Meet Courtney Scarpelli | Casting Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Scarpelli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started in the entertainment industry, work-life balance was pretty much non-existent. It felt like all I did was work, and as a result, I missed out on a lot of important moments—birthday parties, family events, time with friends. Over the years, I’ve made a conscious effort to create healthier boundaries, learning when to log off and prioritize other aspects of my life. It’s still a work in progress (I’ll admit I can be a bit of a workaholic), but I’m continuing to grow and get better at managing that balance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been working in the entertainment industry for over a decade now and to be honest, I kind of stumbled into this career. I was always curious about the entertainment world, but it didn’t feel like a tangible career option until I was offered an internship at The Jerry Springer Show while I was still in college. That opportunity changed everything for me.

I threw myself into the internship, and after proving myself, I was offered a full-time role as a Production Assistant. That job was not for the faint of heart—we worked 80-hour weeks, six days a week, often dealing with high-pressure deadlines and some pretty wild subject matter. It was intense, but it instilled in me an incredible work ethic and a resilience that has carried me through my career.

After four years in production, I realized I was ready for a change and found my way into casting. It was the perfect fit. I’m passionate about finding and connecting with real people, hearing their stories, and giving them opportunities they may have never imagined possible. What sets me apart is how invested I am in the people I work with. I don’t see them as just candidates or contestants—I see them as individuals with stories that matter, and I work hard to make sure they shine. Even after all this time, I get giddy when I see the people I found make it to the screen.

The journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has taught me something valuable. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and staying true to yourself. I want the world to know that my story—and my career—has been built on hard work, genuine connection, and a deep respect for the people I help bring to the screen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love showing friends around LA, especially when it comes to food and a fun night out. I’m always up for trying new restaurants, and I’m a total sucker for a good brunch. If they’re fellow sushi lovers, I know some locals might say Sugarfish is overrated—but honestly, I’m still a fan. It’s one of my go-to spots when I have visitors in town. For a dinner with a view, I’d take them to Yamashiro; the atmosphere is great and the views of the city are incredible.

When it comes to drinks, I’ve really gotten into whiskey over the past couple of years, and one of my favorite spots is Seven Grand in Downtown LA. Their whiskey selection is next level, and the bartenders really know their stuff—they make an amazing cocktail.

No visit to the area is complete without hitting up WeHo, and I love taking people there. I love bringing people to a fun drag brunch at Rocco’s or Drag Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s. I like to take them to SUR for a more laid-back, classy atmosphere—it’s one of those iconic spots that everyone wants to experience. To round things off, we’ll spend the rest of the night bar hopping. WeHo has so many great spots, so we just go with the flow and enjoy whatever feels right.

If you’re up for a little adventure outside the city, I always recommend taking a day trip down to La Jolla. I’ve taken friends to see the seals at La Jolla Cove, and it’s such a cool experience—you can get surprisingly close to them, and the views there are beautiful. And for something totally different, if you want a fun twist on the whole Medieval Times vibe, the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Buena Park is a blast.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To be honest, I didn’t have a specific mentor or individual who directly guided me into the entertainment field. My love for music and concerts in my adolescence sparked an interest in potentially working in entertainment. Once I landed my first job, I quickly realized that it’s not the easiest industry to navigate. If it weren’t for the support of my amazing coworkers, I’m not sure I’d be where I am today. We really rely on each other in this business, and some of my closest friends work in the same industry. Their encouragement, guidance, and camaraderie have played a huge role in my journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyscarps

Image Credits
these are all my images