Mark Scroggs
Vice President, Lewis & Beal Talent Agency Company

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
For almost 40 years, I have worked in the talent representation business. I have been a part of large, medium, small, bi-coastal and west coast talent agencies. I represent actors, actresses, hosts and comics. A talent agent’s key objective is to find people work. We are basically Apple One for the arts. We do much more. We guide careers, assist with materials, promote clients’ work and act as a middle person with casting directors and others. Talent agents also are licensed to procure work and negotiate deals. I currently work with LB Talent, a small Valley-based company. The company covers all parts of the US, as well as international productions. I work with film, television, podcasts, hosts, sketch, improv and theatre projects. The agency also has a commercial division.

How did you first become interested in art?
I grew up on television and comic books, starting with Hanna Barbera shows. I have always loved film and tv, so after graduating from college and working in public relations, I moved to LA to attend USC Film School. After USC, I fell into a position at the William Morris Agency. I learned that talent agents are involved with so many aspects of the entertainment industry. I like working with talent, reading scripts, and with so many varied projects. I have been in this industry my entire career in LA.

How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art in Burbank?
Art brings out memories, emotions and all types of feelings. Burbank, with its rich history of film and television, is the poster child for this type of work and the feelings it elicits. So many projects, from classic films like Casablanca, Mary Poppins and Argo, beloved television shows like with Friends, ER, The Pitt, The Mickey Mouse Club and Home Improvement, and of course classic cartoons, bring out happiness and other feelings. As a talent agent, I am a part of the process, connecting actors and programs.

If you could share with our community one thing about art and/or your creative process, what would it be?
Two things actually come to mind. First, I try not to be too precious with my writing or work. I can overthink what I want to write or do. Otherwise, it is stale and not true to me. I also have learned to trust my eye for talent, what headshots work and if I am interested in an actor or project. I am often more right than wrong.

To learn more about Mark and his work, visit his instagram @lbtalentagency, find him on Blue Sky at lbtalentagency.bsky.social, or find him on Substack at markscroggs/substack.com.