Blockbuster Speakers
GTN’s Hottest Movie Tie-In Programs: Visionary Directors, Authors, Producers and the True Stories that Inspired Them
Exclusively Represented by GTN 212.645.4200 www.greatertalent.com/TheTuohyFamily Exclusively Represented by GTN 212.645.4200 www.greatertalent.com/BillyPaulandMichael
The Tuohy FamilyThe Real Heroes of The Blind Side
The Tuohy FamilyBack left to right: Sean & Leigh Anne Tuohy Front left to right: Collins, Michael Oher & Sean Jr.www.greatertalent.com/TheBlindSide
2010 Academy
Award Winner for
Best Actress #1
Best-Seller
The Tuohy Children: Michael Oher, Collins & Sean Jr.The Difference Trust Makes: Supporting One Another Through Change and Transition
“Who knows where I’d be?” says Oher, who with the
love and support of the Tuohys has become the most
sought after player in football. Michael Oher, along
with Collins and Sean, Jr., inspire audiences to see their
greatest challenges as opportunities. “As I look back, it’s
crazy how I got here,” he says. “But it didn’t seem tough at
the time. I just lived day to day, did the best I could.”
The Father: Sean TuohyBehind The Blind Side: Overcoming Obstacles in the Face of Adversity Sean invites audiences to go behind-the-scenes of the Tuohy household with a heartwarming
message: “In our house, we believe in miracles.” Sharing personal anecdotes with his signature
southern charm, Sean brings The Blind Side to life. A dedicated father and inspirational coach, Sean
asks us to consider a simple question: why are kids just like Michael Oher are falling through the
cracks every day?
The Mother: Leigh Anne TuohyEvery Team is a Family: How to Make an Impact on Your Community
At the podium, Leigh Anne inspires audiences to recognize the potential in those around us—and to do
something about it. She shares her personal Blind Side observations, from seeing Michael Oher for the
first time to how the experience changed her as a person—and the Tuohys as a family. She asks audiences
to explore how we can make an impact big enough to change a broken system.
In Conversation: Subject & Author Author Michael Lewis and Sean Tuohy have known each other since
childhoold: they were classmates for 13 years in their hometown of New
Orleans. Together on stage, Michael and Sean inspire audiences with the
humor and insight that only two long-time friends can share. They intimately discuss the evolution of The Blind Side and
what it means for the Tuohy family—and the American education system as a whole.
In Conversation: The Tuohy Family “She cried the second she met him, and it was over,” Sean
recalls. At the podium, Sean, Leigh Anne and Michael Oher
share their intimate, personal story that inspired The Blind Side.
As a family, they each share their individual perspectives on the
story, and they pose the bigger question: what is the definition of
family, and how can we all make a difference to those who need us
most?
The following programs are available together or separately
The Tuohy FamilyThe Real Life Heros of The Blind Side
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Michael Lewis & Billy BeaneAuthor & Subjects of Moneyball
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game
Billy BeaneSubject of Moneyballwww.greatertalent.com/BillyBeane
Michael LewisAuthor of Moneyballwww.greatertalent.com/MichaelLewis
The Real-Life Subject: Billy BeaneConsidered one of the most progressive and talented baseball
executives in the game today, Billy Beane has molded the
Oakland Athletics into a perennial postseason contender
since assuming the general manager’s duties shortly following
the 1997 season. At the podium, Beane conveys his
innovative, winning style of management and leadership,
which involves identifying undervalued assets to create
and sustain a competitive advantage. By striking parallels
between baseball and business, Beane inspires audiences
across industries with his unforgettable winning underdog
story.
With Brad Pitt as the leading role, the film version of Michael Lewis’ 2003 New York Times best-
seller, Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game has taken audiences by storm. Offering
an unprecedented behind the scenes look at a Major League Baseball franchise, Moneyball details
the effect that an innovative personnel approach has had in allowing the small-budget Oakland
Athletics to consistently rank among baseball’s best. Combining baseball and business strategies and
offering an unprecedented look inside the inspiring true story, Billy Beane and Michael Lewis discuss the
Moneyball philosophy and its lessons for businesses everywhere. Audiences will be inspired and uplifted
by this rousing sports-underdog story.
Behind the Scenes With The Author: Michael LewisA shrewd observer of sports, politics, finance and the
American scene, Michael Lewis combines keen insight
with his signature wit, making him one of today’s
leading social commentators. In his best-selling book,
Moneyball, Lewis draws on his unique knowledge of
money, science, entertainment and ego to illustrate the
strategies employed by a club gleaning lessons from
corporate America. On stage, Lewis discusses the
exploration of the nature of talent, the assumptions
people hold and how they get in the way of success,
and how to identify talent and maintain and edge in a
competitive field.
Executive Producer of the Entire BATMAN SeriesMichael Uslan
Bringing Batman to the Silver ScreenIn an inspiring program, Uslan takes audiences along on the journey of creating his career to bringing
Batman successfully to the big screen. He shares the principles that allowed him to persevere despite
repeated rejection and encourages audiences
everywhere to reach for their dreams and believe
in themselves. In a separate program, Uslan address
the founders of the comic book industry and how,
not coincidentally, the majority of them are Jewish
immigrants or first generation American Jews. Person-
ally familiar with these legends, Uslan shares their
anecdotes. Along with many of these creators, Uslan ap-
pears in the documentary The Legends Behind the Comic
Books. Uslan also reveals the connection of the superhe-
roes created by these men and women to Jewish lore and
traditions—from how “The Golem” spawned “The Hulk”
and just how similar “Superman” and “Moses” really are.
The highly anticipated next chapter in Uslan’s Batman series,
The Dark Knight Rises, will once again star Christian Bale as
Bruce Wayne, as he continues his war on crime in the dark
depths of Gotham City. Set to premiere in July 2012, The
Dark Knight Rises will undoubtedly deliver another Batman
masterpiece that will have everyone talking.
The Man Behind BATMAN
Michael UslanBatman Executive Producer & Comic Book Historianwww.greatertalent.com/MichaelUslan
Exclusively Represented by GTN 212.645.4200 www.greatertalent.com/MichaelUslan
Michael Uslan is best known as the originator and Executive Producer of the Batman movie
series, starting with Tim Burton’s 1989 film, and continuing to 2008’s box office record-
breaking The Dark Knight. Less well known is that the first Batman film was the culmination of
Uslan’s more than two decades of work to bring a serious, dark version of the character to the big
screen. Uslan’s start in the world of comics was as unlikely as his success in bringing Batman to the
theaters. Born into a blue collar family in New Jersey, Uslan was instilled at an early age to find work
to be passionate about. Knowing he loved comics and films, he set about creating a career.
In 1979, Uslan secured the film rights to Batman from DC Comics. He was turned down by every
studio in Hollywood. The reason he was consistently given: Batman was from the funny pages and
wasn’t supposed to be taken “seriously.”
Brett RatnerRenowned Hollywood Director, Producer & Entrepreneur
More than $1 Billion in Box Office Sales
Dubbed “a born storyteller” by LA Weekly, Brett Ratner first dreamed of making movies as a child growing
up in Miami Beach, Florida. Throughout elementary school, Ratner made movies in lieu of traditional
homework—a talent which helped him skip ahead two grades. After graduating high school early, Ratner was
determined to attend New York University Film School but was told that his unimpressive GPA would prevent
him from getting in. Ratner refused to accept no for an answer, and after barging into the Dean’s office with
his application he was accepted into the program. At only 16 years old, Ratner became the department’s
youngest film major in history.
Now the 16th highest grossing film director in history with more than $1 billion in career box office
sales, Ratner is also the quintessential entrepreneur. In addition to his directorial work, he runs Rat
Entertainment, a successful film production company in partnership with Paramount Pictures; Rat Press,
a book publishing company with international distribution through Perseus Books Group; Rat Records,
a record label; and Brett Ratner Brands, the corporate branding company behind Activision’s Guitar
Hero Risky Business campaign and Wynn Resorts’ “Encore” campaign.
At the podium, Ratner’s archetypal journey
from Miami dreamer to Hollywood
mogul comes to life through his signature
charm and action-packed storytelling
style. Famous for his effortless comedic
timing and humorous perspective on
success, Ratner encourages audiences to
look beyond obstacles and never take
no for an answer. Also a prominent
and influential figure in the Jewish
community, Ratner shares how his
shameless chutzpah propelled him
into overwhelming success.
From Hip Hop to Hollywood
Brett RatnerRenowned Director, Producer & Entrepreneurwww.greatertalent.com/BrettRatner
Exclusively Represented by GTN 212.645.4200 www.greatertalent.com/BrettRatner
Best-Selling Author of Sex and the City & Lipstick Jungle
Candace Bushnell
Exclusively Represented by GTN 212.645.4200 www.greatertalent.com/CandaceBushnell
From Characters to IconsFrom Sex and the City through her four
successive novels, Bushnell has revealed a gift
for tapping into the zeitgeist of any New York
minute. With each book, she has deepened
her range, but with a light touch that makes
her complex literary accomplishments look easy.
A Novelist and the City
Candace Bushnell is the critically acclaimed, international best-selling novelist whose
first book, Sex and the City, published in 1996, was the basis for the HBO hit series.
Bushnell captured the country’s attention with Sex and the City by breaking down the
bedroom doors of New York City’s rich and beautiful to expose true contemporary stories
of sex, love and relationships. The book introduced the nation to “modelizers,” “toxic
bachelors” and the women who are looking for Mr. Big as they glide in and out of a star-
studded social scene.
Through her books and television series, Bushnell’s work has influenced and defined
two generations of women. She is the winner of the 2006 Matrix award for books (other
winners include Joan Didion and Amy Tan), and a recipient of the Albert Einstein Spirit
of Achievement Award. Bushnell grew up in Connecticut and attended Rice and New York
Universities.
The Carrie Diaries Meet Carrie Bradshaw, in her teenage years.
Bushnell teen novel, The Carrie Diaries, “takes
readers back to Carrie Bradshaw’s formative years
in high school, giving an inside look at Carrie’s
friendships, romances and how she realized her dream
of becoming a writer.” The second installation in the
teen series, Summer in the City: A Carrie Diaries Novel,
follows Carrie on her first summer of adventures and
mishaps in the city that would become her Sex and the
City stage. The Carrie Diaries, has been picked up as a
TV series by The CW and is set to premiere in early 2013.
Candace BushnellBest-Selling Author of Sex and the City & Lipstick Junglewww.greatertalent.com/CandaceBushnell
Danny GloverAcclaimed Actor & Leading Social Activist
Actor, producer and humanitarian Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage
and television for more than 25 years. As an actor, his film credits range from the blockbuster
Lethal Weapon franchise to smaller independent features, some of which Glover also produced. Most
recently, he completed filming the critically acclaimed feature 2012 for director Roland Emmerich,
Dreamgirls directed by Bill Condon and Poor Boy’s Game for director Clement Virgo, Shooter for
director Antoine Fuqua and Be Kind, Rewind for director Michel Gondry. At the same time,
Glover has also gained respect for his wide-reaching community activism and philanthropic
efforts, with a particular emphasis on advocacy for economic justice, and access to health care
and education programs in the United States and Africa. For these efforts, Glover received
a 2006 DGA Honor. Internationally, Glover has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the
United Nations Development Program.
In addition to his individual
presentations focusing on the
arts, literacy and community
involvement, Glover regularly teams
with long-time friend and actor Felix
Justice in “An Evening with Martin
and Langston.”
From Lethal Weapon to Dreamgirls...
In 2005, Glover co-founded Louverture Films, dedicated to the development of films of
historical relevance, social purpose, commercial value and artistic integrity. The New York
based company has a slate of progressive
features and documentaries including
the recently released Bamako, which
premiered to superb reviews at the
Cannes International Film Festival.
The Role of Arts in Community Activism
Exclusively Represented by GTN 212.645.4200 www.greatertalent.com/DannyGlover
Danny GloverAcclaimed Actor & Leading Social Activistwww.greatertalent.com/DannyGlover
Bestselling Author of The Notebook & Safe HavenNicholas Sparks
A Cultural Phenomenon
At the podium, Sparks takes audiences
deeper into the sleepy towns and poignant
relationships that ignite the pages of his
romantic pageturners. Drawing large and
appreciative crowds of fans, Sparks in
person displays the traits that make his
books so beloved: great storytelling, a
unique voice, and a charm that connects
through the power of words. His relatable
talks weave his own personal story of hard
work, rejection, anxiety, and triumph for
inspiring authors — and romantics —
everywhere.
From Best Sellers to Motion Pictures
Nicholas SparksBestselling Author of The Notebook & Safe Havenwww.greatertalent.com/NicholasSparks
With almost 80 million copies of his books in print, literary sensation Nicholas Sparks is the author of 17 New
York Times #1 bestselling books and a cultural phenomenon in his own right. In l994, at the age of 28, he
wrote The Notebook over a period of six months. In October 1995, rights to The Notebook were sold to Warner
Books. It was published in October 1996, and he followed that with 16 novels, including Message in a Bottle
(1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), Nights in Rodanthe (2002), Dear John (2006), The Last Song (2009),
and The Best of Me (2011) to name a few. All of his books were domestic and international best sellers, with
almost 80 million copies sold worldwide, translated into more than 45 languages.
Exclusively Represented by GTN 212.645.4200 www.greatertalent.com/NicholasSparks
Coupled with the undeniable success of his many books, the movie adaptations of Sparks’s books have
become the most iconic romantic feature films for a whole new generation. Beginning with Message in
a Bottle in 1999, Sparks’s novels continued to grace the silver screen with adaptations of A Walk to Re-
member (2002), The Notebook (2004), and Nights in Rodanthe, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane
(2008). Dear John, starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, and The Last Song, starring Miley
Cyrus and Greg Kinnear, were released in 2010 to great success. Sparks continued to dominate the box
office with the release of The Lucky One starring
Zac Efron in April 2012. Production is already un-
derway for a February 2013 release of what’s sure
to be another blockbuster smash hit, Safe Haven
starring Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel.
A Great Storyteller
Exclusively Represented by GTN 212.645.4200 www.greatertalent.com/MaxBrooks
The Global Zombie Threat
As we all know, the world we live in has become a rather scary place, and the global
increase in the number of Zombie attacks isn’t helping matters any. According to the
Office of Homeland Security, Brooks is the preeminent authority on dispatching the
relentless, flesh-eating armies of Zombies that seem to be everywhere these days.
“People have asked me, ‘Did you write this as a metaphor for the paranoia that’s sweeping the nation?’ No. I’m not that smart, I’m just really scared of zombies.”
— Max Brooks
Inside the Epidemic
Brooks’ New York Times best-seller, World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War
(2007), tells the story of the world’s desperate battle against the zombie threat with
a series of first-person accounts “as
told to the author” by various char-
acters around the world. Publishers
Weekly called the novel
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War
Ten years after the human victory over the world wide Zombie epidemic, referred to as
World War Z, the world’s foremost Zombie preparedness expert, Max Brooks, scoured
the world collecting the stories and experiences of those who have survived the conflict that
almost eradicated humanity. In the gripping motion picture, based on Brooks’ New York Times
Best-Seller, World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War, the incredible tale of the zombie
epidemic is brought to life with an all-star cast that includes Brad Pitt in June 2013.
Max Brooks Preeminent Zombie Expert & Best-Selling Authorwww.greatertalent.com/MaxBrooks
Max BrooksPreeminent Zombie Expert & Best-Selling Author
The ExpertThe son of Mel Brooks and
Anne Bancroft, Max Brooks
is completely dedicated to the
cause of raising awareness on the
issue of Zombie survival. Brooks
is ready to come to your campus
or community to help prepare
your audience with the latest
Zombie survival techniques.
Exclusively Represented by GTN 212.645.4200 www.greatertalent.com/EmilyGiffin
Best-Selling Author of Something Borrowed & Heart of The MatterEmily Giffin
A Modern-Day Jane Austin
Giffin began her fiction writing career at the ripe age of eight, when her first published poem appeared
in Cricket Magazine. Despite several rejections of her first manuscript, Giffin persisted, eventually
completing Something Borrowed. Hailed as a “heartbreakingly honest debut” with “dead-on dialogue,
real-life complexity and genuine warmth,” Something Borrowed became a New York Times best-seller
that has sold more than a million copies to date. Since then, she has penned four more New York
Times best-sellers: Something Blue (2005), Baby Proof (2006), Love the One You’re With (2008) and
Heart of the Matter (2010). Due out in July 2012, Giffin’s next novel Where We Belong, explores the
journey that two women embark upon in search for what is missing in their lives.
Turning A Dream Into A Best-Seller
Emily Giffin has touched the hearts of millions of readers. Populated by emotionally charged and
endearingly flawed characters that readers can’t help but root for, her five novels have been translated
into 29 languages, with five million copies in print worldwide, and three have been optioned for the
big screen. The film of her first novel, Something Borrowed, came out in summer 2011, released by the
production companies of Hilary Swank and Edward Burns, and stars Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin
and John Krasinski.
Giffin brings to life the emotion, humor and
relatable issues of her novels in her own insightful
and intimate voice. Sharing her personal journey
to publishing success, Giffin provides a behind-
the-scenes look at turning a dream into a reality.
A firm believer in taking risks and following your
heart, Giffin speaks to the fears and hopes of
anyone pursuing a seemingly unattainable goal
— and provides living proof that the future you
imagine can actually come true.
In a separate program, Giffin candidly and
colorfully discusses the struggles that her
memorable characters face in her novels –
poignant conflicts and choices in friendships,
marriage, work and motherhood that define
every woman’s existence. With a fresh and relatable take on the dilemmas facing the modern
woman, Giffin brings to life with clarity and empathy just how complicated our lives can
be . . . and how essential family, true friends and forgiveness are in helping us navigate life’s
difficult choices.
Speaking to Women Everywhere
Emily GiffinBest-Selling Author of Something Borrowed & Heart of the Matter
Perspective of a Spy
As a covert CIA Operations Officer, Valerie Plame Wilson worked to protect America’s national security from the proliferation of nuclear weapons. At the podium, Wilson draws upon her best-selling book that inspired the movie Fair Game, laying out the CIA leak controversy in an incisive and enlightening presentation. Perspective of a Diplomat
Joseph Wilson’s historic career in international relations spans more than three decades, with service under five U.S. presidents. At the podium, Wilson draws upon his best-selling book The Politics of Truth and recounts his work in world political affairs—from facing down Saddam to challenging the source of the White House
leaks that exposed Valerie Plame’s covert identity.
A Blockbuster at the Podium
At the podium, Plame shares her thoughts on what she views as unprecedented abuse of public trust by the Bush administration in its efforts to silence a critic and subvert the right of citizens to exercise free speech. Plame also speaks alongside her husband Joseph
Wilson, and together the husband and wife team lay out the CIA leak controversy in an incisive and enlightening presentation. Drawing from the Wilsons’ respective memoirs, Fair Game and The Politics of Truth, they take audiences inside two decades of world politics — from facing down Saddam Hussein to White House leaks.
The Politics of Truth: FAIR GAME
Based on Valerie Plame Wilson’s life as a covert CIA agent, Fair Game, starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn, takes audiences inside the CIA controversy that exposed Plame’s secret
identity. Before her undercover status was compromised, Plame and her husband Ambassador Joseph Wilson were working to protect America from weapons of mass destruction. The political firestorm that followed Plame’s exposure captivated the country and continues to spark heated discussions on national security, foreign policy, free speech and abuse of power.
Valerie Plame & Joseph Wilson“Outed” Former CIA Agent & Former Senior U.S. Diplomatwww.greatertalent.com/ValerieandJoseph
Exclusively Represented by GTN 212.645.4200 www.greatertalent.com/ValeriePlameandJoeWilson
Valerie Plame Wilson & Joseph WilsonThe Real Inspiration Behind Fair Game
437 Fifth AvenueNew York, NY 10016
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w w w . g r e a t e r t a l e n t . c o m
GLOBAL AND NATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: Spencer Abraham • Cory Booker • Wesley Clark • Richard Clarke • Roger Cressey • Monica Crowley & Alan Colmes • Adrian
Fenty • Harold Ford, Jr. • Louis Freeh • Brigitte Gabriel • Richard Gephardt • Alberto Gonzales • Zachary Karabell • Bernard
Kouchner • Meghan McCain • Judge Andrew Napolitano • Vali Nasr • Ehud Olmert • Reza Pahlavi • George Pataki • Janet Reno
• Dan Senor • Jose Antonio Vargas • Valerie Plame Wilson • Joseph Wilson
PRINT AND BROADCAST JOURNALISM: Jonathan Alter • Carl Bernstein • Campbell Brown • Tina Brown • Babara Ehrenreich • Sir Harold Evans • Joshua Foer • Susie
Gharib • Sebastian Junger • Steve Kroft • Lara Logan • Kati Marton • Peggy Noonan • Byron Pitts • Bob Simon • Lesley Stahl •
Jeffrey Toobin • Ali Velshi • Gideon Yago
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT: Neal Baer • Bob Balaban • Elizabeth Berkeley • Susie Essman • John Forté • Danny Glover • Lee Hirsch • Carson Kressley •
Anthony Rapp • Brett Ratner • Mo Rocca • Peter Sagal • David Steinberg • Ben Vereen • Vanessa Williams • Henry Winkler •
Anthony Zuiker • Alan Zweibel
MOTIVATION, INSPIRATION, ADVENTURE: Chaz Bono • Dewey Bozella • Kris Carr • Ntiedo (NT) Etuk • Mia Farrow • Ronan Farrow • Rory Kennedy • Marcus Luttrell •
Marlee Matlin • T.K. Mattingly • Luma Mufleh • Petra Nemcova • Michael Oher • Apolo Anton Ohno • Nell Irvin-Painter • Bill
and Giuliana Rancic • Capt. Winston Scott • Caroll Spinney • Esera Tuaolo • The Tuohy Family
BUSINESS, ECONOMY, MANAGEMENT: Ben & Jerry • Jared Bernstein • Billy Beane • Mark Burnett • Paul DePodesta • Donald Fehr • Susie Gharib • Seth Godin • Peter
Greenberg • Peter Guber • Mitch Joel • Liz Lange • Steven Rattner • Cynthia Rowley • Michael Silverstein • Howard Stringer •
James Taylor • Jonathan Tisch • Omar Wasow • Meredith Whitney • Michael Woodford
BEST SELLING AUTHORS:Po Bronson • Max Brooks • Candace Bushnell • Neil Gaiman • Emily Giffin • David Grossman • Pete Hamill • Homer Hickam •
Oscar Hijuelos • Michael Lewis • Wendy Mogel • Michael Moore • PJ O’Rourke • Richard Preston • Nicholas Sparks • Jennifer
Weiner • Tom Wolfe
Founded with the belief that words have the ability to change people’s lives, Greater Talent Network is devoted to bringing the most interesting and inspiring stories to audiences worldwide.