Meet Michael Claridge | Talent Manager & Actor

Life over the past two years has changed for everyone quite drastically. Before Covid-19, I was expected to work a 40 hour work week in the office and only focus on my personal life during the weekends. Now, I work in a hybrid environment, have more creativity and ownership over my schedule in regards to work and home life. Finding your own balance is crucial for your success. I find that some people work better on a rigid and busier schedule while other people flourish with the ability to take a day off during the week to focus on their hobbies. Catering to my physical and mental health needs is the only way I am thriving today. Now-a-days I can balance working an 8 hour day but still take time off to go to the gym, work on my screenplay and book a trip to a beautiful destination such as Colorado, Hawaii or New York.

I started out as a “wanna be actor and producer” and didn’t understand what it really took to make it in Hollywood. Most friends and acquaintances I know are sitting around waiting for their number to be called. In life, especially Hollywood, no one is ever going to open that door for you. NO ONE. I realized that the only way to be a success is to stand out from the crowd and take the road less traveled. That’s when I began to see my star rise. Around 2018, I was going to Film School and working at Warner Bros. Studio as a security guard. Glamorous right? Most people thought I was crazy to take such a low paying job at the studios where you can get treated like dirt. I knew in my heart though that If I wanted to work in the studio industry I was going to need first-hand interaction with it. Sure I could study all day at school reading every book I could find, but I learned more working a minimum wage security guard job then I did in four years of schooling.

Once Covid hit and the studio system shut down I knew I needed to pivot directions. From the countless connections I made at Warner Bros. I got a job as a Talent Manager at Studio 71 where I connect influencers with brand deals and help produce their own original content. Unique life experiences are the only way you’ll stand out from the crowd. You have to be willing to take jobs that might seem unconventional at the beginning but in the end are actually the best spot for you to achieve your dreams.

Here’s what I recommend in the Denver and Colorado Springs Area!

Day 1: Spend the day driving around checking out all the nature Denver has to offer. Spend the evening at ViewHouse in Centennial where you get the most beautiful sunset views of Downtown Denver which will be paired with great drinks, music and company.

Day 2: Have breakfast at the Centennial Airport where you can watch vintage planes and high-end jets take off of the runway and afterwards get a tour of all the incredible hangers.

Day 3: Visit the Denver Bronco training facility where any football lover will be amazed. For whiskey lovers, visit Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery where you will be fascinated by the history and complexity that goes into making an unforgettable whiskey.

Day 4: Head over to the town of Golden where the “West still Lives”. There you can walk around the town, go shopping and on a hot day rent inner-tubes to go down the Lazy River that flows throughout the town.

Day 5: Spend a few days in Colorado Springs where you can visit the Air Force Training Base and tour the Olympic facilities where all the top competitors train before every Olympic Games.

Day 6: Spend the morning visiting and hiking through Garden of the Gods and then in the afternoon check out Manitou Springs where you can walk this historic town and see all 7 natural springs.

Day 7: Spend the last day of the trip driving up to Pikes Peak. At almost 15,000 ft. you can see Downtown Denver and every city around the area. Visit the Crystal Reservoir where you can go kayaking or boating.

I would not be where I am today without the support of a few key people in my life. My family has always been the voice of reason when it came to making crucial decisions about my career and personal life. I also want to mention my church community who has always been there when the going gets tough. They encouraged me to continue my pursuit in the entertainment industry even during Covid-19 when I was ready to throw in the towel and call it quits. Their mentorship and love is what keeps me grounded as I continue to move up the ladder to my dreams.