History
The CA you know and love today was originally founded in1992. At that time it operated as Christen and Associates named after the last name of it’s founder and president David Christen.
In 2009 the firm was incorporated under CA Model and Talent Management Inc and shortly thereafter moved locations to facilitate it’s sister company 7 Sound and a larger fully functional photo studio.
Originally, the company was the first known agency in Toronto open its doors to absolute beginner actors and models basing its roster on naturally talented and gifted performer and model types. At that time, the major agencies were mainly accepting experienced and trained people only.
There was a need from both the casting community and the general public for an agency to supply its services based on an inexperienced but naturally talented roster. David Christen recognized this almost 2 decades ago. Subsequently – in a small office in downtown Toronto on Irwin Avenue with a jet black fauxhawk, a pair of Docs, $1200 in the bank, 1st and last months rent paid, one desk/two chairs one phone, no computer, a ledger book and a Rolodex – yes a Rolodex (Google it if you’re under 25) the company began it’s long and challenging journey. Sounds easy? Sheer tenacity.
Over the years, the agency grew. It scouted, interviewed, represented and booked hundreds if not thousands of absolute beginners in TV, film, print and commercial production. All of the performers booked by the agency having little or no experience on set ever before.
Today the agency is the go-to firm for casting and production hosting a solid roster of very natural performers and models in keeping with the company mantra –with little or no traditional training or experience. CA continues on its path of performance, photography and recording with a 2500 square foot head office on Yonge Street
The agency is sought after by absolute beginners from all over the world though mainly represents people who are able on a days notice to make it into Toronto for auditions. The agency is also well known for NOT selling portfolios or classes. This was one of the founding cornerstones implemented by the owner from it’s inception back in ’92. The near future looks bright for CA.
It its positioned and planning for a major announcement within the next two years in regards to its vision for the future and obvious expansion. It has a compliment of professional people working at its head offices on Yonge Street that vary from make-up artists, photographers, sound engineers, consultants and web/IT specialists.
It’s certainly come a long way from the days of the Rolodex.
