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Rob Woodburn is a highly accomplished executive in the entertainment industry, boasting over two decades of experience in both Australia and the United States. Renowned for his expertise in artist management and talent representation, he is equally celebrated for his dedication to discovering and nurturing new talent.

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Professional Journey

Currently serving as the Founder and Director of the Rob Woodburn Agency (RWA) and Rise Talent & Literary Agency Pty Ltd (RISE) in Sydney, Australia, Rob has played a pivotal role in establishing these businesses as influential forces in the entertainment landscape.

 

Prior to this, he held the position of Partner and Head of the Feature Film & Television Division (Encompass) at Artist & Entertainment Group (AEG) in Sydney, the largest talent agency in Australia via a successful IPO. Under his leadership, the agency consistently experienced significant growth in profitability, and Rob was honored with the title of "Best Talent Agent" each year during his tenure by the CEO.

 

In the United States, Rob served as the Director and Founder of Jet Set Models' Theatrical Division (Jet Set Agency) in San Diego, California. Here, he successfully transitioned models and professional athletes into the world of feature films and television, representing notable clients such as Emily Ratajkowski, Denyse Tontz, Kate French, Donna Feldman, Sonya Balmores, Kelli Goss, Bella Thorne, and professional surfers like Kalani Robb and Andy Irons.

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Prior to his role at Jet Set, Rob worked as a talent manager at ROAR in Los Angeles, representing lead actors from prominent films and TV series like HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, NIP/TUCK, SEX IN THE CITY, THE LAST SAMURAI, and FANTASTIC FOUR. He also spearheaded investment opportunities, including the acquisition of numerous professional sports franchises and record labels.

 

His career began at the esteemed William Morris Agency, where he was mentored by luminary agents Betty Fanning-McCann and Mark Itkin. Some of the notable clients during his tenure included Hollywood icons such as Kevin Costner, Steve Buscemi, Dolly Parton, Whoopi Goldberg, and many other distinguished figures. It was during this formative period that he developed a profound passion for talent representation and packaging

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Career Highlights

Rob's journey in entertainment is marked by numerous notable moments, including the founding of RWA | RISE in Sydney and the reengineering of the film & TV arm of Australia's largest talent agency, Artist & Entertainment Group, where he earned the esteemed title of Partner. Consistently demonstrating strategic vision, Rob showcased his innovative and adaptable nature with the launch of Jet Set Agency in California. Collaborating with heavyweights like Mark Harmon during the early days of NCIS and James Gandolfini at the height of THE SOPRANOS run, highlights Rob's exceptional ability to build trust and cater to top-tier talent. His 'big break' in show business occurred with a position at the legendary William Morris Agency nearly 25 years ago, solidifying his path in the industry across multiple continents.

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Education & Personal Interests

Rob holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Sciences with a Minor in International Relations from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. During his time at Cal Poly, he was a member of the NCAA National Championships baseball team and served as President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Additionally, he holds a Diploma in Leadership from the University of Illinois, Chicago.

 

Beyond his professional pursuits, Rob is an avid enthusiast of surfing, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, and hiking. He served as an ocean lifeguard in the USA for ten years and volunteered with Marine Rescue NSW in Sydney for several years. Notably, Rob is a proud veteran of the United States Navy and played for the All-Navy (Atlantic Fleet) semi-professional baseball team while stationed on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65).

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Citizenship & Boards

Rob holds citizenship in both the United States of America and Australia, leveraging his unique perspective and connections in both countries. He actively participates in advisory boards and memberships, including:

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• Westpac Alpha Sports + Entertainment - Advisory Board

• NSW Origin Legends (NRL) - Advisory Board

• Sydney Blue Sox (Australian Baseball League & Major League Baseball International)  - Advisory Board

• Australian Academy of Cinema & Television Arts (AACTA) - Professional Voting Member, A-List Agent & Executive Producer

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Notable Press & Trade Articles

• ​"Exclusive Interview With Rob Woodburn, Founder & Director Of Rob Woodburn Agency And Rise Talent & Literary Agency"               - The Australian Business Journal​

• "Meet Rob Woodburn: One Of Australia's Top Talent Agents" - Digital Journal​

• "15 Australian Talent Management Agencies To Watch in 2022" - The Australian Business Journal​

• "Agent Provocateur" - IF Magazine​

• "Agents Of Influence" - IF Magazine​​​

• "Australia's Got Talent" - IF Magazine​

• "John Doe" - FIlmink Magazine​

• "Agents For Acting: What You Need To Know" - Picha Magazine​

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