RAINE MAGAZINE Volume 8 | Innovate
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<strong>RAINE</strong>MAKERS<br />
EXISTING WITH<br />
XIST TALENT<br />
Although her days are now spent booking and guiding young<br />
performers, Maria, age 33, started in the business in 1991<br />
as an actor in independent films. Trained in New York City<br />
at American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Weist Barron and<br />
at New Jersey’s Papermill Playhouse Conservatory, Maria<br />
loved being exposed to all facets of the entertainment<br />
industry, including the behind the scenes happenings. Always<br />
intrigued by the creative roles of casting directors, Maria<br />
always felt that this was a natural instinct that may just<br />
be more rewarding and exciting than being in front of the<br />
camera.<br />
In 1998, Maria was offered the opportunity to begin a<br />
lucrative career in the Information Technology field and<br />
therefore, made the decision to embark on a journey into<br />
the world of corporate America. She spent the next 7 years<br />
working in computers, as a network engineer in the legal<br />
field. Although Maria enjoyed utilizing her skills in her<br />
position, 2005 proved to be a turning point.<br />
Xist was formed in 2005, as a entrepreneurial project. With<br />
offices in her hometown of Caldwell, NJ, Maria quickly tapped<br />
into her years of business management experience in her IT<br />
career, as well as her intense passion for the entertainment<br />
industry, and made sure Xist entered the scene with a fierce<br />
competitive spirit and unwavering client support.<br />
Maria DeSantis:<br />
Agency Owner<br />
RESEARCHED BY GEFFREY YABES<br />
Since inception, Xist has become the go-to Agency for NYC<br />
Casting Directors, Producers and Creative Photographers.<br />
With a large base of talented youngsters ages 4-17, Xist<br />
is also the only Agency on the East Coast boasting an<br />
exclusive Extras Performers Division, handling background<br />
and non-speaking roles for performers ages 3-25. With an<br />
astounding roster of past and present projects, and a terrific<br />
staff including Booking Assistant, Jamie Jacobson, Xist is<br />
always generating positive buzz and vibes. Xist was featured<br />
in Seasons 1 & 2 of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, as<br />
Maria represents Gia Giudice, daughter of Teresa Giudice.<br />
This year is already proving to be a successful year. In<br />
February, Xist moved offices to trendy and artsy Montclair,<br />
NJ. With a newly-formed Production Company, Stellar<br />
One Entertainment, Maria is working on a few projects, in<br />
addition to running the Agency. Major announcements to<br />
come for both Xist and Stellar One Entertainment. To keep<br />
up with the buzz, check out the website www.xisttalent.com<br />
and facebook: www.facebook.com/XistTalent.<br />
38<br />
Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - <strong>Innovate</strong>