Team Deakins FRED SPECKTOR - Agent
Aug 20, 2025
Fred Specktor, a Hollywood talent agent with over four decades at CAA, shares captivating stories from his storied career. He recounts his early days as a mailboy, networking in unique situations, and even attending acting classes with Jack Nicholson. Fred delves into the financial pressures of modern filmmaking, contrasting it with older practices, and discusses the industry's hesitance to embrace creative risks. He also reflects on the importance of passion in the craft and predicts the future of moviegoing in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
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From Mailboy To Agent
- Fred Specktor accidentally entered the movie business after college by taking a mailboy job at MCA for $1/hour.
- He quickly moved up and left the mailroom within months to become an assistant and then a junior agent.
Working For Lew Wasserman
- Fred became Lew Wasserman's second assistant and recalls Wasserman's intelligence and intimidating presence.
- He was fired from MCA for not taking instructions and later survived and continued as a junior agent elsewhere.
Acting Class With Jack Nicholson
- Fred attended acting class with Jack Nicholson while representing character actors and future stars.
- He met key industry people through chance events like a car accident that introduced him to Mike Rosenfeld.
