introducing
“what’s next!:
A Special THREE-part Event!”
ZBS INVITES ALL CLIENTS AND GUESTS OF The Chasin Agency, A.D.S. Management, Taylor Talent Services AND Casting Director Danny Gordon,
TO ATTEND
“what’s Next!: A Special THREE-part event!“ including:
• An exclusive Panel Discussion moderated by Zak Barnett between Matthew Cato-Fox from The Chasin Agency, Andrew Stawiarski from A.D.S. Management, Shannon O’Dowd-McArdle from Taylor Talent Services, and Casting Director Danny Gordon, focused on visioning for “What’s Next!” in the industry.
• A ZBS Sample Class taught by ZBS owner and Master Teacher, Zak Barnett.
• An In-Studio reception for those in attendance with light snacks and refreshments to mingle and hang out!
ZBS Panel Event: “WHAT’s NEXT!”
The panel will be an enlightening conversation moderated by Zak Barnett between Matthew Cato-Fox from The Chasin Agency, Andrew Stawiarski from A.D.S. Management, Shannon O’Dowd-McArdle from Taylor Talent Services, and Casting Director Danny Gordon.
This three-part special event is a continuation of ZBS’ “What’s Next!” series— a dynamic response to the roller coaster of challenges the industry has faced, from the upheavals of recent fires, the pandemic, and industry strikes to AI. In this series, we’re not just asking “What’s Next?”; we’re creating a think tank around the answer. This series is your ticket to innovation, offering a fresh approach to navigating and evolving in our fast-paced industry. This is an opportunity to redefine that industry together.
ZBS SAMPLE CLASS
Also, a very special Enrollment offer will be announced in this class! You don’t want to miss out!
DETAILS:
When: Thursday, July 10
Panel & Sample Class Timings: 3:00 – 6:00 PM PT
Where: Hybrid (In-Person at ZBS Studios or Online via Zoom)
Address: 332 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA. 90036
Following the event: An in-studio reception will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 PM PT to mingle and enjoy light snacks!
Notes:
- Please be prepared to stay for the entirety of the event.
- No late admissions will be allowed to enter.
- Space is limited so we ask that you take your confirmation to heart and confirm only if you plan on attending.
- If you confirm and there’s an emergency, please email brian@zakbarnett.com as soon as possible so we can let the ZBS staff and your rep know that you won’t be attending. Thank you and we’re excited to welcome you to “What’s Next!”.
FILL out the form below to register!
Meet the Panelists:
Zak is widely regarded in the industry for cultivating a generation of breakout stars. His clients, past and present, range from Broadway to Hollywood to Bollywood, from critically acclaimed up-and-comers to breakout stars and icons.
Currently, Zak has over 250 students working as series regulars on major television shows, as well as hundreds of others working as guest stars, co-stars, and major roles in both studio and independent films. Among his students and clients, past and present, are numerous NAACP, SAG, People’s Choice, Golden Globe, and Emmy winners. He also consults for directors, productions, and networks, to ensure both individual actors and entire casts rise to the occasion of their best performance possible.
Matthew Cato-Fox began his journey in Los Angeles as an actor, moving to the city in 2001. After years in the industry, he had the opportunity to work at the front desk of Susan Nathe & Associates—a pivotal experience that gave him invaluable insight into the business side of entertainment. Over six years, he worked his way up to a junior agent position, honing his skills in talent representation.
In 2017, Matthew took the next step in his career by joining Chasin Agency to establish its commercial division. Within just seven months, he assumed leadership of both the commercial and theatrical departments. Under the mentorship of agency founder Tom Chasin, Matthew began building his own roster that reflected the diverse world around him. In 2020, Matthew became co-owner of Chasin Agency, further cementing his role as a leader in talent representation.
In 2023 he brought on a new agent to head up the commercial division. With a deep understanding of the industry, he continues to shape careers and advocate for artists in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
Shannon O’Dowd-McArdle has been the head of the commercial division at Taylor Talent Services in Los Angeles for over 5 years, and has booked talent on hundreds of commercials.
Her experience also extends to work as an on-camera coach and media trainer. Shannon has trained and consulted for brands and media including Entertainment Tonight, HGTV, The Doctors, The Today Show, QVC/HSN, The Travel Channel, WE, news stations, talk shows, and more!
In addition, she served as a producer and casting director for commercials and industrials including multiple projects for Hyundai, SXSW, etc. In addition, Shannon has had several films she produced receive critical acclaim on the film festival circuit.
Shannon O’Dowd maintains her membership in Film Independent, Women in Film, and SAG/AFTRA.
Andrew Stawiarski has been a Talent Manager; pitching Artists to the entertainment community for over 20 years. With successful bookings at every network and studio, Andrew and A.D.S. Management are known for impeccable taste and prepared talent.
Andrew is a passionate advocate for each Artist; helping to guide them through the complexities of this industry towards success.
A.D.S. is ACTOR DRIVEN SUCCESS
Danny is an award-winning film and television casting director, educator and theatre director. Recent casting associate work includes the acclaimed A24 / Netflix limited series Beef (Emmy and Artios Award for Outstanding Casting) and the feature film All That We Love starring Margaret Cho and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Tribeca Film Festival). He also recently cast Andrew Chappelle’s film I’m Gonna Kill You starring Tony Award Nominee James Cusati-Moyer. His artistic journey began in New York City assisting avant-garde theatre auteur Richard Foreman at the Ontological-Hysteric Theatre. His time in the downtown art scene ignited a passion for actors and how a performer’s unique authenticity can strengthen the stories we tell. Most recently Danny directed Amy Herzog’s play Mary Jane with an ensemble of actresses with disabilities in response to the LA fires. In recent years, he adapted and directed the play I Am My Own Wife with an ensemble of transgender and non-binary performers. For reimagining this play, he received the Transgender Arts Initiative Grant through the city of West Hollywood. Doug Wright, the play’s Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright called his adaptation “Singularly powerful and important.” As an educator, Danny has been a guest instructor for NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, Syracuse University’s Aaron Sorkin Intensive and Tepper Semester. He is a member of the Casting Society of America.
I’ve worked with him for four years. He’s passionate about what he does, and it makes us passionate. We’re a family. ZBS is a community…a second home
Whenever I get a script I always ask myself, WWZD—What would Zak Do?
During the camera tests and throughout rehearsals and filming on my Netflix series, “Julie and the Phantoms”, Zak’s work with our young actors provided them with the tools that enabled them to accomplish outstanding work. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he was a magician
Zak speaks the language of the soul and is able to stir his actors on the deepest levels of artistic and personal transformation.
His connection to his students is unlike anything I’ve seen…the work is incredibly brave
Zak Barnett taught me to love my craft. Before I came to the studio I loved acting and I knew it was all I wanted to do, but I didn’t know why. I found myself in a place where I was giving good auditions, but I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. Going through his classes allowed me to find my own wants and meld them into one. I learned to love the art of acting and find joy in making something special, something only I could create.
He’s made a lot of impact and a lot of change… I cannot recommend him enough!