The behind-the-scenes power of a Hollywood superagent such as Bryan Lourd manifests in different ways, depending on the day. One minute, he’s putting the world’s most influential entertainment company, Walt Disney Co., on blast for, in his words, “ shamelessly and falsely ” criticizing Scarlett Johansson after she sued the company for the way it released her movie “Black Widow” online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The next, after the dust has settled, everyone’s friendly again and Lourd is praising Disney’s then-leader, Bob Chapek, in the press. But that’s the job when you’re leading Creative Artists Agency, a titan of talent representation with clients including Johansson, George Clooney, Octavia Spencer and Brad Pitt. “He will defend his company and all of his clients like a lion,” said “Little Women” producer and former Sony Pictures Entertainment executive Amy Pascal.
“He always goes to the mat for people and things he believes in. He’s ferocious and calm at the same time.” Agents are at the center of film and TV commerce.
They broker deals for writers, actors, directors, musical artists and sports stars, pushing to get the best rate. They also persuade risk-averse network executives to take a creative leap of faith — including championing a show about high school misfits who join a glee club. “People in this business listen to Bryan — Bryan’s opinion matters,” said “Glee” co-creator Ryan Murphy .
Lourd’s influence extends.
