Producer Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas’ Debut Novel Pulls Back the Curtain on Agents and Ambition, With Some Help From J. Lo and Nora Ephron

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Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify talent, whether it’s the actors she represented years ago as an agent at ICM or the artists she collaborated with to create influential films and TV shows. Among her most notable partnerships is Jennifer Lopez, a relationship spanning almost 25 years. However, there’s one client who has eluded her for decades, seemingly on the brink of realizing their potential and displaying versatility, and it turns out to be none other than herself.

Screenwriter Goldsmith-Thomas, known for movies such as “Maid in Manhattan,” “Hustlers,” and the upcoming “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” has recently published her debut novel titled “Climbing in Heels.” This is a long-cherished ambition in an industry that often questions the shift of established figures. The book, a blend of fiction and semi-autobiographical elements, revolves around three young women navigating their way through the most influential talent agency in 1980s Hollywood. As they strive to break into the exclusive boys’ club, some of these characters may tragically transform into monstrous reflections of those who molded them, as Goldsmith-Thomas stated.

In those old showbiz days, I recall the charisma, a mix of salt and sophistication, much like what insiders cherished. Back then, securing a job as a secretary at the William Morris Agency, my first step in the industry? “Fitted sweater, no last name.” Yet, when speaking with EbMaster, I express my feelings with a depth that echoes through time. I share how I conquered my self-doubts and sought wisdom from versatile talents like Lopez, as well as guidance from the guardian angels of my past, such as Nora Ephron. Now, if I’m my own biggest client, I’m more than deserving of that 10% commission. This summer, I’m adapting my own book for a Peacock pilot.

Initially, the activities depicted at the talent agency in this book are so scandalous they’d likely drive a modern HR professional to consider leaping out of a window. However, there’s a captivating sense of purpose or inevitable success (manifest destiny) that I believe is absent from today’s representation industry.

I recently read a passage at CAA, where I addressed a crowd of several assistants. During our conversation, managing partner Kevin Huvane and I reminisced about our early days in the industry since we both started around the same time. In my reading, I portrayed a scene where my central character discovers an earring on the couch of an agent’s office and learns that this particular agent holds private auditions with actresses, allowing his assistant to listen. As my character becomes increasingly intrigued by this disturbing narrative, Kevin’s gaze seemed to drill into me, as if questioning, “Why are you reading this? This is a workplace where a simple sideways glance could result in immediate termination.

This book discusses topics like sex and sexual acts, and it seems that agents and actresses are mentioned. However, despite the explicit content, there was quite a bit of interest in it after the reading, as people were eager to discuss it. I encountered a young woman named Claire who recently joined the company, and she couldn’t wait to read the book to see how things might be different for her. I told her that if this had been 1983, her opportunities would likely have been limited to being a secretary or a file clerk.

As a reader deeply engrossed, I’ve found myself repeatedly emphasizing that it’s crucial not to view these characters from a 2025 perspective. The three women at the heart of this captivating narrative didn’t have the luxury of stable ground; they were individuals who defied confinement by a world eager to restrict them. I delve into the powerful female figures of that era, demonstrating how they managed to break free – whether crawling or dancing on their toes – in an effort to overcome the barriers set before them.

It appears that folks find it refreshing that this tale isn’t bound by traditional workplace norms commonly found in today’s Hollywood industry.

In a world where everything was oversized, from the hairstyles to the shoulder pads and even the phones, dreams had to soar even higher. My main character, Beanie – somewhat modeled after myself – managed to secure a position as a clerk in the most humble corner of the industry. However, when life seems bleak, you might just have struck it rich. Each memo Beanie typed during that period, whether at William Morris or the fictitious agency Sylvan Light from my book, had to be written three times on mimeograph paper, with one copy destined for the central files office. Unbeknownst to her, she found herself sitting on a veritable treasure trove of information: incoming and outgoing clients, promotions, demotions, envy, pettiness. Beanie soon learned how to maneuver this world and leverage this wealth of knowledge to her advantage.

How did you get your start as an agent?

That summer following high school graduation, I found myself involved with a man I deeply adored. Despite his being only 5’3 and claiming to be taller, he aspired for a career in business. In my misguided attempt to prove my worth, I thought if I could help him secure an agent, he might see me in a new light. Sadly, self-love was not something I fully grasped at the time. Determined, I compiled a list of top Hollywood talent agencies and spent the summer making rounds on Hollywood Boulevard. The first stop was the William Morris Agency; upon mentioning my purpose, I was promptly directed to Forest Lawn Cemetery. Eventually, I managed to meet with an agent and persuaded him that he needed only 10 minutes to consider this man’s potential. If the agent declined, he would encounter this man’s face on Sunset Boulevard for the rest of his life. Impressed by my persistence, the agent agreed to the meeting. The success filled me with an indescribable joy. Unfortunately, that small role on “Happy Days” as Chachi’s drug-addled cousin led him to break up with me. However, I learned a valuable lesson about selling ideas and convincing others of my beliefs, which would serve me well in the future.

You’re a very successful producer. How does it feel to pivot to something so different?

Experiencing fear, yet there’s an exhilaration too – we’re all apprehensive about judgment, but it can also be liberating. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time finding my voice as a writer. A woman who held great importance in my life, Nora Ephron, once wisely stated, “Everything can serve as inspiration.

Everything is copy.

She advised me long ago that I should seriously get into writing. With all the encouraging spirits in my life nudging me onward, it feels as though they’re by my side today.

Who are some other angels?

I’ve gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from my collaborator Jennifer Lopez. Originally a dancer, she transformed into an actress, then a singer, eventually earning the title of an international icon. With over 80 billion streams on her music and exceptional live performances, she is undeniably talented. However, despite her multifaceted achievements, she continues to face marginalization due to her versatility in various fields.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve come to appreciate that my skills as an agent were top-notch. Securing a “yes” was like winning an award for me, giving me a sense of worth. However, I was so engrossed in my writing that I wish I had the wisdom or confidence back then to understand that being a writer could enhance my agency role even more. In the mid-90s, the legendary Ron Bass, may he rest in peace, was reworking “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” We discussed an idea, and his response was, “write it down.” He was the one who introduced me to Final Draft and taught me how to use it effectively. I penned a scene and he presented it to the studio, advocating for me to receive credit. Ron was a lawyer with a dream to be a writer. He inspired me to break free from my preconceived boundaries.

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2025-05-27 22:48