How do you captureJenne Casarotto?
She was at the intersection of theatre, film and television.
It all, seemingly, swirled around her.
Jenne CasarottoCasarotto Ramsay
Correction: The companys reach extended far beyond the environs of Londons Soho.
That was great stuff, wasnt it?
It was a bit of a test because shed expect you to be honest with her.
Jenne Casarotto in her office (Casarotto Ramsay)
Well, it was godawful, actually, and shed nod sagely, her eyes twinkling behind her specs.
Those clients included J.G.
Often, Id receive a note suggesting I check out a play in some remote off-off West End venue.
It always was worth the trip.
At film festivals shed mark my card sending me off to discovernewtalent.
And shed go to bat for you as long as it was about thework.
Within an hour I was watching the film.
I refused to believe it.
Hadnt we just been seated next to each other at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre?
Hadnt we spoken many times about Steve McQueens extraordinary documentaryOccupied City?
Hadnt she mentioned the rough cut shed seen of McQueens new filmBlitz?
Youll want to see that one twice, she noted.
Hadnt we planned to have lunch?
Werent we supposed to see each other at various stops during awards season?
Judi Dench was there as well.
The producer David Land introduced us well over 35 (maybe it was 40?)
Heartfelt condolences to Jennes family, friends and colleagues.
Jenne was, in every essence, a producers agent.
We talked about whatever of mine she had just read or re-read.
We talked about the world and the shape of it all.
And always Jenne was sensible, cheerful, reassuring and informed.
She cared about the big picture, and she cared about the details.
I was not ever certain why Jenne took me on as a client.
She was picky, most of her people were A-list writers and directors.
And having become her client, I had become her friend.
But thats not the person I remember.
And her smile was infectious.
Thinking of it, of her, Im smiling now.
HILARY BEVAN JONES, producer:
Ask Jenne.
An entry in my diary reads, Ask Jenne.
Since the 1990s I have kept a daily record of my work, in hardback notebooks.
Always dates, noting conversations, script development, casting challenges.
Long-winded rambles and short mnemonics.
Leafing through some diaries for inspiration as to what to write about Jenne, this summed it all up.
These questions usually led to animated debate and to laughter.
In hindsight, we grew up together.
Picking up the phone to Jenne as I navigated the highs and lows of independent production was invaluable.
How lucky we all were to have Jennes guidance.
Jenne was there to keep me grounded.
Jenne saw the value of bringing young filmmakers together and of championing them.
Thank you, Jenne.
I asked Jennes advice about massive production and development conundrums.
About the tiniest of details and the largest of challenges.
Jenne always found time to speak and gave everything the same fierce, protective, considered response.
I wish I could.
Amongst the leading industry figures of this period was agent Jenne Casarotto.
Old school she would read material, have an opinion, manage her clients and make creative marriages.
In those days, we all shared an apartment and invited Jenne to join us.
Agents names were discussed, researched and ranked in order of desirability.
And indeed, Jenne summoned me to a meeting.
I assumed that at this meeting she would gush over my talents and offer to represent me.
So I gave it to someone else in the office to watch, and they didnt get it either… And this is the real deal.
What do you mean, the real deal?
I mean, youre a real filmmaker.
She never lost faith in me and never was less than honest about the work.
When I say she will be missed, that seems too mild a word.
She saw all the films before they were completed, read all the scripts, knew all the contracts.
How can that be replaced?
Most agents are brokers, trying to make their 10 percent.
May her memory be a blessing.
Despite her renowned client list, she always had time to nurture and support those coming up.
Her death is a terrible loss.
JACK THORNE,writer:
Jenne Casarotto was a true great.
A magnificent person who always had time for everyone.
She made everything seem so easy even though at some points she wasthecrucial cog keeping an industry going.
Films that would have died were it not for her.
I said to her afterward, I had no idea she just smiled a modest smile.
She will be so missed.
MARK MYLOD, director:
Ive never met anyone else remotely like Jenne.
Everything was possible with her in the room.
CHIWETEL EJIOFOR, actor-director:
This has been the most unbelievably heartbreaking news.
Such a devastating loss.
Jenne was a completely wonderful person to know and work with.
I adored and admired her so much.
I always felt a sense of pride when asked Who is your agent?
and I could reply Casarotto.
It was a stamp of approval, a bragging right.
And Id been invited in all the way back in the late 90s.
My husband, producer Rupert Harvey, introduced us.
He had a variety of dealings with Jenne from the mid-80s onwards.
The most memorable was when he pitched her a Victorian mystery story and she simply replied, Sounds dreadful.
He knew his pitch was awful.
It meant the world to me to have those nods.
I will continue to fight the good fight with her wisdom still in my soul.
I watched as the agency grew into a monolith, and nonetheless still stayed independent.
I knew it was Jennes strength, intelligence and moral compass that was the core of the company.
She was admired everywhere.
I shed tears when I heard the news.
I raise my grappa glass to the sky to celebrate her.
And bask in my good fortune of being associated with her for so many years.
I really thought Jenne was forever well, we know her legacy is.
KELLY MARCEL, filmmaker:
Jenne was a force of nature.
She was a gardener who hunted out seeds of talent, watering and nurturing them into fully fledged artists.
Her departure is a seismic loss to all of us who love her.
DAME DONNA LANGLEY, Chairman and Chief Content Officer at NBCUniversal Studio Group:
I loved Jenne.
Im deeply saddened by her passing.
What a lady, what a legacy.
I simply cannot believe she isnt here.
Thinking of all of you in this impossible moment.
Truly a remarkable, one-of-a-kind person.
Rest in Peace Jenne we will miss you dearly.
