Chinyere Anyanwu, CHI Talent Management

From Kat: Chinyere Anyanwu, who goes by ChiChi, introduced herself to me in the way that I admire the most: She didn’t tell me who she was, she showed me. 

I was, as most of us were, idly searching for ways to fill my time during the beginning months of COVID. ChiChi sent me an email saying she had been laid off from the management office I knew her from, but was starting her own company. Badass, right? Then, she offered to set up a phone call so we could get to know each other. Me. The “me” that’s still an associate getting a meeting with a new business owner. After our lovely conversation, she had sent me another email inviting me to the Broadway Women’s Alliance so I could grow my own network.

From this exchange, and every exchange I’ve had with her since, ChiChi has proven to be generous, creative, ambitious, connecting, prompt, engaging, full of vision, and willing to put in the work to become great. Sounds like the manager we’d all dream of, right? And it’s not just that: It's becoming a manager when the industry has allowed an embarrassing lack of diversity on the side of representation.  It’s her willingness to look beyond who we are on the surface and connect to who we are as humans. It’s the bravery to take the leap of faith and get the L.L.C. We admire her a whole, whole lot and know you will too.

When you’d like to hear more from ChiChi, be sure to check out her interview on Variety's Stagecraft podcast on the Broadway Podcast Network.

ChiChi Anyanwu, Founder and Talent Manager of the recently opened CHI Talent Management, has quickly become one of my favorite people. In watching her open her own Management company and hearing her vision for the future, I can’t imagine a better pacesetter for the person and businessperson we all should be following. ChiChi, we’re so honored to have you on the blog. Before we talk about all your business accomplishments, are there any “human facts” you’d like to introduce to our readers? 

I am the daughter of Nigerian immigrants.  The “CHI” in my name means God in the Nigerian language Igbo, some interpret as the God in you. ChiChi is short for my full name Chinyere which means God’s gift. I tend to go above and beyond in my personal and professional relationships. I like taking care of people. I actively encourage and empower the people around me. All in all, I try to live by name.

You and I, along with so many members of our industry, were laid off as a result of COVID-19. Can you talk us through the brave and badass decision to open your own Management company? What’s the most challenging part of getting a new business off the ground? 

Even after losing my job, many of my clients wanted to continue working with me. Also, my friends and sister, Ngozi, have been telling me for years that I should have my own company.  The fact that so many people believed in me and supported my choice in starting my own company gave me the confidence and strength I needed.  This realization led me to take matters into my own hands and take a leap of faith.  Hence, CHI Talent Management, L.L.C. was born.

The main challenge right now is COVID-19. Since there are new production guidelines in television and film with the limited number of people on set, there is less work for my actor clients.  Casting directors are very selective about who they bring into auditions now as well.  For my clients that are more developmental, it may be harder to get them auditions now in TV and film. 

Also, with Broadway being shut down and no date set yet for reopening, most of the clients on my roster are unemployed.  I’m hoping that the industry will bounce back, and that my artists will be working again consistently.

You began your career in casting.  What are the elements of being a manager that made this side a better fit? How does your start in casting aid your work as a manager?

As a casting intern and assistant, I remember always enjoying talking with agents and their assistants over the phone.  I admired how agents pushed and advocated for their clients as well.    Although I was fond of casting, I realized my true calling was developing and nurturing acting talent.  I feel like my experience in casting gave me a better understanding and appreciation for what casting directors do.  I’m aware that roles don’t always go to the best actor, however I still encourage my clients to always present their strongest audition so that casting will recognize their talent and keep them in mind for future projects.

We listened to your amazing interview with Broadway Podcast Network. One section we loved, among many, is you telling your clients to ‘not lead with your race’. Can you talk to our readers, who are mostly actors, how you submit on breakdowns when race is mentioned? Do you have advice for an actor who feels pigeon-holed based on their name or the way they look?  

Do not limit yourself by only submitting for roles that are specific to your race.  Free your mind and look into roles that you connect with on a basic human level.  If you feel like you can play the role and do it justice, go for it.

It's no secret that there is a severe underrepresentation of BIPOC agents, managers, and casting directors. What’s your biggest dream for a more conscious industry moving forward? 

I am hoping the term “BIPOC” is no longer a thing and that there are more job opportunities for diverse representation.  Its no longer acceptable for me to be on a panel or workshop with other reps and casting directors and be the only person of color in the room.   We have to do better as an industry and actively hire people that reflect the melting pot of America.

We’ve used the metaphor of a mountain to be analogous to our career accomplishments, dreams, and changes. We feel a lot of our reader’s “climb” is on pause. Has your mountain ever changed? Is it changing now? What’s keeping you moving?

I feel like I’m always constantly pushing myself to keep going. The COVID pandemic slowed me down a bit, but I’m choosing to be positive, proactive and to not stop moving froward.  My clients keep me motivated and always inspired by their talent and wanting to do right by them. My family and friends are also constantly encouraging me and I want to prove to myself that I can do this on my own.

RAPID FIRE:

Favorite Quaran-TV:  I May Destroy You on HBO

Quaran reads: More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth 

Exercise routine (if you are into that):  30 second Jumping rope, 30 Jumping jacks, 15 squats, 15 lunges, 30 second high knees & butt kicks, 30 min stationary bike (4-5x a week).

Favorite food: Jollof Rice and beans 

Thing you have missed most since March: LIVE THEATER!

Favorite thing about being a Manager: Calling my clients when they booked a job.

Favorite part of being a producer:  Collaborating with up incoming writers and directors 

Network growing tip: Don’t be afraid to putting yourself out there and make the first move 

Religious, Spiritual, or Nah: Spiritual

One quality you look for in clients:  Strong work ethic

Social Media Handles: Instagram @chitalentmgmt twitter:  @chi_management

Anything you’d like to promote?:  Check out more info about my clients, who are all available for acting work asap, via my website www.chitalentmanagement.com

Photos by: Terria Clay