A Proven Leader in Talent and Event Staffing

As CEO of one of the nation’s most versatile SAG-AFTRA franchised talent agencies, Hedy leads a team that delivers exceptional staffing solutions for conferences, auto shows, live events, and theatrical productions. Under her leadership, Productions Plus has expanded nationwide, added a Las Vegas presence, and strengthened its position as a women-owned business trusted by top brands like Toyota, Lexus, Salesforce and Google.

Expertise That Spans Industries

Hedy’s background blends the glamour of the entertainment world with the precision of business strategy. She has overseen high-profile theatrical bookings for commercials, film, and TV, while also driving our full-service research division, which delivers actionable insights to Fortune 500 clients. Her ability to navigate both creative and data-driven worlds makes her an engaging and insightful voice for any audience.

A Passion for People

At her core, Hedy is a people-first leader. She champions the careers of our talent, invests in the growth of our internal teams, and advocates for diversity and inclusion across every program. Whether she’s sharing strategies for consumer engagement or reflecting on lessons from the field, she brings authenticity, warmth, and a deep respect for the people who make each event a success.

A Voice That Inspires

Podcasts, panels, or keynote stages—Hedy thrives in all of them. She blends business acumen with real-world stories, offering listeners and audiences practical takeaways alongside memorable behind-the-scenes perspectives. Her energy and insight make her an asset to any conversation.

📣 Book Hedy Popson

Looking for a guest who can inspire, engage, and deliver real-world value? Hedy is available for:

• Podcast interviews
• Conference panels and keynote speaking
• Industry webinars and thought leadership events

To invite Hedy to join your stage or microphone, contact:
📧 info@productions-plus.com
📞 (248) 644-5566

The post Spotlight on Hedy Popson: An Inspiring Voice appeared first on Productions Plus.

Hosted by our CEO and President, Hedy Popson, this episode was more than just an industry interview—it was a masterclass in navigating a career in entertainment. Janet shares her journey from modeling in bell bottoms for AMC (yes, the car company once sold clothes!) to booking roles for Clint Eastwood films and casting Drew Barrymore’s roller derby movie Whip It.

🎭 Highlights from the episode include:

• The surprising truth about what casting directors actually look for in an audition (hint: it’s not your resume).
• The difference between a casting director and a talent agent—and why that distinction matters.
• How charisma, behavior on set, and authenticity can make or break a career.
• Practical tips for nailing self-tapes, from lighting and slates to following directions.
• Why actors need to be flexible, take direction well, and—above all—have fun with the process.

Janet also shares advice from her new book, Advice from a Casting Director, which is available now on Amazon. The book includes industry stories, audition tips, and original monologues to help actors expand their toolbox.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable lessons, humorous anecdotes, and real-world advice that demystifies the often intimidating audition process.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Want to learn more about Productions Plus’s Theatrical Division? Click here

The post Behind the Casting Table: A Conversation with Janet Pound appeared first on Productions Plus.

With 85% of car purchases influenced or made by women, it’s a staggering truth that the auto industry still often overlooks its most powerful consumer. Scotty’s passion lies in changing that narrative—one informed buyer at a time.

“Women are dreaming about $10,000 bathroom renovations, but signing $50,000 car notes without being engaged in the process. That’s heartbreaking,” Scotty shared.

Her message is clear: Women deserve to feel confident, informed, and empowered in car-buying decisions. It’s not just about vehicles—it’s about financial power, lifestyle alignment, and career opportunity. Scotty points out that the automotive industry isn’t just for gearheads; it needs marketing minds, creatives, engineers, and savvy communicators. And yes, it needs more women.

As Hedy and Scotty dove into industry insights, Scotty highlighted female leaders shaking things up: Lisa Materazzo (Toyota and now Ford), Melissa Grady (Cadillac), and Allison Witherspoon (Nissan) are among the executives driving impactful change and bringing fresh vision to brand communication and innovation.

So who’s doing it right when it comes to speaking to women? Scotty called out Genesis and Volkswagen for campaigns that lean into lifestyle and heritage, creating genuine, emotional connections. On the flip side, she noted that overemphasis on dealership deals and small print often alienates female consumers looking for more than just a transaction.

And what about auto shows? As a longtime industry insider, Scotty gave a big shoutout to Product Specialists—those polished professionals (often placed by agencies like ours) who help bridge the gap between consumer curiosity and product knowledge. They’re crucial to elevating the customer experience, especially for women who want to explore vehicles without pressure. From Veronica Beard to Denise Focil’s AS by DF, fashion-forward styling helps align the Product Specialist’s look with the brand’s identity, creating a more immersive and aspirational experience for the consumer.

She also previewed her VIP tours at the New York Auto Show—a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the industry with hands-on experiences, personal stories, and a little technology tutorial magic.

The episode wrapped with Scotty’s biggest leadership lesson: Don’t second-guess yourself. Just say yes. Whether it’s to a new opportunity, a bold career move, or that dream car on your vision board, it’s a reminder that confidence and curiosity can drive us far.

Want to hear more? Subscribe to the Productions Plus Podcast wherever you listen. And if you’re headed to the New York Auto Show, don’t miss the chance to join one of Scotty’s incredible VIP tours.

Interested in being a guest on the Productions Plus Podcast? We’d love to hear from you!

The post Empowering Women in the Driver’s Seat: A Conversation with Scotty Reiss appeared first on Productions Plus.

The Journey: How They Got Started

Each panelist had a unique path into the industry:

• Kelly Paredes began as a working actor in New York, picking up brand ambassador gigs before discovering the world of auto shows.
• Cindee Kudowski grew up attending auto shows in Chicago and later found herself on the other side of the display as a product specialist.
• Abby Kahlert wanted a way to travel and earn money post-college, and Productions Plus provided the perfect opportunity.
• April Smith-Olave loved the adventure, traveling across the country and even working events on a cruise ship.

Each of them emphasized how this work provided flexibility, career growth, and lifelong connections—whether in acting, marketing, or business.

What It Takes to Succeed as a Product Specialist

One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the skills that make a great product specialist. Here’s what the panelists agreed on:

✅ Adaptability – You’ll work in different cities, interact with diverse audiences, and need to adjust your messaging to connect with each one.
✅ Professionalism & Dependability – Live events can be unpredictable, and talent who can roll with last-minute changes stand out.
✅ Strong Communication Skills – Whether engaging consumers or representing a brand, being articulate and personable is key.
✅ Preparedness – Having an up-to-date headshot, a polished résumé, and quick response time increases booking opportunities.

As Kelly put it, “If you want to grow in this industry, have your materials ready! We want to help move you into bigger roles.”

The Transition: From Talent to Internal Team

So, what’s it like to move from being a talent to working on the operations side? The panelists shared some surprises:

📌 Behind-the-Scenes Complexity – Managing bookings, talent coordination, and client expectations is a puzzle with many moving pieces.
📌 The Importance of Casting – Account managers act as casting directors, matching the right person with the right opportunity.
📌 A Newfound Appreciation – Many realized how much work their former account managers put in to ensure seamless events.

April, now an Account Director, found joy in handling budgets and logistics, something she never expected. Abby, an Account Coordinator who is a recent college graduate, embraced the structure and sense of accomplishment in her new role.

Advice for Aspiring Talent

If you’re considering signing up with Productions Plus, here are some pro tips from our team:

✔ Say Yes to Opportunities – Even if it’s outside your comfort zone, you never know where it may lead.
✔ Take an Improv Class – It helps with quick thinking and engaging with people on the fly.
✔ Learn Some Business Skills – Understanding marketing and event logistics can open up more opportunities.

As Cindy wisely said, “You never know who you’ll meet or what connections you’ll make. Be open to new experiences.”

Ready to Join Us?

Productions Plus is always looking for passionate, dynamic individuals to join our team of product specialists, brand ambassadors, and event professionals. If you’re interested in flexible, exciting opportunities with top brands, register with us today!

Want to hear the full Podcast?

Tune in now and stay connected to the ever-evolving world of event staffing!

Interested in being a guest on the Productions Plus Podcast? We’d love to hear from you!

The post From Talent to Team: How P+ Helps Shape Careers appeared first on Productions Plus.

The Productions Plus Podcast has become a treasure trove of insights for anyone intrigued by the nuances of hosting, voice-over work, and balancing diverse careers in the entertainment industry. Our recent episodes continue this tradition, offering a blend of practical advice and inspiring stories.

Episode Highlights

1. “Booking the Job, How to Become a Host – Part 1 & 2″ – In these episodes, Jordan Carson and John Stemberg dive deeper into the art of hosting. They share their personal journeys, the challenges they faced, and the skills essential for success in this dynamic role. Jordan and John lay the groundwork for understanding the skills and mindset needed to excel as a host.
2. Special Episode: Balancing Multiple Careers – Rachel Gosselin converses with Productions Plus Founder, Margery Krevsky-Dosey, about the unique challenges and rewards of managing careers in modeling, acting, and therapy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to juggle multiple professional paths.
3. “Booking the Job – Voice Overs – Part 1 & 2” – Voice-over work is an art, and in the podcast episodes featuring Dan John Miller and Virginia Welch, hosted by Hedy Popson and Debbie Williams from Productions Plus, the guests discuss the nuances of booking a voice-over job. They delve into various aspects such as the skills required, the importance of understanding the client’s needs, and how to effectively present one’s voice talent. Dan John and Virginia offer valuable insights for anyone interested in pursuing a career in voice-over work or looking to refine their skills in this field.

In Summary

Our podcast is more than just a series; it’s a journey into the heart of the talent industry, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the professions that shape entertainment and media. Whether you’re a budding professional or a seasoned expert, there’s something in each episode to inspire and educate.

Stay tuned and explore these episodes for a deeper understanding of the industry’s dynamics. Listen to the episodes here.

About Productions Plus

Productions Plus is a renowned talent management agency specializing in providing brand representation and promotional staffing solutions. With a track record spanning over 40 years, Productions Plus has established itself as a leader in delivering exceptional event staffing, automotive marketing services, theatrical representation and extensive research capabilities. Their commitment to excellence and their diverse roster of experienced professionals make them a go-to choice for companies seeking impactful and engaging marketing strategies.

The post Exploring the Latest Insights from the P+ Podcast appeared first on Productions Plus.