Affinity Artists Agency

Ross Grossman, Talent Agent, President

In 1998, after many years in the entertainment industry, Ross founded Affinity Artists Agency.  In 2002, AFFINITY moved its main offices to Los Angeles while maintaining active involvement in the San Francisco market.

Ross began his entertainment career as a child actor in Chicago’s prestigious Other Theater with director, playwright David Mamet and director Douglas Leiberman. Throughout the 90’s he performed stand-up comedy and solo performance shows throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

He received his B.F.A. in Film from UCLA Film School and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from JFKU. As the world's only licensed talent agent AND licensed psychotherapist and author, he has been featured in US Magazine, Backstage West, San Jose Mercury News, multiple radio stations and media outlets.

As a former child actor, filmmaker, stand-up comic and solo performer, Ross understands the challenges that face actors in the entertainment industry. "You must learn how to handle rejection. See each rejection as taking you one step closer to success. You will get 10 ‘no’s’ before you get to the ‘yes.’ Take in information and find out why something didn’t work. Then you improve upon it."

Ross has judged at several national talent events including Great American Pitchfest, Scriptapalooza, IMTA-Los Angeles, Miss San Francisco, and Miss Asian International.

Erich Smith, Talent Agent

After several years in Talent Management, Erich Smith joined the Affinity Artists team and has rapidly built a high quality film and television roster of talent. He is actively involved in packaging literary material for producers, studios and networks.

Travis Engle, Talent Agent 

With a background in law and literature, Travis Engle directs the Commercial Division of Affinity Artists with a 'Velvet Glove/Iron Fist' approach. His aggressive management has resulted in extraordinary opportunites for many commercial actors. Mr. Engle has a select group of Theatrical talent he represents for Film and Television.  

Kyle Villella, Talent Agent

After many years in Media Distribution, Kyle Villella joined the Affinity Artists Agency team and has nurtured a select group of Film and Television talent as well as a core group of Comedic and Improvisational talent.  He is actively involved in packaging literary material for producers, studios and networks.

Nina Riley, Talent Agent 

Nina Riley comes to Affinity with a background in Law  and Literature and brings her prodigious knowledge to bear on our selection of Literary properties. She represents screenwriters and their literary properties and is actively working on packaging scripts for production. 

Nora Lee-Grossman, Talent Agent
Nora Lee-Grossman has rapidly built a high quality film and television roster of talent. She is actively involved in packaging literary material for producers, studios and networks.