Bryan Lourd: Titan behind the titan of talent agencies

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As a devoted cinema enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of Hollywood and its power players, I find Bryan Lourd‘s story to be a fascinating tapestry of influence, resilience, and complexity.

As a movie buff, I’ve always been fascinated by the magic that happens behind the scenes in Hollywood. And let me tell you, a superagent like Bryan Lourd wields quite an influence in making that magic come to life. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. Sometimes I’m the one making calls, negotiating deals, and coordinating schedules. Other times, I’m the one listening intently as actors spill their hearts out about their latest projects or directors share their grand visions. Regardless of the role, Bryan Lourd’s power is felt in every corner of Tinseltown.

As a seasoned entertainment journalist who has covered numerous high-profile feuds and disputes within the industry, I’ve learned that public spats between talent and studios are often more complex than they appear on the surface. In this particular instance, it was shocking to see how quickly and dramatically the relationship between Scarlett Johansson and The Walt Disney Company soured over the “Black Widow” release strategy during the pandemic.

When you’re at the helm of Creative Artists Agency, a powerhouse in talent management with an impressive roster of clients like Scarlett Johansson, George Clooney, Octavia Spencer, and Brad Pitt, that’s just part of the role.

Amy Pascal, producer of “Little Women” and ex-executive at Sony Pictures Entertainment, commented, “He fiercely protects his company and every client as if he were a lion. His determination is unwavering for causes he cares about, displaying both fierce intensity and tranquility.”

Agents play a pivotal role in the film and television industry, facilitating contracts for writers, actors, directors, musicians, and athletes. They work tirelessly to secure the most favorable deals. Moreover, they convince cautious executives to back innovative projects, such as a series about an unlikely group of high school students forming a glee club. “Bryan’s viewpoint is significant in this industry,” shared Ryan Murphy, co-creator of “Glee.”

Bryan Lourd, left, and his husband, Bruce Bozzi, arrive for a state dinner at the White House with President Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron on Dec. 1, 2022.
(Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

Lourd’s impact goes beyond just entertainment. He played a significant role, collaborating with the Los Angeles Unified School District, in establishing the Roybal School of Film and Television Production. This innovative program is designed to broaden the pool of future Hollywood industry professionals by promoting diversity.

In 2023, at the age of 63, Lourd was appointed as the new CEO of CAA following the agency’s decision to transfer a large ownership share to the Pinault family’s investment group.

CAA and Lourd have faced significant backlash, especially since the #MeToo movement brought attention to how agents can facilitate harmful conduct. In 2017, the agency issued an apology in a statement, expressing regret “to anyone we let down by not living up to the high standards we expect of ourselves,” following a New York Times report on talent representatives’ inaction regarding sexual misconduct accusations against film producer Harvey Weinstein.

In the previous year, Julia Ormond, an actor, filed a lawsuit against Weinstein and CAA in New York Supreme Court. She alleged that she had informed her agents, Lourd and Huvane of Kevin, about Weinstein’s misconduct. However, instead of assisting her, they advised her against speaking out publicly. CAA has denied these allegations and attempted to have the case dismissed.

As a fan, I’d put it this way: The controversy gave Ari Emanuel, my biggest and most formidable rival as CEO of Endeavor, an opportunity to speak out. At the October Bloomberg business conference, he publicly urged you, Susan Lourd, to take some time off due to the ongoing lawsuit by Ormond.

Emanuel had previously criticized his rival on several occasions, including in an interview with Freakonomics Radio. Before that, he stated that CAA had transformed into a Walmart-like entity. However, Lourd, who hails from New Iberia, Louisiana, dismisses such criticism. “Walmart became a significant part of our country,” Lourd explained, “and if we assume that role in the creative community, I’m all for it.”

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2024-07-18 22:35