Renee Valente, Casting Executive and Pioneering Producer, Dies at 88

LOS ANGELES, CA - 3/3/2016 (PRESS RELEASE JET) -- Veteran Emmy winning Producer died on February 20, 2016 at home in Studio City, California "surrounded by family & friends " said friend and publicst Suzanne Lewis.  Valente was born in New York City. She was 88.

Renee met the love of her life in New York. Burr Smidt, Emmy award winning and Oscar nominated Art Director, Producer and writer at Talent Associateswhile working on “Power and the Glory”. T hey were married for 40 years and had 4 children.  Burr Smidt died November 14, 2000. Very few women in the Entertainment industry have received the respect that Renee Valente had.  Renee was the first woman to serve as President of the Producers Guild,  and was the first female Vice President of Screen Gems Productions and Columbia Pictures Television. Valente started her career at Talent Associates as  a part-time secretary and rose through the ranks to Head of  Production.  She left Talent Associates for NASA to produce a  series of specials followed by a  move to Screen Gems in Los Angeles where she became head of talent and casting.  Valente was the first woman ever to test the Special Suit that simulates a walk on the Moon. During her career Valente produced more than 70 Movies for television and feature film,  including "A Storm in Summer" which won her an Emmy. She received several Emmy Nominations, countless awards including the Prestigious Women in Film Crystal Award and the 1st Casting Society of America Artios Award.

Renee is survived by two step daughters, other family, many friends and her beloved dog Freddy. 

Memorial Services are pending. Please contact rashelley18@aol.com for more information.