Arlene Thornton
President of AT&A
Arlene Thornton's career began in this business back in 1970 when she was Administrator of Radio & Television payments for AFTRA in the Washington/Baltimore Local. Seven years later, she found herself in a similar position in Los Angeles. With a broad knowledge of union contracts, and a knack for dealing with actors and advertising agencies, she branched out into the world of Talent Agent.
Dealing with the actors on the "other side of the fence" turned out to be a blast. Being creative in the recording booth was always fun and she took to it immediately. Where else can you get a job that requires you to ask a person if he can sound like a talking toilet bowl and the response is "yes" and I have 5 different takes for that?
One year led into another and finally in 1986 she started Arlene Thornton & Associates. As a result of her fondness for actors, the ambiance at her agency is one of warmth, respect and admiration for the people she represents.
With 40+ years of experience in the entertainment industry Arlene Thornton knows what it takes to succeed in the talent agency business. Her many accomplishments have provided her with countless solid contacts in the industry. From New York to Los Angeles, everyone is familiar with Arlene Thornton & Associates.
Her philosophy on running the company is to be "hands on." Therefore she has a close relationship with many of her clients as well as a direct knowledge of the day-to-day operations.
Her accessibility to clients makes her unique. Her desire to find new and talented actors and cultivate them is rare in a fast-paced business that doesn't always allow time to groom an actor. Her loyalty is uncompromising.
Arlene Thornton & Associates is a boutique talent agency located in the San Fernando Valley with 35+ years of experience in the entertainment industry.
Larry Riess
Native to the Los Angeles area, Larry has been working in the voice over industry for 25+ years. First as a recording engineer, then as a casting director, and now as an associate at Arlene Thornton & Associates. "The ways in which media is consumed are always evolving, and trends are always changing. It's up to us as an agency to be aware of shifting tides, so that we may service our clients as effectively as possible. It's a business about people. Connecting with them, understanding them, and helping them".Â
Myrna Valenzuela
Myrna Valenzuela was born and raised in L.A. She had dreams of becoming a CPA for one of the Big Six accounting firms. (They're now the Big Four). However, after attending an accounting course at USC campus during her senior year in high school, she realized as much as she loved numbers it wasn't her passion. She attended LA Valley College and studied Business and Economics. After holding a few office jobs in the San Fernando Valley, she joined Arlene Thornton & Associates as their Receptionist. It was there that she learned all about the business and three years later was promoted to On-camera Assistant. Shortly after moved over to the Voiceover Department joining the most amazing team in the business. She was promoted to Agent and after 15+yrs in the business feels there still so much to learn in this ever changing business we call Show! Myrna is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish which makes her invaluable in communicating with the Spanish market in this ever expanding marketplace. During time off, Myrna takes every opportunity to travel with friends and family. She’s a Green Bay Packers fan and a competitive Olympic Weightlifter. Best of all, she’s a fur-mom to three adorable felines.