An Inspired Chat with Payton Brianne J.D., LL.M. of Burbank

Payton Brianne J.D., LL.M. shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Payton , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes! I had a really proud moment recently at the World Choreography Awards. I went last year (and it was amazing), but this year was extra special because I got to bring three of my choreographer clients with me.

This past year I’ve been putting a lot of energy into developing my creative direction and choreography department, which is definitely a more hands on, tailored process compared to my dancers. So being there with them after seeing how much work they’ve put into their creativity, their pitch decks, everything… it just felt like such a full circle moment. I was honestly really proud standing next to them on that red carpet.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Payton, and I’m the Senior Agent at Briizy Talent Agency. We represent performers in commercial, theater, dance, choreography, and specialty here in Los Angeles.

What I really love about my role is that I get to advocate for artists in a really personal way. I used to be a dancer myself prior to law school, so I’ve made it my mission to not just help them book work, but also to support their long term careers and creative goals. I’m also really passionate about artist advocacy more generally, especially in the choreography space. I actually just finalized a proposal regarding copyright reform for choreographers after months of research and writing.

Overall, my whole mission is to make sure artists feel seen, supported, and protected in an industry that can be pretty tough to navigate.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think the part of me that I’m learning to let go of is the ‘rule follower’ version of myself. Growing up, I was that kid who never colored outside the lines, and honestly, a lot of my teachers would probably describe me as obedient. Even when I became an agent, I really wanted to follow the traditional path and ‘pay my dues’ the way you’re supposed to. It definitely served its purpose because it got me to where I am today…

But at some point this past year, I had an epiphany. What’s that quote— well behaved women seldom make history? I realized I don’t want to just conform and accept how things have always been done in this industry. I want to lead with transparency, I want to be fully invested in all of my clients’ careers, and I want to advocate for all artists even when it feels uncomfortable or challenges the norms.

When I started sharing my choreography copyright reform proposal, I noticed really quickly how quiet the industry can get around topics that challenge the status quo. And instead of taking that as a sign to stop, it actually showed me how necessary it is. Releasing that hyperobedient, ‘stick to the rules’ part of me has been a huge shift, but it’s made room for a version of myself that’s willing to speak up, innovate, and actually push for change.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yeah, there was a point where I was feeling burned out. Not because of the work itself, I love the work, but because I care so much. I pour a lot into my clients, and there was a period where I realized I was giving more energy than I was receiving.

It wasn’t anyone’s fault; everyone has their own lives and challenges. But I found myself chasing people down for communication, trying to motivate them more than they were able to motivate themselves, and carrying the weight of their careers on my own shoulders alone instead of sharing it. It left me feeling drained.

But that experience ended up being a really important turning point. It taught me how to set healthier boundaries, how to better manage expectations, and how to work with artists who are truly ready to partner in this process. Once I shifted my approach, everything changed. I didn’t give up, I just learned how to show up in a way that’s sustainable and aligned with the kind of agent I want to be.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The project I’m committed to at this very moment is my choreography copyright reform proposal. It’s something I’ve been developing for almost an entire year, and I really believe it has the potential to shift the industry in a meaningful way. But more generally, I am fully committed to advocating for artists’ rights beyond copyright. Dancers and choreographers are treated as less than in the entertainment industry so I am dedicated to addressing as many issues as I can in this lifetime. Even if it takes years (and honestly, I expect it to) I’m not letting it go because they deserve fair treatment.

Advocacy is really at the center of who I am as an agent. Whether it’s pushing for fair protection for choreographers, more transparent industry practices, or simply making sure artists feel supported and empowered within my agency, that’s the work I’m in for the long run.

This proposal is just the first of many steps I plan to take to make the industry better for creatives.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I think a little bit of both. I was definitely encouraged to take a more traditional path— go to law school, get a ‘professional’ job, do something stable. And I did that! I went to law school, I got the degree, and I use it every single day when I’m negotiating contracts and advocating for my clients. But I also know I was born to be in the entertainment industry. That’s the part that actually lights me up. Being around creative humans, auditions, bookings, etc. is everything to me.

So I kind of merged the two. I took the structure I was told to pursue and combined it with the world I was meant to be in. And now I get to do both: use my legal background in a really meaningful way, and also wake up excited about the creative side of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://briizytalentagency.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/paytonbrianne_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payton-brianne?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: http://tinyurl.com/choreopetition

Image Credits
For the red carpet photo:
Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/WCA/Sipa USA