The son of director Frank Beal and actress Louise Lester, Scott Beal was born in Quinnesec, Michigan. After gaining some experience as a stage actor, he headed to California to break into the film industry. Although he did find a few jobs as an actor, most of his work was behind the camera, as an assistant director, camera operator and director. He found his niche as an assistant director, however, and spent the majority of his career in that field, gaining a reputation as one of the most respected A.D.s in the business. He received an Academy Award as Best Assistant Director in 1932, and was nominated for another in 1935.