LaTanya Potts

Anyone who has had the pleasure of tasting gumbo, one of America’s finest foods, knows that it is the sum of the ingredients that makes it so special. It is not simply the sausage, or okra, broth, or even the filé, but the magical combination of each that makes this Southern fare such a delight. The world of film can be likened to gumbo. To create a great film, not only must the writing, the acting, the direction and the photography be fantastic, but the casting – those individuals slotted to fill the film out, like so many spicy ingredients – needs to be great as well.

Casting is the element that holds a film together. It is that creative eye for detail, that sixth sense for the next A-lister, and having her proverbial ear to the ground, that Louisiana born/California bred LaTanya has been doing for the last 13 years. Her’s is indeed the “main ingredient.”

LaTanya Potts began casting more than 13 years ago. And whether it’s working on the Samuel Jackson and Bernie Mac helmed, Miramax produced and Malcolm Lee directed blockbuster “Soul Men”, casting television programs such as “Just Jordan”, “The Steve Harvey Show” or “Moesha”, or the upcoming Miami-based indie flick, “Get Lifted” with rappers Paul Wall, Rick Ross and Trina attached, LaTanya Potts consistently goes beyond what the budget dictates and is keen on recognizing and cultivating new talent.

“Just as someone provided me a break, I love giving actors a break as well,” she says. Instead of circulating the same actors, Potts is always scouting new, exciting screen stars who can light up the screen and yet are still fresh enough to be molded. One of the most memorable selections she made was casting a then unknown Terrence Howard in “Love Chronicles”. Howard, of course, went on to be nominated for an Academy Award and is one of today’s best-known actors.

Speaking of known actors, one of the finest in the business gives LaTanya her inspiration.

“My inspiration to continue in the industry comes from Sydney Poitier,” LaTanya states. “While working together on David & Lisa, a Harpo production, Mr. Poitier and I had many conversations during and after our days on the set. He went on to explain the truth about the business and he gave me words of wisdom that ultimately created a vehicle to continue in casting/producing. I also have great admiration for casting director Victoria Thomas and producer Shonda Rhimes.”

LaTanya Potts Casting/Entertainment is now bicoastal, with offices in Los Angeles and Atlanta. During her time in the business, Potts has worn many hats in the industry, having worked at Paramount, CBS, Warner Bros. and FOX. In addition to casting, she has also worked as a talent coordinator for several award shows and as a producer for television and film. LaTanya has worked the gamut of casting projects from studio to independent films, small and large budgets, African American to mainstream, television, commercials and even stunt casting.

“We’ll get the job done because we’re going to go above and beyond,” she says. Malcolm Lee, who judges her to be “extremely hardworking and reliable” would agree.

Like her native Louisiana dish of gumbo, LaTanya Potts brings integrity, experience, competency and that creative edge to everything she does. She will not only satisfy you and do so within budget, but she will make your project sing!