Coffee with...Brittainy Barattia
- Lauren Acord
- Dec 17, 2025
- 3 min read
"Coffee With..." is a blog brought to you by The Forge. Every month, we sit down for a coffee chat with industry professionals who are doing cool things in the world of film. Whether they're behind the camera or in front of it, these individuals bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and inspiring stories from the heart of the entertainment industry.
Today, we sit down for coffee with Brittainy Barattia, Senior Agent @ Gray Talent Group, Head of Midwest On Camera, Commercial, and VO Departments.
What are you working on personally right now? Writing a novel? Hosting a podcast? Tell us how you use your creativity outside of work.
I'm a marathon runner and competitive obstacle course racer - having that outlet really lets me recharge my batteries so I can come back to agenting really full and energized.
What is a resource you wish you had when you first started out in this industry?
Oh man - there's no school for agents. There's no degree specifically for agents or even a focus in BA or BFA programs. So there's a big learning curve. It's a fly by the seat of your pants, learn as you go sort of deal. Thankfully my team at Gray is and always has been collaborative and supportive and really focused on education and growth, not just for actors but for our staff as well!
Is there a specific film, or moment in film history that you feel especially connected to? What inspired you to pursue a career in film?
For me - and this is a little funny since I'm an on camera agent - I became an agent because I love theatre actors. When I look at the moments in my life that really moved me, that inspired me - they always were stage performances. So when I graduated college I started my career as an assistant stage manager. I saw how hard actors work. How much of themselves they give to the world and to their performances and I thought to myself - these are the people I want to support. I want to help them so they can share themselves and their talent with the world.
What is your favorite advice to give actors?
Everyone WANTS you to be brilliant. Agents want you to be amazing so they can be your business partner, casting wants you to be brilliant so you can be the solution to their casting problem, directors want you to be brilliant so you can make their work shine - go in every room knowing that everyone believes in you and wants you to be successful!
Want to perform for Brittainy? Catch her and other incredible agents at our upcoming Showcase in January!
Is there anything else you want us to know about you?
I love working with actors! I think being an actor is SO HARD and I'm so honored to champion performers in Chicago and across the US! When I'm not wearing my agent hat I love shopping, racing, and traveling, and I'm almost always goofing around. If I could I'd adopt ALL the dogs and cats in the world - but I have three pets of my own, and yes they are the CUTEST in the world!
We want to hear from you, too
Do you have a burning question or a topic you'd love us to cover in an upcoming interview? Leave a comment below, and we’ll take your ideas into consideration for the next Coffee With... chat. Who knows? You might just get to ask the question next!
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