024 Challenging the Narrative with Ava Greenfield

JD and Suzy sit down with television literary and packaging agent at ICM Partners, Ava Greenfield to talk about her experience as one of the first African American female agents in Hollywood. Ava works with leading artists in entertainment including writers, directors, actors, comedians, authors and musicians. She began her career as an agent trainee at the prestigious William Morris Agency where she was the first African American female trainee promoted to motion picture literary agent. Ava joined ICM Partners in 2014. She graduated from The Ohio State University. Though she moved to Los Angeles more than 10 years ago, she remains a lifelong Cleveland sports fan.

What You Will Hear:

Ava’s early exposure and love for tv

The complexity of biraciality

Growing up middle class in Ohio

Moving to Los Angeles and finding work

Hollywood Reporter

The intersectionality of black people/people of color and Hollywood

Authenticity and true commitment

Navigating conversations

Navigating for clients

Trauma Porn

White privilege

Representing clients in an equitable way

Maintaining mental health

Changing the narrative by challenging the narrative and getting comfortable with feeling uncomfortable

Quotes:

“Someone’s gotta help you open the door.”

“If a black woman role exists, there must be a commitment from the buyers to find a black director or a writer for the project.”

“I don’t have the fear that being honest will reflect with me in some way.”

“There are other things in your life that are more important or equally as important as your job.”

“Quality of life is essential.”

“Things fall apart, that’s the business.”

“If something doesn’t go your way or doesn’t come together, give yourself a day to mourn it because you deserve it.”

Mentioned:

ICM

Regina King

Charlamagne Tha God

JD and Suzy sit down with television literary and packaging agent at ICM Partners, Ava Greenfield to talk about her experience as one of the first African American female agents in Hollywood. Ava works with leading artists in entertainment including writers, directors, actors, comedians, authors and musicians. She began her career as an agent trainee at the prestigious William Morris Agency where she was the first African American female trainee promoted to motion picture literary agent. Ava joined ICM Partners in 2014. She graduated from The Ohio State University. Though she moved to Los Angeles more than 10 years ago, she remains a lifelong Cleveland sports fan.

What You Will Hear:

Ava’s early exposure and love for tv

The complexity of biraciality

Growing up middle class in Ohio

Moving to Los Angeles and finding work

Hollywood Reporter

The intersectionality of black people/people of color and Hollywood

Authenticity and true commitment

Navigating conversations

Navigating for clients

Trauma Porn

White privilege

Representing clients in an equitable way

Maintaining mental health

Changing the narrative by challenging the narrative and getting comfortable with feeling uncomfortable

Quotes:

“Someone’s gotta help you open the door.”

“If a black woman role exists, there must be a commitment from the buyers to find a black director or a writer for the project.”

“I don’t have the fear that being honest will reflect with me in some way.”

“There are other things in your life that are more important or equally as important as your job.”

“Quality of life is essential.”

“Things fall apart, that’s the business.”

“If something doesn’t go your way or doesn’t come together, give yourself a day to mourn it because you deserve it.”

Mentioned:

ICM

Regina King

Charlamagne Tha God