Exclusive Interview: Pop-Culturalist Chats with Erin Reese
Erin Reese is a multifaceted talent who can do it all, and she continues to rack up the accolades. Recently, she became the first country artist to record on B-Sides by Brat TV. We spoke with her about the huge milestone, her two new covers, and an original song she has in the works!
P-C: You’re an actress, content creator, dancer, model, and singer. How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Erin: I started out modeling at five-years-old. From there, it progressed into taking dance classes and performing in local musical theater productions.
P-C: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Erin: Adrian R’Mante! He’s my acting coach and mentor. He is best known for his role as Esteban Julio Ricardo Montoya de la Rosa Ramirez on Disney’s Suite Life of Zack & Cody. I began training with Adrain and his CGTV program when I was seven. To this day, he is there supporting me. He’s always only a phone call away. It came full circle when we both worked together on Chicken Girls: The Movie.
P-C: You’ve had a lot of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Erin: Being selected out of thousands to be one of thirteen child actors to work on not one, but two Dolly Parton made for television programs was a really great moment.
P-C: Tell us about your new single “Circles.”
Erin: “Circles” is a cover song to Post Malone’s original. I love the song and think he is an amazing artist. It was great to get in the studio and put a bit of my country spin on it. I really loved how it turned out and my mom cries every time it played.
P-C: You’re the first country artist to record on the new recording label B-Sides by Brat TV. What has that milestone meant to you?
Erin: It’s an honor. I love working with Brat, so to come back and record as their first country artist is pretty cool. Fun fact is that I was also the first to record in the new recording studio at Brat headquarters, so that is an extra special moment.
P-C: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you? Can we expect more singles?
Erin: YES! I just released a cover of “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves. You can see that on my YouTube channel. Recently, I recorded an original song with B-Sides called “Sweater” that will be released on all digital platforms very soon along with the lyric video.
Pop-Culturalist Speed Round
P-C: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Erin: Love is Blind
P-C: Guilty pleasure movie?
Erin: Frozen 2
P-C: Favorite book?
Erin: Flunk
P-C: Favorite play or music?
Erin: Mamma Mia!
P-C: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Erin: Bhad Bhabie
P-C: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Erin: Jennifer Lawrence
With sincere thanks for everything you taught me
Dear Adrian R’Mante & CGTV,
I write this letter with a feeling of gratitude and with sincere thanks for everything you taught me. I just started learning this craft 10 months ago under your tutelage, and in that short time I learned more than I did over the last 2 years. I was scammed out of more than $12,000 pursuing my passion of becoming an actor. I was wary about spending the money, wondering if this was another expensive dead end. I am happy to say this program was everything it said it was and more.
I will never forget what you said to me when I first auditioned for CGTV. You said, “You are a natural with an immense amount of talent. I know that I can help you develop into a great actor.” Less than 3 months later I was signed to an agent and on my way to what is turning out to be a dream career, except it is now reality. Not only did you believe in me, but also you welcomed me into your CGTV family. I truly believe that without you and CGTV that it would be highly unlikely that I would have landed a role on a sitcom, and I might never have had all the opportunities you presented to me. Now I am on the eve of a guest star appearance, thinking about all of the things you have taught me. For those of you who need more information about what it is that CGTV does, I will break it down for you. CGTV provided in-depth acting skills and training. CGTV provided education on the inner workings of the entertainment business, not just to tell me it is tough, but also why it is tough, and how to succeed despite the odds. Additionally, I have been given several opportunities to share my talent with elite agents, managers and casting directors. Most of all, I am now a member of a very large acting network. We share our hopes, aspirations and dreams with each other. We support each other as we all try to navigate the entertainment industry (and in this industry, networking is very important.) I don’t know how to say thank you, not just for running an ethical and high quality business in the middle of a swamp of mediocre programs, but also for being a trustworthy, honest, and sincere person. The only thing I can think to say time and time again is THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Jay Reid
Family Time info: Jay Reid stars as Cooper on “Family Time” Tune in to BounceTV Monday October 15th at 9/8c to see if Ebony will pick Cooper to go to homecoming with her. Go Team Cooper!
Emily and I wanted to say THANK YOU AGAIN!
Emily and I wanted to say THANK YOU AGAIN! We had such an incredible time in Hawaii! The CGTV Program was amazing – and your actors rock (as always)! The Q & A was a huge success, and several parents approached us after to say thanks! We gave 20 callbacks, so we will definitely keep you posted about those kids.
We already started working remotely with Sean Anderson (AZ), Ella Mejia (AZ), Mercy Flomo (RI) & Matthew Mungunkhuyag (IL) from the Los Angeles Celebrity Experience event! They have been submitting tapes for projects, and if they receive callbacks they will fly out.
Also, as we discussed in Hawaii – I wanted to share with you some exciting updates about your other amazing students that we are working with!
Angel Labosette
(originally Vegas based) officially moved to Los Angeles. He recently booked a Co-Star on Lethal Weapon – and commercial spots for Target, Behr Paint, Mattel and Prolia (National Network)!
Kai Murata
(Hawaii based) recently booked a Co-Star role on Hawaii Five-O and a National Network Voice Over spot for Amazon Echo!
With great enthusiasm I would recommend the CGTV
With great enthusiasm I would recommend the CGTV to young actors who want to grow and develop within the industry. CGTV has opened doors to my acting career and has helped develop my skills as an actor. I started CGTV in January 2017. During this time, I was given opportunities to link up with agents and audition for a major role in a TV series. Recently I have completed and starred in a national KFC TVC. I have been involved with Adrian R’Mante and his amazing team and throughout this time they have made me feel apart of the CGTV family. Adrian is a professional who genuinely cares and wants to see upcoming actors succeed. CGTV encourage and supported me throughout my journey and I’m grateful for this experience. Stay humble and follow your dreams.
Jake Martin
TJ Wright, attended the CGTV Program in LA the summer of 2014
My son, TJ Wright, attended a CGTV program in LA in the summer of 2014. He’d been doing commercial work for about a year and had become serious about getting into film and TV (at the ripe age of 6)! We decided to go with CGTV because we felt it would give TJ a glimpse into the work it takes for film and TV. The camp did that and more!
The kids received great training from experienced actors all week, but also had to put in work to prepare for their showcase. The environment was both realistic and supportive. Adrian and his team were incredibly generous with their knowledge and support of the kids.
By the end of the week, TJ was very sad to leave even though he’d worked hard all week. It showed us that acting was his dream and he was ready to work toward it.
We live in Florida and have had to work differently than actors who live in larger film and TV markets, but Adrian set very realistic expectations, which have guided me as a parent until this day.
TJ has continued to book commercials and related projects. And, we are very excited to report that TJ booked his first feature film – The Hate U Give – in the fall of 2017 (after 3 years of consistently auditioning – persistence!)! The movie will be in theaters on October 19, 2018. It will be an exciting culmination of many years of hard work.
We will continue to enjoy the ride!
Natalie E. Norfus
CGTV is Proud of its Many Success Stories
As painful as it is to admit it, sometimes, individual dreams of stardom remain just that; only dreams. But with the proper guidance and support, those dreams become easily attainable and become reality. This is what happens when you have a qualified, encouraging, and knowledgeable resource like CGTV. Several of our clients have gone on to have successful and lucrative careers in the entertainment industry. Here are a few success stories of our many standouts that, like you, are doing what they love and making a huge impact in the world of entertainment.
RJ Cyler
RJ Cyler featured as one of Forbes Magazine’s hottest young talents under 30 in their 30 under 30 list, is a name that is certainly going places. After landing a lead role in the hit Indie film “Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl,” Cyler next used his talents as the coveted blue Power Ranger in the recent big screen hit. As if you needed another reason to binge TV, he can be seen in Brad Pitt’s “War Machine” on Netflix.
Rebecca Taylor-Klaus
If you are a fan of action movies then you are familiar with Rebecca Taylor-Klaus, who starred with Vin Diesel in The Last Witch Hunter. It’s such a joy to see Rebecca kick butt not only on the screen but in real life. We can’t wait to see what she does next.
Jackson Robert Scott
Did you happen to catch the Stephen King’s IT in the theaters last year? If you did, you know that the movie starts out with the haunting scene of little Georgie being tormented by the evil titular clown. Well, if you HAVE seen that movie, then you know Jackson Robert Scott, who played Georgie in the successful film! Scott has also been seen in commercials for Kay Jewelers and an episode of Criminal Minds-there is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him.
These and other of CGTV’s success stories started out with big dreams; Become one of our many success stories and contact CGTV today. Our rigorous curriculum, which covers everything from audition techniques to marketing tips, is designed to help connect young talent with the agents, managers and casting directors that will let their career take off. We’d be honored to help you advance your career in the entertainment business. Call us today at 818-284-6689 or email hollywood@cgtv.la to set up your first appointment.
RJ Cyler, Forbes Magazine 30 under 30 list!
CGTV reviews are on FIRE! RJ Cyler one of the shiniest stars in our bunch is making global headlines as one of Forbes Magazine’s hottest young talents under 30 on their 30 under 30 list. You can read the full article here: http://www.forbes.com/profile/rj-cyler/
RJ Cyler dreamed a big dream and is now living that same dream.
CGTV is a rigorous curriculum designed to help connect young talent like RJ Clyer with some of the top agents, casting directors, and managers in Hollywood. Workshops include improv, audition techniques, marketing tips and more, for film, theater, television, and commercial acting. Students are guided by top celebrities from ABC, NBC, CBS, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon shows. For more information, please see our website, or call (818) 284-6689. “CGTV: We have people on TV and on Movies!”
Jackson Robert Scott Hits Prime Time TV
Finding a breakout role as an actor takes persistence. We know just how many hours of training, practice, marketing, and auditioning go into getting that casting call. That’s why, here at CGTV, we love to spotlight our graduates’ success stories. This month, we highlight a very talented rising star and CGTV graduate, Jackson Robert Scott.
How did Jackson Get His Start?
Jackson attended CGTV program from the age of 5 learning the craft of acting. He worked with actors from Nickleodeon and Disney as well as Adrian, the founder of CGTV. His favorite class was Improvizational Workshop.
It was a beneficial program and a start and foundation of his love for acting. It was such a positive experience for Jackson that he fell in love with acting and decided to make it his focus activity.
He was discovered by a top agency and manager from Los Angeles. The opportunities that he was given were amazing. He was able to audition for a multitude of projects on TV and film. His first project was a commercial for K Jewelers, followed by an episode of Criminal Minds, and Stephen King’s It remake where he will be playing the role of Georgie. Despite the fact that it is a horror film he had a great and positive experience on the set. Jackson really enjoyed being a part of this project
. It was a team effort and he loved being a part of a team that created something exciting and special for everyone to enjoy when the film comes out in the theaters.
The tools that he has acquired during his time with CGTV and working on set will be useful in any career path that he decides to follow in the future.
Breakout Role: Criminal Minds
Jackson Robert Scott got his breakout role in 2015 on Criminal Minds, a prime time American TV series. Criminal Minds is a fast-paced crime drama about an elite squad of FBI agents who try to outsmart some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals before their next move. Scott was cast on Season 11’s fourth episode, Outlaw, as Cole Vasquez. The episode aired on October 21, 2015.
What is Jackson Robert Scott up to now?
Scott has been keeping busy in Hollywood! This past year, he was cast in the movie adaptation of Stephen King’s famous horror novel, It. Many know the story It as the original terrifying “clown” tale. Scott plays the role of Georgie, the younger brother of the story’s main character, who is the touchstone and starting point of the whole plot. It is now in post-production, and is scheduled to come out this upcoming year, in 2017. We will be watching for Jackson Robert Scott as soon as it hits the theaters!
By all accounts, this is an up-and-coming young actor to watch! Stay tuned: We’re sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of Jackson Robert Scott in the future!
You can read more graduate success stories, learn more about the CGTV program, and get insider tips by visiting our blog! Visit and “Like” our Facebook page for more great success stories from our alumni, as well as all the latest CGTV news.
CGTV is a rigorous curriculum designed to help connect young talent with some of the top agents, casting directors, and managers in Hollywood. Workshops include improv, audition techniques, marketing tips and more, for film, theater, television, and commercial acting. Students are guided by top celebrities from ABC, NBC, CBS, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon shows. For more information, please see our website, or call (818) 284-6689. “CGTV: We have people on TV!”
Tina Hovhannisyn
Hi Adrian!
Yesterday I booked Tina Hovhannisyn on a SAG Ross National Network commercial!
So now she is SAG eligible. Just wanted you to know, as I think she will continue to kick butt this year 🙂
Hope you and your beautiful family are happy and healthy!
Best,
XO-D
Dana Kazanteno
TJ Norfus
TJ Norfus starring in KFC commercial!
TJ
Hi Adrian-
TJ doesn’t like cheese at all (except for mozzarella on pizza) and he booked a commercial for Jarslberg cheese that shot on Friday. Theo used to tease him and say “what if you get a commercial and have to eat cheese.” You truly never know what will happen!
And, as it turns out, he had to eat the cheese!!! But, he did great. No complaints. All smiles. They finished his scene in less than hour (we waited longer than he worked). The director – who’s worked on movies like Jurassic Park – was very complimentary of TJ. He said “I knew he was a natural as soon as we started” and “he really knows his stuff.”
Proud of this kid….hope all is well on your end.
Rebecca Taylor-Klaus
Hello CGTV family!
Please go watch CGTV’s very own Rebecca Taylor-Klaus with Vin Diesel in The Last Witch Hunter in movie theaters TONIGHT! CONGRATS to our CGTV graduate!!
