Above Below the Line Expands Team With Angela Curtis and Melanie Callahan Cammisa

Above Below the Line (ABL), a Los Angeles-based agency specializing in below-the-line talent for film and television, has appointed Angela Curtis and Melanie Callahan Cammisa as agents as of October 31, 2023. This strategic move marks a significant expansion of ABL's services, given the increasing demand for specialized talent representation in the industry.

Curtis will primarily focus on representing production designers and costume designers, two key roles in film and television production that have seen growing recognition in recent years. According to industry trends, the demand for skilled production designers has surged by 40% since 2020, reflecting a broader acknowledgement of their contributions to visual storytelling.

Cammisa joins the agency with a specific emphasis on film and television production, further diversifying ABL's portfolio. Previously, Cammisa was affiliated with the prestigious WME (William Morris Endeavor), where she was pivotal in securing opportunities for numerous high-profile productions, including the Emmy-winning series "Succession" (2018–2023). This experience is expected to enhance ABL's standing in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Similar to when ABL hired experienced agent Jamie Black last year, the addition of Curtis and Cammisa signifies the agency's commitment to growth and its focus on below-the-line talent. Black’s appointment saw the agency attract several notable production designers and cinematographers, indicating a pattern of strategic hires that strengthen ABL’s market position.

According to industry sources, companies that invest in below-the-line talent representation are likely to see increased project requests. ABL's expansion aligns with this trend, underscoring a growing recognition of the critical roles played by these professionals in production processes.

In the context of Curtis's background, she previously served as the director of talent relations at a rival agency where she successfully organized workshops to elevate the profile of costume designers within the industry. This focus on professional development is in line with ABL’s goals to not only represent talent but also to foster their growth.

Curtis and Cammisa are both expected to contribute to several upcoming projects, including a major period drama set for release in 2024, which will require extensive period-accurate production and costume design. Their expertise will be crucial to ensuring that these projects align with contemporary audience expectations, rooted in historical authenticity.

As ABL continues to expand, industry observers will be monitoring the impact of these appointments closely. Enhanced capabilities in production design and agent representation could allow ABL to attract more high-profile projects, following a trend that began in 2021 with the reorganization of talent agencies aligning closer with filmmakers and production companies.

In conclusion, the appointments of Angela Curtis and Melanie Callahan Cammisa signify a proactive approach by Above Below the Line to solidify its position in the competitive landscape of talent representation. This expansion is expected to not only enhance the agency's client base but also to set new industry standards for recognizing the importance of below-the-line roles in the filmmaking process.