Independent Brit agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, which represents a number of big name writers, directors, literary properties and heads of department, had appointed Jodi Shields to the newly-created role of chairwoman with overall responsibility for the company.
Tracy Brimm, who joined the agency in 2018 as creative affairs executive, will expand her role to include the position of head of film and television.
Casarotto’s longtime head Jenne Casarotto passed away in March 2014 at the age of 77 following a short illness. The agency’s managing director Anna Higgs left the company four months later after only a year.
Shields is a three-time veteran of the London-based company, having previously overseen its film and TV business. As chair, she will serve as the strategic lead, working closely with COO Ian Devlin, head of theatre Mel Kenyon, the board of directors, heads of department and the advisory board. Casarotto said that the role aims to shape the company’s “long-term vision and ensure that the values of the independent agency continue to grow and evolve.” Shields will continue her work as a senior agent.
Shields joined Casarotto in 1998 and has built an impressive career at the agency. As head of Film and Television, she oversaw a vast portfolio of Academy and BAFTA Award-winning clients including Steve McQueen, Edward Berger, Peter Straughan, Sarah Gavron, Lone Scherfig, Bart Layton, John Crowley, Nia DaCosta, Stephen Frears, Christopher Hampton, David Hare and the estates of Muriel Spark, JG Ballard and Tennessee Williams.
“When it comes to fearless leadership of our beloved company, I had the opportunity to learn from the best in Jenne Casarotto. I look forward to channelling her indomitable spirit to ensure that Casarotto continues to stand at the forefront of London’s global creative output, connecting storytellers, producers, and media companies from around the world, as we have done for the past 36 years,” said Shields. “I have greatly enjoyed my eight years as head of film and television, and I have no doubt that Tracy will approach the role with her signature energy, expertise and clarity of vision. Casarotto remains proudly independent, collaborative, and dedicated to nurturing a wide range of talent with individualised guidance and a personal touch, whilst championing and amplifying marginalised voices across the industry. These changes in our leadership reflect our continued commitment to these beliefs.”
In the newly expanded role of head of film and television, Brimm will oversee the direction and operations of the Film and Television department whilst continuing to lead creative affairs, cultivating key industry relationships and facilitating strategic connections between the agency’s clients, creative partners, and bespoke material.
“I’m thrilled to step into this expanded role and to help steer our ambitious and dedicated team that truly embodies collaborative excellence,” she said. “Together, we are deeply committed to supporting and delivering on our clients’ ambitions. I look forward to ensuring we continue to innovate and adapt—always with an eye on our clients and bringing their stories to the screen—while building on the company’s impressive legacy to shape an even brighter future for our clients and for the agency.”