Hollywood producer to speak at YSU

the vindicator

YOUNGSTOWN — Paula Wagner, a Hollywood producer who worked extensively with actor Tom Cruise, will speak at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Chestnut Room at Youngstown State University’s Kilcawley Center. Her topic will be “The Business of Entertainment.” The lecture is free and open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wagner is a Hubbard native who was active in the Youngstown Playhouse. She has worked in the top ranks of the entertainment industry as a talent agent, producer and studio executive. She is currently developing film, television, theater and new- media projects through her new production company, Chestnut Ridge.

Wagner, a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, began her career at Creative Artists Agency, representing some of Hollywood’s top actors, directors and writers. In 1993, she launched Cruise/Wagner Productions with Cruise. The partnership produced many movies, including the “Mission: Impossible” series.

Wagner was co-owner and CEO of United Artists Entertainment from 2006 to 2008.

Her honors include the Premiere magazine Women In Hollywood Icon Award in 2001. She served as the president of the First-Time Directors Jury at the Venice International Film Festival and co-chaired the Hollywood Film Festival from 2002-06.