Dominique is the owner of Dominton Talent House out of Los Angeles, California. Growing up in the show business industry, Dominique knows the entertainment business inside and out. She has strong negotiating abilities, highly respected contacts in the industry, and a keen eye for talent.
She is currently the business & talent manager of several reality stars (some who are the stars of their own TV shows), New York Times best selling authors, athletes, musicians, and entrepreneurs who are under contract with major networks.
Dominique is also an executive producer, highly experienced in film finance, and a philanthropist
As you purse a career, continue your own projects and creative growth
-Dominique
1. Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in the entertainment industry?
I started in the entertainment industry at a very young age. My mother was Sherman Hemsley’s (from The Jefferson’s, Amen, Fresh Prince of Bel Air) manager and business partner. They had a production and film Finace company. I handled the film financing division. Once my mother retired and Sherman Passed, I took over. That is how Dominton Talent House was born. I manage a variety of talent including influencers, offer film financing services, am an executive producer, and I’m about to launch our own production company division.
2. As a business and talent manager, what are some of the biggest challenges you face in your day-to-day work?
To be an entrepreneur and successful talent manager, one must be ready to tackle challenges. It also means one is a problem solver and good negotiator. There are issues with the complex nature of contracts, advertising, handling and settlement of funds, acquisition and retaining of personnel and content, different personalities in talent which you have to be able to understand and flow with which sometimes is a challenge. It is my job to find the right person who will produce consistent results. One has to be able to understand the difference between ‘goldbricking’ and those with raw talents that can be polished.
3. You work with a variety of clients, from reality stars to athletes to entrepreneurs. How do you approach managing such a diverse group of individuals?
Coordinating the artist’s team, overseeing complicated legal structures and keeping track of all the numbers, from social media and radio spins to cash-flows and revenue splits, is the routine that comes with being a successful talent manager.
With all that being said, while taking care of the day-to-day, I have to aim for the stars: building relationships, anticipating problems and developing long-term strategies. Working closely with all sides of the industry, I must be “fluent” in the entertainment business – more so than any of my associates. Managing an artist means juggling dozens of hats at a time, and I have to be on top of my game at all times. It takes time, patience, tenacity, having an open mind, actually caring about my clients, and a lot of espressos.
4. What are some of the most important skills you need as a negotiator in the entertainment industry?
Adaptability, self-confidence, business intelligence, and persistence.
5. As an executive producer, what do you look for in a project before deciding to invest in it?
As an executive producer I have business acumen and insights into the film and television market and know how and where to make money. This is especially important when I’m financing the film or project myself. Investing in a movie or show can be lucrative and glamorous, but it is also a sophisticated and highly risky undertaking. Before investing in any project, I do my due diligence and research the project, the producers, the talent, and the potential audience appeal.
6. You have experience in film finance – can you tell us about a project that you worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
Unfortunately, I keep this private. Investors don’t like their business dealings and finances out out there which I highly respect.
7. How do you balance your professional career with your philanthropic work?
I’m good at compartmentalizing. I make sure that I give everything I do the time required without taking away from my other projects or obligations.
8. Can you give us some insight into the future of the entertainment industry, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic?
One thing that is never going to be at risk is the entertainment industry. It has proven to be resilient throughout the years. No matter what is going on in the world, everyone’s escape is tv, film, music, entertainment .
9. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the entertainment industry?
Hollywood is still all about whom you know, but arguably more important than meeting showrunners, casting directors and producers is building a solid network of friends.
Many find their ideal job in the entertainment industry by pursuing their own creative passions and talents. They overcome challenges and sometimes rejection until they get the chance to showcase their own artistic abilities. As you purse a career, continue your own projects and creative growth. Needless to say, having a good talent manager is imperative. Most importantly, never, ever give up on your dreams.
10. Finally, what’s next for you in your career? Are there any exciting projects or ventures that you’re currently working on?
I have two very exciting projects I’m working on at the moment that have been picked up by networks. I’m a believer in keeping things quiet until they air. Coming soon…