About Big Fish Talent

For the Talent

The agents & staff at Big Fish Talent understand and identify with talent as a result of our personal experience as actors, models and producers.  For nearly 30 years Big Fish Talent has been securing work for actors and models in film, television, commercials, voiceovers, industrials and print advertisements.

We pride ourselves in providing a supportive nurturing atmosphere.  Our goal and passion is to help actors/models develop a blueprint for success.

Big Fish Talent invites you to become part of our established history & successful future. We are always excited to discover and welcome new actors, models, voice-over-artists & spokespeople.  If you are interested in representation, submit to us!

For the Clients

Our goal as a full-service talent agency is to provide you with highly motivated professional talent. Based on our decades of industry experience, you can rest assured that Big Fish Talent will consistently respond to your needs, provide outstanding service and recommend the best talent in town for all mediums - print, on-camera, voice-over, spokespeople and promotional talent.

As a result of our personal experience in the industry, Big Fish Talent understands the major constraints regarding time and budget, as well as the desire to produce top-notch work. You can count on our talent to be prepared, professional, and prompt! We are committed to your project’s success and dedicated to you as a business partner.

Quality Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Premium Talent, Ethics, Passion…simply said, we love what we do and look forward to assisting you on your next booking!

Who We Are

Emily Rushing — Owner / Agent

Hi There!  I’m Emily Rushing!   I’ve spent the last 25+ years living and breathing the entertainment industry—from in front of the camera to behind the scenes, and currently as the proud owner of Big Fish Talent.  I’ve worn many hats in entertainment over the years, but the one I wear now is by far my favorite.

Before purchasing the agency in 2012, I had the honor of serving as the Modeling Director at Big Fish, working alongside—and learning so much from the previous owner, Peter DeAnello. His mentorship was instrumental, and those early years helped shape the agent I am today.

I’ve learned this business from every angle—from being in front of the camera to guiding others toward it—and those experiences have truly influenced the way I show up for both our talent and our clients.

My journey began back in Kentucky, where I was fortunate to work closely with a local talent agency owner who opened my eyes to world of being an agent.  Not only did I assisted her in the office but I traveled along side her to New York and L.A., where I soaked up everything I could about the business. That early exposure to both the performance and production sides gave me a lasting appreciation for the full scope of this industry.

I went on to earn a degree in broadcast journalism and spent seven years as a reporter and television host. What I loved most during that chapter was telling people’s stories—and in many ways, that’s still what I get to do now. As a talent agent, I have the privilege of being part of your story—watching our actors, models, and spokes-talent grow, evolve, and shine in their own unique ways. I also get to collaborate with some of the most amazing producers, casting directors, and creatives—helping them find just the right talent to bring their stories to life.

Let’s be honest: this industry isn’t always easy. It can be emotional, unpredictable, and chaotic. But my job isn’t just about celebrating the big bookings (though I do love those calls!); it’s also about being a steady, supportive presence when things don’t go as planned. I see this as a partnership. We’re in it together, side-by-side, building something meaningful.

I bring every piece of my past into how I work today. From attending a performing arts school as a child, writing stories, hosting shows, producing projects, and raising two amazing kids of my own—this business has always been part of my life. And while the hours aren’t always “normal,” the way it fits into my crazy beautiful world… couldn’t be more perfect. My life is full of carpools, cleats, costumes and let’s be honest… chaos—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, it won’t take long before you hear a “y’all” slip out of my mouth. I’m a single mama to two amazing kiddos—Campbell and Carter—who keep me grounded, busy, and constantly laughing. And that laughter? It’s my compass. Even in the hardest moments, I believe there’s always room for joy.

Whether you’re a talent looking for representation or a client searching for the perfect fit, just know this: when you work with us, you’re not just a name on a list—you’re part of the Big Fish family. And I’m so grateful to be part of your journey.

Elisa Piesman — Booking Assistant

Elisa has been working in front of the camera since 1996. She began interning with Big Fish Talent as a way to understand the job from all areas, and we haven’t been able to get her out of the office since. Elisa is thrilled to be able to use her knowledge from working on set to better help the members of Big Fish Talent book work in the industry. She holds a bachelor's degree in Speech Communications and a minor in Psychology.

Rachel Leach — VO Agent

Rachel Leach has been involved in the voice over industry for over 20 years. She has narrated thousands of projects, for familiar names such as Microsoft, Delta Dental, Gap, Ashley Furniture and Banana Republic, to name a few. She has a passion for the art of communication and loves working with talent to create narrations that ‘pop’ . Rachel is a voice acting coach as well as a recommended expert coach for a varity of professional platforms. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Communication. She is also a graduate of the Dick Grove School of Music with a major in Voice and a minor in Piano.