Her Story
About Carmen
Carmen Caruso is a accomplished entertainment professional serving as Manager at Elevate Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based management and production company. In her role, she represents and develops talent across traditional and digital entertainment, working with actors, writers, directors, creators, and artists while identifying strategic opportunities for career growth and brand partnerships. She also founded Cultiva Creators, with CEO Alex Cole, where she focuses on helping digital creators and brands develop compelling content and build meaningful connections with today’s evolving audiences. Caruso began her career with a strong foundation in theater and film production, inspired by her early experiences as a theater student. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a focus on Motion Pictures from the University of Miami, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and gained hands-on experience in film production, graphic design, and creative development. After relocating to Los Angeles, she built her career through agency and entertainment companies, including experience with Paramount Pictures and Sovereign Talent Group, before advancing into management. Her accomplishments include helping a talent client overcome career typecasting and secure a network sitcom role that significantly influenced the client's professional and personal trajectory, as well as successfully restructuring a challenging brand partnership that ultimately resulted in an expanded deal. Caruso attributes much of her business knowledge and professional development to her first mentor, Peter Young, who taught her the importance of understanding the history on the business side of the entertainment industry. She encourages young women entering the field to have the confidence and audacity to ask for opportunities, advocate for themselves, and take initiative in pursuing their goals. Her professional skill set is further strengthened by certifications in graphic design, sculpture, and video editing, which complement her creative and strategic expertise. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Caruso is passionate about supporting independent filmmakers and emerging storytellers, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, by contributing to crowdfunding campaigns and helping connect creators with resources needed to bring their first projects to life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carmen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the support of my family and friends; throughout the beginnings of my career I had a community around me that allowed me the freedom to explore opportunities knowing I had resources to help me if I asked. I also received significant guidance and mentorship from Peter Young, who played a significant role in my corporate development. He taught me the history of the talent industry, the basics of dealmaking, and the thought process behind agencies which helped me develop a stronger understanding of strategy, decision-making, and the broader factors that influence how the entertainment industry evolves.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Have the audacity to ask. When I was on set of my first feature film, I had several conversations with our experienced Director of Photography about how you can make a career out of entertainment. He told me he essentially got his first assistant camera job by asking a production manager to hire him. He'd had some electrical experience but was incredibly green - but surprisingly he got hired and that kickstarted his path towards the top of the camera department. I've been able to start new ventures, explore new avenues, and close deals by just asking the question.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to have the confidence and audacity to go for the opportunities you want. Do not be afraid to put yourself forward for a higher position, seek out new experiences, and make your ambitions known. The answer might be no, and that's okay. You can figure out another way. But if you never ask the question, the door will always be shut. Be willing to advocate for yourself, take initiative, and create opportunities rather than waiting for someone to offer them.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is the ability to create meaningful career and business breakthroughs through strategic problem solving and relationship building without needing significant budgets or production capabilities. There's no longer one straight shot to becoming successful in entertainment or media, there's a lot of paths that can be built to the top. I have seen clients fresh off of a college showcase book studio films, helped clients overcome typecasting by securing auditions that flipped the script and haveI helped turn a potentially unsuccessful brand deal into a successful collaboration by simply facilitating a conversation to reshape the creative direction, ultimately strengthening the brand relationship and leading to multiple subsequent deals. These experiences have reinforced my belief that creative thinking, communication, and persistence can transform challenges into opportunities for lasting success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are generosity, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others. I am passionate about supporting independent filmmakers and emerging storytellers by providing financial assistance, resources, and connections that can help bring their first projects to life. I believe in amplifying diverse voices and ensuring that talented individuals have the support they need to share their stories. Through donations, crowdfunding campaigns, and meaningful relationships within the creative community, I remain committed to using my experience and resources to help others succeed.
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