Meet the woman
who has gone
“full circle” —
actress, singer,
dancer, model,
producer, and
film entrepreneur
Valerie Gobos heads Gobos Film & Entertainment, working with a wide variety of directors, producers, animators, visual effects artists, editors, photographers musicians, authors and screenplay writers around the world, for advertising, television, film, and entertainment.
Gobos has handled marketing for many companies, including Universal Studios and Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios.
Always being involved in the arts, Valerie’s career has gone full circle — from the fine arts, to the performing arts, working as an actress, singer, dancer, model, then leading her to her love and passion of filmmaking.
She was a producer on the film Brides, executive produced by Martin Scorsese, directed by Pantelis Voulgaris, and also a producer on Brat II staring the late Sergei Bodrov Jr.
While continuing the rewards, enjoyment and accomplishments of her advertising career, Valerie has acquired the rights to many interesting, screenplays, books, life stories, and television shows, pitching them to studios and networks for the big and small screens.
Her current and former projects include the late Marilyn Chambers’ story, Mahalia Jackson, the unsolved disappearance of the Candy Heiress Helen Brach, The Grimes Sisters, and Richard Speck.
Valerie is currently living in Los Angeles.
RICHARD SPECK, SERIAL KILLER | A&E
MARILYN CHAMBERS, SEX AND LIFE AFTER PORN | SIZZLE REEL
WHO KILLED THE CANDY LADY? | SIZZLE REEL
What was your first break? I was pursing an actress, singer, dancer, modeling career and the wonderful agent Marty DeWelt called and asked if I wanted to be a ‘stand-in’ for actress Maude Adams in a television series, The Chicago Story. I took the job, and working on the set for many months, I fell in love with filmmaking. And, the fabulous casting guru David O’Conner introduced me to a well-known Rep from NYC who got me into advertising.
What obstacles have you faced specifically because of your gender? Being nice, friendly, and attractive, I was perceived at times as a ‘ dumb female ‘ and that was not the case. And back in the day as an actress, there was such a thing as ‘ the casting couch shortcuts ‘, which I did not partake in, resulting in taking me longer to succeed. I used my brain, talents and hard work instead.
Best thing to ever happen to you to remind you that you are a woman? Having good insight and a sincere, caring and nurturing approach to dealing with people in business, which is my female energy, and it’s wonderful.
Work you are most proud of? Attaching Martin Scorsese to the Brides screenplay, and working on the Culvers’ ad campaigns for many years.
How do you describe the most significant #metoo moment of your life? Warren Beatty inviting me to his hotel room for a drink and not going.
How have professional attitudes towards women evolved during your career? I feel there is no longer the perception of superiority being male,, that women and men are now professionally equal, and it’s all about who’s the best person for the job.
Trapped on an island, what essentials must you have? Hmm.. Not being limited to just how many essentials, that being said and not to bore you all: A flashlights, lighter, umbrella, blankets, my favorite pillow, sunglasses, soap, toothpaste,, body cream, lipstick, drinking water, fruits, nuts, veggies, nylon string acoustic guitar, art paper, pens, markers, water colors, some good books, favorite jeans, hoodies, bathing suit, towels, sneakers, shall I go on?…
If you had a time machine, what would you say to your past self? Val, why were you hiding, and afraid of success?
If you could have a one-on-one with anyone who would it be? And why? I was going to say meditate with the Dali Lama, but I will go with Ted Sarandos, who is the Chief Content Officer at Netflix to pitch my screenplays, books, and life stories to him.
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