By: The Don

Andrew Ullman was has been in the film business for a very long time. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Andrew has done so much. From working as an Agent to working on Productions, Andrew has been there, done it all. From living with famous Philly actor Kevin Bacon to working with Adam Sandler in his early days, Andrew knows what traits and attributes to look for when he scouts for the future of entertainment.

INTERVIEW

What is your name?

My name is Andrew Ullman.

How long have you been in the film industry?

I have been in the business since 1979 to 1980.

What got you into the film industry?

I was an Usher at the Fox Theatre on 16th and Market Street since I was 16. I moved to NYC and stayed in my childhood friend, Kevin Bacon’s Apartment at 86th & Broadway. I started as a Talent Agent after becoming friends with Simon Maslow, who was Tom Hank’s first Manager suggested that I pursue agenting. I worked for Mary Ellen White and her brother who gave me my first job and the Gilchrist Talent Group who offered to give me their agency. I was Adam Sandler’s first agent and Christine Taylor. I went to LA after CAA offered me a job but then I got offered work in production which I pursued and have been doing for over thirty years as a location manager.

How was it like working at Fox Theatre?

The fox theatre was amazing. I got to watch Scorpio 64 times and then I got to tell Al Pacino that years later.

How did you meet actor Kevin Bacon?

I lived around the corner from Kevin and went to grade school and Junior High School with him. He had an amazing mom and dad who I remember so fondly.

Did he always want to go into film?

Kevin was very low key about his acting pursuits. He never let anyone know.

How was your experience in NYC?

NYC was awesome. It was a dream come true. My grandfather wanted to buy me a pretzel stand since I never did well in school.

Is the film business huge in NYC like it is in LA?

The film business was very difficult to break into in the 1980s in NYC. And, no it has never been as busy as it is in Los Angeles.

So you didn’t study film?

No, I went to college in Pittsburgh for one semester, but my grandparents couldn’t afford to have me stay there.

How was life as a Talent Agent?

Life was good as a talent agent, I was Adam Sandler’s very first agent, days after he left college. That is a lot of satisfaction!

What is the day in the life of a Talent Agent?

It’s not as intense as production. But, I gave it up when Adam Sandler left me to do stand-up

How was working with Adam Sandler and Christine Taylor? Could you ever picture them being what they are now?

Yes, I totally pictured Adam as what he became. I imagined Christine as one of the Partridge Family in the Brady Bunch.

What do you look for when scouting for the future of Hollywood?

You focus on what works to tell the story when scouting.

Do you find talent around the country or just in Philly?

I was an agent in NYC, not Philly.

What was the craziest thing you have experienced as an agent?

It was not a crazy job. Intense yes, crazy no.

Are the actors/actresses hard to work with?

There is no loyalty, so yes, it’s tough.

What was the most intense moment so far?

Every day, you’re always dependent on your clients getting work.

What was your favorite part about being a Talent Agent?

I haven’t worked in agenting in over thirty-some years, my favorite is helping talent break into the business.

Why did you leave agenting?

Actors are not loyal. Opportunities to work in production. I have worked in some good films.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0880488/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

What was your favorite film to work on?

Saving Mr. Banks (2013), Unbreakable (2000), The Sixth Sense (1999), and Apollo 13 (1995).

Who was your favorite actor/actress that you loved to work with on productions?

No favorites.

What is your favorite movie?

I don’t have a favorite film, I love so many.

Are you still in the Entertainment Industry?

Yes, I’m still working and continue to do so as long as I can.

What advice do you have for people who want to be a talent manager or an agent in Hollywood?

To reach out to all of them.

https://www.focusfeatures.com/article/behind-the-credits_locations_andrew-ullman