Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory David Mayo.
Gregory, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Ohio into a middle class, blue collar family with Italian and Catholic roots. I graduated from Denison University in Granville (as did my two brothers) and pursued graduate study in philosophy at The George Washington University.
My overall goal was to eventually move to Los Angeles (since childhood days when I would see images of Hollywood on television). To that end, I relocated to California – first San Francisco and then Los Angeles, where I secured my MBA at Pepperdine University. I had a number of industrial sales & marketing positions but finally decided to pursue my heartfelt interest in the entertainment industry and started a talent & literary agency in 1993.
I did relocate to Berlin for five years (2008 – 2013) in order to secure international experience as an agent plus live the European lifestyle. It is now 2019, and I am still working at it… amazing! I am totally committed to the professional representation of acting, writing, and directing talent for the large/small screen and stage.
I credit whatever ‘success’ that I have achieved to the strong American, family values that I was imbued into my being at a very young age plus my consistent, strong faith in God.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been my experience that life itself is a challenge to everyone and how you deal with that which is most difficult is a chance for real, personal growth and greater character achievement.
Anything that seems ‘smooth’ often has a hidden meaning or agenda that is most challenging. I have always maintained optimism, enthusiasm, and passion during my own life process in order to frame my life challenges.
Becoming an independent talent agent and sustaining myself for so many years has not been such an easy process. However, I remain committed to who I am and what I am able to accomplish in such changing times within the industry. My attitude and again my faith in God has brought me through it all.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am an independent talent & literary agent in Los Angeles with extensive European experience. My agency represents actors, writers, and directors for film, television, cable, streaming, and the stage.
I specialize in artists that are unique but firm in their commitment to excellence. I have a ‘reputation’ to also represent and build careers for musical theater performers and for those that need a reboot in their careers.
I am most proud of the fact that I have never compromised my personal values for success and that I still enjoy a solid, professional reputation. The fact that I am still doing what I love after several decades is a testament to who I am.
Indeed I am a unique character – great passion, solid experience, outstanding formal education, and a large personality plus a wonderful sense of humor. There you have it!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
There are only three cities in the world where the solid infrastructure of the entertainment industry exists – Los Angeles, New York City, and London.
You really need to be in one of these cities in order to secure real experience. Los Angeles is indeed the center of it all, and I would recommend that anyone is starting out to come here first. There are many secondary places where one can garner experience as well such as Atlanta, Nashville, Vancouver, and wherever else projects are produced/filmed.
The City of Los Angeles could be a bit more welcoming to new businesses and people starting their careers here. They should be able to improve public transportation and provide a safe environment. The cost of living, crime, and homelessness are certainly issues for someone starting out here as well.
It is not the responsibility of the government to assist you in achieving your dreams – that is up to you!
Pricing:
- Agent Fee: 10% of Gross Earnings
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gregorydavidmayo.com
- Email: [email protected]
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
