News

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jenne Casarotto, co-founder of Casarotto Ramsay & Associates.

Jenne Casarotto, 77, was a visionary leader and a giant within the global entertainment industry. With a career spanning over 50 years, Jenne was an award winning Agent who was highly regarded throughout the world for her impeccable taste in writers and directors, unwavering dedication to her clients, and for her calm and creative leadership.

Co-founding Casarotto Ramsay & Associates with her husband Giorgio in 1989, Jenne was pivotal in shaping the agency landscape. With an illustrious 35-year history, the company represents many of the world’s best-known writers, directors, creatives, literary properties, and Heads of Departments in film, theatre, television and new media.

Jodi Shields, Head of Film & Television, said “I have worked side by side with Jenne for over 25 years which has been an utter joy and pleasure. She is a giant among agents. Her impeccable taste, her tough but fair approach and her love of the industry are values she has instilled in each of us at Casarotto. We will carry on her extraordinary legacy. Jenne worked hard but she had lots and lots of fun along the way. She was irreverent and funny. An incredible woman who was full of life and wonderful to be around.”

Her client list included many highly acclaimed international writers and directors. Several of them had worked alongside her since their feature film debuts. Many of whom have received numerous accolades and awards at the highest level for their work and includes J.G. Ballard, John Crowley, the Dahl Estate, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sir. Stephen Frears, Matteo Garrone, Sir. Christopher Hampton, Sir. David Hare, Nick Hornby, Bob Hoskins, Neil Gaiman, Terry Gilliam, Hilary Bevan Jones, Neil Jordan, David Leland, John Madden, Sir. Steve McQueen, Cynthia Payne, Neal Purvis, Shawn Slovo, Robert Wade, Tennessee Williams and David Yates.

Sir Stephen Frears said “Jenne has been my agent for 45 years. Her advice was always realistic, level-headed, clear and encouraging. She’s been a wonderful supportive friend. This is a terrible shock.”

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It is with tremendous sadness that we share the news of the passing of Edward Bond on Sunday March 3rd 2024.

Edward was one of the greatest dramatists of the 20th century. He made his mark upon the theatrical world with radical, thought-provoking, and unerringly original work which helped change censorship laws and inspired playwrights across generations. His unceasing interest in drama as a means to understand humanity, and particularly politics, continued right to the end of his life.

John Madden said “Jenne was unique: a brilliant agent and an extraordinary human being – combining toughness with an immense warmth, navigating the choppy waters of our industry with canny skill, and an unquestioning loyalty both to her clients and to the team of agents she nurtured and gathered around her. Her leadership, her understanding and her friendship were matchless.”

Steve McQueen said “Jenne Casarotto was pivotal in my career and my life. She was my friend, and I loved her deeply. In the 16 years that I have known her she was a tremendous support to me. In my last conversation with her I confessed my love to her, and she to me. I will always have her in my heart with every footstep I take.”

Throughout her career, Jenne was honoured for services to film by both The British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), and the Women in Film & Television Awards (WFTV). She was made a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the European Film Academy (EFA) and served as a Board Member of Times Up UK. Earlier this year, Jenne was honoured with an Honorary Associate of the London Film School in a presentation made by Greg Dyke.

Jenne Casarotto passed away peacefully on 29th February 2024, surrounded by her loving family, following complications as part of a short illness. She is survived by her husband, Giorgio, their two sons, Mark, and Daniel, their three grandchildren and her brother Martin Goodwin.

Mel Kenyon, Head of the Theatre Department and Jenne's colleague of over 30 years, said on behalf of the Board, “Jenne’s legacy will continue to live on within the DNA of Casarotto. The leadership team, Board and brilliant agents she nurtured will continue to drive the agency which will remain a beacon of excellence and fierce independence."

Casarotto Ramsay & Associates send their wholehearted condolences to Jenne’s family, friends and clients.