Talent Management & Literary

Jon brings more than two decades of experience and long‑standing industry relationships to his work in talent management and production. His career has been shaped by a practical understanding of how creative lives are built over time, informed by close collaboration with actors, casting directors, producers, and filmmakers across film, television, and theater.

In 2005, Jon joined the Buchwald Agency in New York, where he rose through the ranks to become a Theatrical Agent. Over the course of 17 years, he represented actors at every stage of their careers—from emerging talent gaining traction to established performers seeking to expand their creative opportunities. During this time, he worked extensively with casting offices, studios, production companies, and independent filmmakers on both coasts, developing a strong foundation in both the artistic and business considerations required to sustain long‑term careers.

Jon’s work emphasized careful material selection, strategic positioning, and steady advocacy. His approach favored consistency and preparation, often guiding clients through key transitions as their work expanded across mediums.

In 2022, Jon founded JMason Entertainment, a talent management and production company. In addition to representation, he became actively involved in producing independent film projects, working in development and packaging with writers, directors, and talent. His producing work is informed by a talent‑forward perspective grounded in years of experience representing actors, and he continues to produce under the JMason Entertainment banner.

Jon’s long‑standing professional relationship with David Lewis developed during their shared time at Buchwald. Though their backgrounds differed, they found alignment in their approach to representation and career‑building. Together, they formed Mason‑Lewis Entertainment, where Jon continues to evolve his work through a collaborative, client‑focused model designed to support artists and projects with intention and a long view of creative growth.

David was born and raised in Iowa. He spent his formative years in Iowa City where he was exposed to the literary luminaries circling The Iowa Writers Workshop. Artists like Edgar Doctorow, Milos Forman and Kurt Vonnegut were often roaming around and readily available for conversation at the student union. Career choices in Iowa were mostly limited to academia, medicine, or insurance - none of which seemed to be a calling for him. The influence of the Writers Workshop was the beginning of a life in entertainment although at the time he was entirely unaware. 

His meandering academic endeavors concluded at Sarah Lawrence College. David then began his professional career in the ICM New York mailroom to get an overview of what the job possibilities might be in the world of entertainment. After six months of delivering packages, copying scripts and as many humbling duties as possible, he began a tutelage under the legendary agent Sam Cohn. It was from Sam that David learned the complicated art of representation. It required more hours than exist in a day. It required intelligence, critical thinking, literary knowledge, devotion and above almost all else, passion. During his 20 years with the company he launched the careers of Jon Cryer, Mary Stuart Masterson, Macaulay Culkin, David Allen Grier, John Leguizamo, Robert Sean Leonard, Ruben Blades, Patricia Clarkson, Mark Anthony, and Luis Guzman - to name a few.

After a brief pitstop with WME he started a production company, Lower East Side Films, with John Leguizamo. Then moving to Los Angeles, he then became the production partner of Mary Stuart Masterson and produced Kate Brasher for Jersey TV/CBS. 

This was followed by a brief stop in Iowa before returning to NY and Buchwald, where he headed the Talent Division in the New York Office. During his 20 year stay with the company he formed a close working relationship with Jon Mason. Although from different backgrounds they found their skills blended well to form something bigger than two individuals. They decided it was time to start something new and unique that was suited to their shared enthusiasm. Mason-Lewis Entertainment was created.