This fall, Jim Toth ’92 visited LMU’s Playa Vista Campus to share hard-earned insights from three decades in the film and entertainment business with students looking to break into the industry. In 1995, Toth began his career in the mailroom at Creative Artists Agency before rising through the ranks to become a partner and Senior Talent Agent over his 23-year tenure. He later took on leadership roles at the video streaming start-up Quibi as Head of Content Acquisition and Talent, helped launch the media company Hello Sunshine as a founding partner, and established the women’s fashion and lifestyle brand Draper James.
Toth initially planned to attend Law School after graduation but eventually realized during his senior year that he wanted to pursue a different path. Looking back on that key decision, Toth reflected, “Never be afraid to pivot. You’re not beholden to a decision you made when you were 18 or 19 years old to stick to a career path for the rest of your life.”
That willingness to shift gears and his relentless work ethic, defined his rise in Hollywood. Toth made the most of every opportunity, driven by a belief that being genuine and hard working would set him apart. “I always felt as though I could differentiate myself by being authentically me,” he said, “and that I wasn’t going to get outworked.” That mentality led him to volunteer on weekends for one of CAA’s Managing Partners. When his time in the mailroom ended, his efforts were rewarded and he was offered the chance to work for Bryan Lourd, now CEO and co-chairman of CAA.
From there, Toth made a name for himself as an agent, signing an impressive roster of talent including Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Matthew McConaughey, Jamie Foxx, Zoe Saldana, Chris Evans, Salma Hayek, Zooey Deschanel, Neil Patrick Harris, and many others. He played a pivotal role in shaping his clients’ careers and brokering landmark deals – notably helping Robert Downey Jr., once primarily regarded as a character actor in the ‘80s and ‘90s, reinvent himself as an action star through his casting as the lead in “Iron Man.” He also guided Matthew McConaughey’s transition from a romantic-comedy mainstay to an Oscar-winning actor for his dramatic performance in “Dallas Buyers Club.”
Reflecting on the high-stakes nature of the agency world and what lessons it taught him, Toth shared, “You can get the best job on the planet for one of your clients on one call, and literally, the next call you can get fired. You have to be able to roll with success and failure at the same time.” That resilient mindset has served him well throughout the ebbs and flows of business, both in Hollywood and in other entrepreneurial ventures.
To students, Toth offered practical insights on breaking into a notoriously competitive industry, emphasizing that major talent agencies still remain one of the best entry points, calling them a “hub of information.” He also spoke about pitching in Hollywood, stressing that confidence matters as much as one’s concept. “It can be the most esoteric idea,” he explained, “but you have to tell it boldly. If you say it with belief, your passion comes through. That’s really what I believe makes a pitch work.”
When student Kelsey Rosario asked Toth for advice on managing imposter syndrome, Toth emphasized the importance of trusting your own taste. Toth said, “most people aren’t brave enough to tell you what they like. They’re trying to tell you what they think the majority of this room is going to like.” Authenticity will set you apart in an industry where people often feel pressured to conform, and it has been central to Toth’s success in the business.
Later, in response to a question from student Tajh Bellow, who is also a two-time Emmy-nominated actor, about what actors should expect from their representatives in today’s competitive climate, Toth underscored the value of honest feedback as essential for growth. He also urged creatives to stay prepared and continually hone their craft, noting that every audition and meeting is an opportunity to make a lasting impression.
As the conversation drew to a close, Toth urged students to, “Try to figure out what your ‘true north’ is and stick to that,” reminding them that success in media and entertainment isn’t just about talent or timing; it’s about showing up authentically every day and continuing to evolve in an ever-evolving industry.