Jenne Casarotto, who passed away at the age of 77 after a brief sickness, founded Casarotto Ramsay, which Hollywood often refers to as a boutique agency. However, despite its small size, this agency has a significant cultural influence, representing both the estate of Tennessee Williams and the films of Steve McQueen. Few other agencies have the capability to equally serve the needs of renowned playwright Caryl Churchill and acclaimed director Stephen Frears.
Jenne always prioritized the needs of her clients, with a modest demeanor that exuded composure and confidence. Despite the constant influx of calls on the switchboard, she managed to give each client her undivided attention. Whether they were Oscar winners or not, Jenne treated all her clients with equal respect and made sure to provide support and positivity in the unpredictable realm of show business.
In the past few turbulent years, British film, television, and theatre have all been affected by the impacts of Covid and cowardice. However, despite this, she steadfastly remained resilient and only occasionally expressed her hardships with a simple “it’s tough out there.” Christopher Hampton, one of her most skilled writers, noted that her calm and amused demeanor was more effective than medication, whether it be at a play’s opening night or a film festival premiere.
She was born in London to Barbara (nee Robertson), a physiotherapist, and John Goodwin, a cardiologist. Jenne (Jennifer) broke away from strict private schooling at the young age of 16, leaving Queen Anne’s school, Reading.
Following her position as a secretary at a London-based advertising firm, she journeyed to the United States and secured a role as an advertising writer in Cincinatti, Ohio. It was during this time that she pursued her passion for the arts, as she was hired by American novelist Leon Uris to conduct research for his autobiographical novel, QB VII.
During an evening meal, she was seated beside the literary agent Douglas Rae. In 1974, he introduced her to CMA London (now ICM), and later to Robert Stigwood’s music industry. Thanks to Rae’s assistance, she was able to pursue her true calling of representing writers and directors in the fields of film, television, and publishing. It wasn’t until she was 43 years old in 1989 that Jenne established her own agency.
At first, the Casarotto Company focused on representing talented filmmakers like Frears, Neil Jordan, and David Leland. However, the company later evolved by adding production designers and directors of photography to its roster. In 1992, they also gained a distinctive character when they took on a client list from the theater world after the passing of influential play agent Peggy Ramsay. Notable names such as Alan Ayckbourn, Howard Brenton, and Edward Bond all joined the company at the same time.
Utilizing the assistance of Tom Erhardt, the amiable assistant of Peggy, alongside his equally astute colleague, Mel Kenyon, Casarotto Ramsay expanded their presence within the performing arts industry. From their modest beginnings with only three workers, they now have a staff of seventy.
On the day Jenne passed away, I came to the realization that in the 30 years we had been colleagues, we had never once argued. Her guidance was tailored and her approach was smooth. Frears acknowledged that he always advised young filmmakers to seek help from her: “She will resolve any issues you have.”
Producers told me later that she was a fierce negotiator, but to us, there was no sign of it. She fought on our behalf, but kept the ugliness of the fight from us. Jenne knew the right thing to do without having to think about it. Sometimes, on a Monday morning, she would ring me to say “I know I don’t personally represent you in theatre, but over the weekend I couldn’t resist reading your play.”
Her consistent demeanor was largely due to the joy she found in her 55-year marriage with Giorgio Casarotto, who managed the business aspect of the agency, and her immense pride in her sons, Mark and Daniel. She welcomed clients to celebrate her 60th birthday at Giorgio’s family restaurant in Venice, giving us a glimpse into the close-knit web of typically Italian familial connections that brought her stability and passed onto us. As a magnanimous feminist, she was particularly passionate about advancing the roles of women in an industry that was hesitant to include them.
As Hampton said: “Everyone – the film companies, the theatre producers, as well as her clients – trusted and respected her.” Jenne liked good films and she liked good plays.
Rephrasing: She was truly content when helping others, regardless of whether they were her clients or not. Her judgment was unbiased. Her utmost joy was aiding in the production of quality work, and her lasting impact is the community of similar agents that she has left behind.
She leaves behind her spouse, sons, three grandchildren, and her brother, Martin.
Source: theguardian.com
