelations from fascinating, accomplished guests living diverse lives. Intimate stories about work, play, psychology, relationships, pop culture, trends, B.S. + more are unpacked through thought-provoking questions that spark honest revelations, pivotal moments, and unguarded insights — stunning even the boldest guests with their own “aha” truths. ✨

🔗 YouTube Channel Spotify i❤️podcasts 🍎podcasts

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/diangriesel/⁠

This episode was recorded in collaboration with The Manhattan Center, New York City, New York⁠⁠

Show Run:

00:00 Introduction to Becoming a Celebrity00:28 Insights from Charlie Winfield00:54 The Reality of the Modeling Industry02:28 Passion and Commitment in Child Acting03:27 Charlie's Early Acting Days04:00 Scouting and Training Young Talent09:37 The Importance of Confidence and Perseverance11:00 Navigating the Industry's Challenges14:41 The Role of Social Media and Digital Submissions25:28 Charlie's Journey from Actor to Agent25:55 Navigating the Entertainment Industry26:26 From New York to LA and Back26:57 The Best Talent is in New York28:58 The Importance of Versatility34:05 A Day in the Life of an Agent38:39 Understanding the Role of Agents and Managers40:17 Industry Changes and Regulations42:47 Diversity and Marketability in the Industry45:36 Confidence and Persistence in Show Business48:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways