You may have seen Kathy Carter as a recurring judge on SPEED TV’s Fast Track to Fame. But if you haven’t…this Nascar enthused series revolves around the search for talent singers, comedians, and other novelty acts along the tracks. Along with the other judges, Kathy scores acts as they go bumper to bumper in the finals for a $5,000 prize. With over 10 years in the entertainment industry, I am thrilled to share this interview with Hollywood talent manager and producer Kathy Carter.

Did you always know that you wanted to be a Hollywood talent manager and/or producer?
I knew I wanted to represent talent after Jeff Witjas spoke to my college class about being an agent at the William Morris Agency. I was 20 years old. A natural progression of my business and personality is packaging entertainment properties and professionals so I started producing.

Who was your first client in your management company?
Jeff Johnson was referred to me when I started my management company. He was non-union, but had worked on stage and in performance groups. I thought he had an amazing spirit and I asked him if he wanted to tackle the business together. He said yes and we have worked together since day one. We (because everything is a “we” with my clients and I) wrangled his SAG card, booked him in television, movies, commercials and voiceovers. We have put a team around him of the right agents at the right times in his career. He is currently in theaters nationwide as a Lead in “Letters to God.” Jeff and I are very proud of our accomplishments as a team.

Was your heart working in law as an attorney before you found your passion in Hollywood?
I worked in Hollywood before I attended Law School. One of the best moves I have made for my career was becoming a lawyer licensed in California and Texas and litigating for 2 years before starting my management company. The funny story is when I became bored with litigating, I went into Ron Meyer’s office at Universal and asked if he would hire me in Business or Legal affairs department at the studio and he told me “No, you will be bored.” He asked me, “What do you want to do?” I told him I wanted to represent talent as I did before going to Law School and he said “then go do it” and I did.

What are some of the challenges you face as a Hollywood manager that might surprise people?
I come from a very straight-forward family. I respect when people get straight to the point and accurately say what they mean. I am considered too blunt with some people but I consider this to be respectful to the other person’s time and profession. If I don’t like something, I say I don’t like it. This includes speaking very directly with my clients. We are only as good as the weakest link so I have a very honest relationship with the people that I do business with even if they don’t like my delivery. If I lose a deal or a client, at least I did it with honesty and integrity.

What words of advice do you have for those in Hollywood, looking for an agency?
Keep your eyes and mind open. You never know when the right person will show up in your life to guide you to the perfect person for you to work with on your career. Take every meeting you can and reach out to everyone you know, even if you don’t think they can help you…chances are they know someone.

How did you get involved as a judge on SPEED TV’s Fast Track to Fame?
It’s all Michael Binkow and George Greenberg’s fault. They believed in me and gave me the shot. They know how passionate I am about my clients and my business and they wanted me to share that enthusiasm and experience. They know me because they have hired my clients for their shows in the past.

You have also worked with the Nashville community (as co-producer for the CMT television show, Music City Muscle). What do you love the most about the Nashville music community?
The Nashville community is cool and classy, they have respect for others and know how to have a lot of fun. I have many great friends and business contacts in Nashville – we work hard and we play hard. Oh, and everyone knows everyone — I still haven’t figured out if that’s good or bad…ha.

For more information about Kathy Leigh Carter and Fast Track to Fame, visit Facebook.

SPEED TV’s Fast Track to Fame airs Monday nights at 8/7c.