GT Philosophy
After 15 years of working at Hollywood’s major talent agencies, the following concepts have shaped the way GT will conduct business:
"Strong character, ethics and professionalism "Competence and accountability "Proactive as opposed to reactive advocacy, communication and follow-up "Hustle, enthusiasm and positivity "The importance of great taste "Aggressive but professional negotiations "Being in the business of believing in people |
John Griffin
President & Chairman
Originally from Northern California, John moved to Los Angeles in 2003 to study business and play football at USC. Under the leadership of coach Pete Carroll, USC contended in three national championship games. To this day, John’s time at USC continues to color his drive, ethics and approach to business.
In the summer of 2006, John got his first taste of working in representation in the United Talent Agency mailroom.
Upon graduating, John returned to UTA full-time as an assistant in the talent department where he worked with multi-hyphenates who were writing, producing and doing stand up in addition to acting.
After the 2008 writers strike and a major agency merger shook the industry, John joined ICM Partners where he furthered his experience working under some of the best agents in the history of the business.
In 2011, John joined the Agency for the Performing Arts as an agent. At APA, John was tasked with the mission of identifying and signing up-and-coming talent, particularly with stand-up comedians, sketch performers and improvisors. Knowing comedy often comes from a dark place, John targeted a wide range of projects ranging from dramatic to comedic in tone.
Over the last 9 years, John regularly traveled to Montréal, New York and Chicago and spent countless nights on the LA comedy scene scouring festivals, theaters, comedy clubs and sketch and improv venues in search of unique artistic voices.
In January 2020, John and his wife Melissa celebrated 10 years together along with their three young children.
If John has learned one thing from his 18 years of experience in Hollywood, it is to expect the unexpected. 2020 couldn’t be a better example of this and serves as a perfect catalyst in the launch of Griffin Talent.
In the summer of 2006, John got his first taste of working in representation in the United Talent Agency mailroom.
Upon graduating, John returned to UTA full-time as an assistant in the talent department where he worked with multi-hyphenates who were writing, producing and doing stand up in addition to acting.
After the 2008 writers strike and a major agency merger shook the industry, John joined ICM Partners where he furthered his experience working under some of the best agents in the history of the business.
In 2011, John joined the Agency for the Performing Arts as an agent. At APA, John was tasked with the mission of identifying and signing up-and-coming talent, particularly with stand-up comedians, sketch performers and improvisors. Knowing comedy often comes from a dark place, John targeted a wide range of projects ranging from dramatic to comedic in tone.
Over the last 9 years, John regularly traveled to Montréal, New York and Chicago and spent countless nights on the LA comedy scene scouring festivals, theaters, comedy clubs and sketch and improv venues in search of unique artistic voices.
In January 2020, John and his wife Melissa celebrated 10 years together along with their three young children.
If John has learned one thing from his 18 years of experience in Hollywood, it is to expect the unexpected. 2020 couldn’t be a better example of this and serves as a perfect catalyst in the launch of Griffin Talent.