AGENTS
David Ritchie
At the ripe age of 30, David Ritchie set out to build a pro-active, distinct and creative talent agency. After graduating with an Honours Degree in Drama & Film from Queen’s University, David pursued his love of acting & writing. Unfortunately, he knew no one in the business and was unable to get an agent to return his calls, let alone meet with him. He soon found himself in Los Angeles. It was there David met with and saw first hand the persistent and positive approach Hollywood agencies took with talent from all backgrounds.
David returned to Toronto, determined to help others succeed in achieving their goals. He began his career working in the film & television division at Canada’s largest literary agency, Westwood Creative Artists, which represents some 300 clients including the late Timothy Findley, Rohinton Mistry, Barbara Gowdy, and “Life of Pi” author Yann Martel. It was at WCA David learned to negotiate book to film contracts, while also learning the representation of directors, screenwriters, producers and below the line clientele. After a year at WCA, David became an associate at CTI Artists Management where he worked with veteran Film & TV clientele such as directors TW Peacocke, Sturla Gunnarsson, Bill Corcoran, writers Noel Baker, Steve Lucas, Ed Riche and helped discover new talents such as Warren Sonoda, Max & Adam Reid, & Jonathan Sobol (A Beginner’s Guide To Endings), to name a few. It was at CTI where David dove into the actor world and began building a small roster of up and coming talent.
In July, 2006, David opened the Ambition Talent Agency. Starting with a clean slate, David began to build, and build rapidly. In his first month, renowned Canadian actor Joel Keller (Blue Murder, Durham County, Whiteout) joined the team. Following Joel was International Supermodel and actress, Estella Warren (Planet of the Apes, Driven, The Cooler, Law & Order) and after that, Gemini nominee, Michael Filipowich (CSI: Miami, 24). The word was out… Ambition was the new place to be. When clients join Ambition, the goal is for them to see significant change in their careers and Ambition delivers. The company’s roster boasts a mix of Canadian rising stars and established talent including:Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (The Bold & The Beautiful), Mishael Morgan (The Best Years), Eric Schweig (The Missing, Last of the Mohicans), Jennifer Baxter (The Donald Trump Story, Billable Hours), Mike Beaver (He’s Just Not That Into You, Billable Hours), Adam O’Byrne (Cold Case, NCIS, WEEDS) directors Warren Sonoda (Coopers’ Camera, 5ive Girls), David Weaver (Charlie & Me/Toronto Stories, The Latest Buzz), John Bradshaw (Triggermen, Every Second Counts) writers Tim McAuliffe (This Hour has 22 minutes/The Hour With George Stroumboulopoulos, The Jimmy Fallon Show), Andrew Berzins (Cold Squad, Beowulf & Grendel), Renee Percy (Air Farce, Men With Brooms), Edward Kay (Jimmy 2 Shoes) and tween successes Emilia McCarthy (Booky & The Secret Santa & Booky’s Crush) and Eliana Jones (Nikita).
David has had 5 clients appear in Playback’s “Top Ten To Watch” list; he has represented award winning directors for music videos, commercials, TV and Film. He has represented actors who have appeared in national commercials, episodic TV and feature films.
Julia Schneider
Julia Schneider began her career in the entertainment business at the age of 13. She worked as an actor for over 10 years appearing in various TV series’ including M.V.P, Instant Star and The Latest Buzz. Her notable movie credits include working along side James Van Der Beek (Final Draft) and WWE star Jason ‘Christian Cage’ Reso (Dark Rising & Summer Strikes Back). Julia’s performance in Dark Rising led to a nomination for a 2008 Canadian Comedy Award for best female performance as a lead in a feature film.
In between stints as an actor, Julia had the opportunity to work behind the camera as an assistant to acclaimed casting director Stephanie Gorin. While working for SGC, Julia paid close attention to the thorough details involved in casting commercials, television series’ and feature films. With her behind the scenes knowledge, Julia began working more diligently on expanding her knowledge of the business side of the industry.
Shortly thereafter, Julia became an assistant booker in the modeling industry. She learned the ropes of what is required to manage models, deal with top photographers, and arrange “go-sees”. As a student in Ryerson University’s Photography course, Julia was able to apply the techniques she learned when choosing photos for the models’ portfolios and composite cards.
After learning the modeling side of the industry, Julia chose to shift her focus back to actors and, in the spring of 2008, she joined Ambition as an assistant. It was obvious that Julia had the knack, skill set and passion to work with actors, and within a short time she was promoted to the head of the commercial, print and new voice division. At 27 years of age, Julia is one of the youngest talent agents in Toronto.