IMTA alum Katie Holmes is on the cover of T, The New York Times Style Magazine! She looks stunning styled in classic 50's Hollywood glamour! In the article, "Best Supporting Actress," the interviewer asks Katie how she got from Ohio to being an actress:But you were in Ohio ?
That was my hurdle. I had to get to New York or L.A. When I was 16, I went to a modeling convention in New York. There was an acting competition, and I did a monologue from ‘‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’’ A manager saw me, and he wanted to represent me. He said I should come to Los Angeles for pilot season."
Katie is, of course, talking about when she competed at IMTA! She competed at both the 1993 and 1995 IMTA Conventions. Katie wrote IMTA a lovely thank-you note after acting in the feature film The Ice Storm:
"For years I have spent some time sitting in front of the television from 7:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. listening intently to John Tesh and Mary Hart inform me about which star was filming what new movie, who was dating who, and who was the rising new actor or actress. Hollywood and its numerous success stories seemed extremely far away and definitely from a world that I would never come into contact with.
On July 23, 1995 my life changed. This particular Sunday, evening, I found myself in the New York Hilton for the International Modeling and Talent Association convention. I was sitting in one of the ballrooms reciting a monologue in front of about 50 other contestants, as well as Al Onorato, David Guillod and Bobby Moresco, the men who were conducting this seminar on "Prepare to Compete". After I had finished, Al and Bobby offered some direction and had me alter it a little. I used my nervous anxiety to help me become more intense and, following my second performance, I felt elated. It was clear to me that something very special occurred in that ballroom that evening.
About six months later, I found myself in the Los Angeles office of Al Onorato, rehearsing and audition piece for the Ang Lee film The Ice Storm. David, Al and Bobby had become my business managers following that memorable convention and encouraged me to audition in Los Angeles during the 6-week pilot season. Instead of viewing Hollywood on my T.V., I was there. Being in that untouchable world, experiencing the life of a beginning actress, was surreal. Suddenly this strange path of life seemed so normal. I love it.
My experience grew even more unbelievable. On May 21, 1996 I found myself in a trailer on Park Avenue in New York City, getting my hair and make-up done in order to transform myself into a teenager from 1973. I was anxiously waiting to begin filming The Ice Storm. Suddenly, I was part of Hollywood. I was then inside the walls of the business instead of remaining a curious outsider gazing in, struggling to discover what exactly takes place on the inside. I found myself chatting with actors whom I had read about for several years. After receiving directions by the highly acclaimed Hollywood director, Ang Lee, and talking to Kevin Kline for a substantial amount of time, it was time to begin becoming a professional actress.
My rather eventful and definitely memorable year provided me with such valuable life-long lessons that will forever remain a part of me. Fortunately, I was able to work with extremely focused, conscientious people who are completely unconcerned with the Hollywood myth. They work hard at their jobs and then retreat home to their families. I discovered that the Hollywood portrayed on Entertainment Tonight of exciting parties, premieres, galas, etc. is a distortion. The Hollywood I came into contact with is one of extremely talented people who spend their time participating in acting workshops, auditions, films, etc. in order to perfect their craft. The highly respected actors and directors are solely concerned with their work and concentrate on ways to improve. Although "Tinsletown" continues to be a mystery to all and several have benefited from the fortunate fate that seems to occur only in Hollywood, it remains to be true that even in Hollywood, those who diligently work hard are the people who achieve true and long-lasting success".
Congratulations to Katie for her amazing accomplishments! Looking forward to seeing what you achieve in 2009!
Katie competed at IMTA twice, in 1993 and 1995 . She participated in seminars and workshops which got her noticed by industry greats Al Onorato, David Guillod and Bobby Moresco. When Katie returned a couple of years later to present awards at IMTA, she debuted the first fifteen minutes of the pilot episode of Dawson's Creek. The entire ballroom was riveted by this ground-breaking stylish teen drama and Katie received thunderous applause!
