On June 2, The Atlantic published a deeply reported look at the rocky tenure of Chris Licht, who took over as chair and CEO of CNN Worldwide last year. The colorful 15,000-word profile features his unvarnished opinions, as well as intimate access, including a morning session with the polarizing executive’s physical trainer, who Licht refers to as his “one-man focus group.”
Staff writer Tim Alberta drew out his subject over a period of months, during which an embattled Licht has dealt with a series of tumultuous episodes at CNN, including anchor Don Lemon’s departure and a poorly received town hall event with former president Donald Trump. The article portrays a brash manager struggling to lead the news division of a media conglomerate amid widespread distrust among his rank-and-file while also catering to the whims of his own fickle, meddling boss: Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav.
These days, rigorous,...
Staff writer Tim Alberta drew out his subject over a period of months, during which an embattled Licht has dealt with a series of tumultuous episodes at CNN, including anchor Don Lemon’s departure and a poorly received town hall event with former president Donald Trump. The article portrays a brash manager struggling to lead the news division of a media conglomerate amid widespread distrust among his rank-and-file while also catering to the whims of his own fickle, meddling boss: Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav.
These days, rigorous,...
- 6/2/2023
- by Gary Baum
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Studio moguls often come into their jobs roaring like a lion. But then they leave like a lamb. Such was the case when a kinder and gentler Tom Rothman came back onto the Fox lot this week for his on-the-downlow swan song held at the Fox commissary. “It was very warm and cordial and packed with a ton of people,” one insider tells me about the goodbye party Monday night. An estimated 250-300 invitation-only guests ate and drank in honor of Rothman, who was ousted in that September 14th studio shakeup and left the lot on October 12th. Those there were mostly Fox film employees, but also (in random order) Ridley Scott, Aline Brosh McKenna, Bart Walker, Bryan Lourd, Dave Wirtschafter, Hutch Parker, Jim Mangold, Lili Zanuck, Mark Gordon, Peter Farrelly, Peter Chernin, Lauren Shuler Donner, Robert Newman, Simon Kinberg, John Davis, and Peter Rice. Rothman’s longtime Fox Filmed Entertainment...
- 12/6/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE, Editor in Chief
- Deadline Hollywood
Exclusive: Studio moguls often come into their jobs roaring like a lion. But then they leave like a lamb. Such was the case when a kinder and gentler Tom Rothman came back onto the Fox lot this week for his on-the-downlow swan song held at the Fox commissary. “It was very warm and cordial and packed with a ton of people,” one insider tells me about the goodbye party Monday night. An estimated 250-300 invitation-only guests ate and drank in honor of Rothman, who was ousted in that September 14th studio shakeup and left the lot on October 12th. Those there were mostly Fox film employees, but also (in random order) Ridley Scott, Aline Brosh McKenna, Bart Walker, Bryan Lourd, Dave Wirtschafter, Hutch Parker, Jim Mangold, Lili Zanuck, Mark Gordon, Peter Farrelly, Peter Chernin, Lauren Shuler Donner, Robert Newman, Simon Kinberg, John Davis, and Peter Rice. Rothman’s longtime Fox Filmed Entertainment...
- 12/6/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE, Editor in Chief
- Deadline TV
Tuesday Update: Wme’s Adam Isaacs, Dave Wirtschafter, and Brandt Joel signed Noomi Rapace who stars in Prometheus on June 8th. Now the actress should leave her management Magnolia Entertainment. March 13th Exclusive: The original Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Noomi Rapace has left UTA, according to rival agencies. When UTA freshly signed her after starring in the Swedish movie trilogy based on the Stieg Larsson crime novels, she immediately drew interest from all corners — directors, producers and studio production execs. Her reps compared her to Marion Cotillard, who appeared in a small foreign film, came out of nowhere to be nominated and then win the Best Actress Academy Award, then landed big roles in major studio tentpoles. She has done just that: she was quickly cast in Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows and then landed a prime roled in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus, the 3D sci-fi pic that...
- 3/21/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
Press Release:
Los Angeles, CA, August 18, 2011 – Three-time Oscar-nominated director Ridley Scott is set to helm a follow up to his own ground-breaking 1982 science fiction classic “Blade Runner” for Warner Bros-based financing and production company Alcon Entertainment (“The Blind Side,” “The Book of Eli”).
Alcon co-founders and co-Chief Executive Officers Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove will produce with Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin, along with Ridley Scott. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO’s of Thunderbird Films, will serve as executive producers.
The filmmakers have not yet revealed whether the theatrical project will be a prequel or sequel to the renowned original.
Alcon and Yorkin recently announced that they are partnering to produce “Blade Runner” theatrical sequels and prequels, in addition to all television and interactive productions.
The original film, which has been singled out as the greatest science-fiction film of all time by a majority of genre publications, was...
Los Angeles, CA, August 18, 2011 – Three-time Oscar-nominated director Ridley Scott is set to helm a follow up to his own ground-breaking 1982 science fiction classic “Blade Runner” for Warner Bros-based financing and production company Alcon Entertainment (“The Blind Side,” “The Book of Eli”).
Alcon co-founders and co-Chief Executive Officers Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove will produce with Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin, along with Ridley Scott. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO’s of Thunderbird Films, will serve as executive producers.
The filmmakers have not yet revealed whether the theatrical project will be a prequel or sequel to the renowned original.
Alcon and Yorkin recently announced that they are partnering to produce “Blade Runner” theatrical sequels and prequels, in addition to all television and interactive productions.
The original film, which has been singled out as the greatest science-fiction film of all time by a majority of genre publications, was...
- 8/18/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
After jumping back into the Alien universe with Prometheus, it looks like Ridley Scott is going to revisit his other groundbreaking sci-fi for a new installment. Back in March, Alcon Entertainment (“The Blind Side,” “The Book of Eli”) had announced that they were securing film and TV rights to produce prequels and sequels to Blade Runner.
Alcon mentioned that Ridley Scott’s involvement was always something they were interested in, but thy have issued a press release, announcing that he has officially signed on to direct and produce a new Blade Runner film. Details are slim at the moment, so it is unknown whether this project will be a prequel or sequel at this time.
Ridley Scott is currently wrapping up work on Prometheus, which is scheduled to be released on June 8, 2012. While he is producing a number of upcoming projects, he has not committed to directing any other films,...
Alcon mentioned that Ridley Scott’s involvement was always something they were interested in, but thy have issued a press release, announcing that he has officially signed on to direct and produce a new Blade Runner film. Details are slim at the moment, so it is unknown whether this project will be a prequel or sequel at this time.
Ridley Scott is currently wrapping up work on Prometheus, which is scheduled to be released on June 8, 2012. While he is producing a number of upcoming projects, he has not committed to directing any other films,...
- 8/18/2011
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
[Updated with fully press release] Apparently coming back to one of his earlier sci-fi films has given Ridley Scott warm and fuzzy feelings, because he's now committing to producing and directing an all new Blade Runner movie!
Deadline got the scoop on this just a little bit ago, but this is incredibly awesome. Scott has been signed on to direct a new Blade Runner movie. Just saying those words sends shivers down my spine.
It's been a possibility since Alcon Entertainment (Scott's company) managed to acquire the rights to Blade Runner earlier this year, but for the most part it was left to rumor and speculation. Now it's moving forward and Sci-Fi fans the world over have reason to cheer. Of course, being this early, there is no announcement on what type of film it will be (prequel or sequel). Regardless it's still pretty cool.
The only sad news it since Ridley Scott is still...
Deadline got the scoop on this just a little bit ago, but this is incredibly awesome. Scott has been signed on to direct a new Blade Runner movie. Just saying those words sends shivers down my spine.
It's been a possibility since Alcon Entertainment (Scott's company) managed to acquire the rights to Blade Runner earlier this year, but for the most part it was left to rumor and speculation. Now it's moving forward and Sci-Fi fans the world over have reason to cheer. Of course, being this early, there is no announcement on what type of film it will be (prequel or sequel). Regardless it's still pretty cool.
The only sad news it since Ridley Scott is still...
- 8/18/2011
- Cinelinx
It looks like director Ridley Scott is excited about revisiting some of his earlier sci-fi work. He's currently directing Prometheus, which is in a way connected to his original Alien film, and working on that new film must have sparked a fire within him to take on another one of his earlier sci-fi film projects. He officially signed on to direct and produce a new installment of Blade Runner! How freakin' awesome is that shit!?
I honestly never thought we would ever see another Blade Runner movie, I knew we would see other films that pay homage to the classic sci-fi film, but never thought Scott would be the one to jump in and take it upon himself to make a flat out movie set in that same universe. Of course I never thought I'd see him get involved with a new Alien film either, but here he is. It's...
I honestly never thought we would ever see another Blade Runner movie, I knew we would see other films that pay homage to the classic sci-fi film, but never thought Scott would be the one to jump in and take it upon himself to make a flat out movie set in that same universe. Of course I never thought I'd see him get involved with a new Alien film either, but here he is. It's...
- 8/18/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Update: We've added the official press release after the jump. Briefly: Deadline is reporting that Ridley Scott will direct and produce a new installment of Blade Runner. They're not sure if it's a prequel or sequel. Read more after the jump. Back in March [1], Alcon Entertainment acquired the rights to make films in the Blade Runner universe. Those rights did not allow them to remake Scott's 1982 film, just make films around it, i.e. prequels or sequels. At the time, the filmmakers hadn't talked to Ridley Scott [2] about their plans but that has obviously changed. Here's what they said at the time. The ‘Blade Runner’ lore is kind of irresistible… And the extraordinary pace of technological advancement since the movie came out means that there are a lot of opportunities to do something fresh… The risk is not just getting a movie made but coming up with a story that...
- 8/18/2011
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Here's a movie spoof you have to watch, even though Wme would prefer you didn't. The agency often puts together presentations for its quarterly meetings. The lit department made this short film, and debuted it this morning. They hoped it would not go beyond agency headquarters, but Deadline got it and felt obliged to share. The short was directed by Dave Green, and the Ari-esque agency head is played by Miles Fisher. The Wme agents who took part include Dave Wirtschafter, Rob Carlson, Kim Bilek, Simon Faber, Jason Spitz, David Karp and David Lubliner. Plus a Rob Cohen cameo.
- 6/19/2010
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Exclusive: CAA has signed director Spike Lee. The Gotham-based filmmaker had been repped at Wme. This gives CAA its third recent filmmaker signing, after Joe Carnahan and Paul Thomas Anderson made the move over from Wme. There has been significant back and forth between the two powerhouses, with Wme signing Steven Spielberg's television business last weekend. It's the second move for Lee in two years, after a 15 year run with Dave Wirtschafter. He signed with Endeavor in 2008, which then merged with Wma. Lee, who last directed Miracle at St. Anna, has found the market narrowing for his indie-spirit films. [...]...
- 3/16/2010
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline Hollywood
Updates Dave Wirtschafter Drops Wme Co-ceo Title Updates Gersh Theater Agent Goes Awol Again The hiring of Gersh's high profile but also high strung theater department head and partner John Buzzetti followed today's 9Am-to-1Pm Wme board meeting where it was also announced that Dave Wirtschafter was relinquishing his co-ceo title. The agent will oversee Wme's theatre department and is expected to bring most of his client list, including those who've won the Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, the Kesserling Prize, and Outer Critics Circle Award. “With a stellar track record for developing young artists, and representation of groundbreaking musicals such as Avenue Q, In the Heights, and [...]...
- 12/17/2009
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
By Brent Lang
David Wirtschafter is dropping his title of co-ceo of the Wme Entertainment, TheWrap has confirmed.
Wirtschafter will remain with the agency, however, and will continue to serve as an agent, partner, and member of its nine person board of directors.
In an email to the staff, Wirtschafter explained that he had taken the leadership post to help ease the transition following William Morris Agency's merger with Ari Emanuel's Endeavor Talent Agency last April. That merger result...
David Wirtschafter is dropping his title of co-ceo of the Wme Entertainment, TheWrap has confirmed.
Wirtschafter will remain with the agency, however, and will continue to serve as an agent, partner, and member of its nine person board of directors.
In an email to the staff, Wirtschafter explained that he had taken the leadership post to help ease the transition following William Morris Agency's merger with Ari Emanuel's Endeavor Talent Agency last April. That merger result...
- 12/17/2009
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
Exclusive: I've learned that the following email is going out to Wme staff from Dave Wirtschafter this week today: I want to let all of you know that moving forward I have decided to remove the Co-ceo portion of my title. I will continue on as a Board member, Partner, and most importantly, agent. It was my intention to accept the position to help us through the merger, and now eight months later, I am proud to say we are well on the way to realizing the potential we saw for the two combined entities. My decision is reflective of both my [...]...
- 12/17/2009
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
John Ferriter's battle with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment has spilled into court. The former Wme unscripted guru has sued his former agency for $25 million, claiming he was improperly forced out and subjected to a campaign of lies designed to separate him from his clients. For those who follow agency politics, the suit provides an interesting blow-by-blow account of Ferriter's alleged ouster from the recently created Wme, including his sole vote against the merger of Wma and Endeavor, his falling out with new management and the alleged efforts by Ari Emanuel, Rick Rosen and Mark Itkin (all named as defendants) to destroy his career. The suit was filed Nov 17 in Los Angeles Superior Court but found its way into our inbox only today. According to the complaint, toward the end of 2008, Ferriter and his lawyer sat down with Wma execs Jim Wiatt, Irv Weintraub and Itkin to discuss a new employment contract.
- 12/1/2009
- backstage.com
By Temp X
Lost in the hub bub of John Fogelman's now legendary (but painfully out of date) leaked memo of William Morris' executive compensation was the equally intriguing "Third Page."
Industry insiders are obsessed with Pages 1 & 2 that discuss senior management pay packages like Jim Wiatt's $7 million and Dave Wirtschafter's $6 million [Thought: Does the analogy of buying gold-plated deck chairs on the Titanic apply here?].
But not me. I want to know what they're paying the underlings, the barnacles and the Temps.
Luckily the Hollywood...
Lost in the hub bub of John Fogelman's now legendary (but painfully out of date) leaked memo of William Morris' executive compensation was the equally intriguing "Third Page."
Industry insiders are obsessed with Pages 1 & 2 that discuss senior management pay packages like Jim Wiatt's $7 million and Dave Wirtschafter's $6 million [Thought: Does the analogy of buying gold-plated deck chairs on the Titanic apply here?].
But not me. I want to know what they're paying the underlings, the barnacles and the Temps.
Luckily the Hollywood...
- 6/15/2009
- by Lew Harris
- The Wrap
A Confidential memo leaked from inside one of Hollywood's top talent shops has shed light on just how much some of the industry's leading agents rake in.
The memo, which appears to be written by William Morris Cfo Irv Weintraub and was obtained by Hollywood news site The Wrap, shows the personal salaries and stock apportioning of the agency's top agents, executives and board members from 2007. William Morris was recently acquired by Endeavor, run by uber-agent Ari Emanuel.
According to the memo -- faxed from John Fogelman, who co-heads the agency's movie department -- Jim Wiatt, the William...
The memo, which appears to be written by William Morris Cfo Irv Weintraub and was obtained by Hollywood news site The Wrap, shows the personal salaries and stock apportioning of the agency's top agents, executives and board members from 2007. William Morris was recently acquired by Endeavor, run by uber-agent Ari Emanuel.
According to the memo -- faxed from John Fogelman, who co-heads the agency's movie department -- Jim Wiatt, the William...
- 6/15/2009
- NYPost.com
Now that Wme Entertainment chairman Jim Wiatt orchestrated the merger between Wma and Endeavor, his next move is … to leave the company?
The answer is yes, according to published reports. Eventually.
According to sources, the 63-year-old Wiatt is not expected to exit the company anytime soon, but will head out the door within the next year.
While there are no details of what the next chapter of his career would be, it is likely he will take an emeritus title at the new agency. That move could free him up from day-to-day responsibilities but let him be as involved as he wants to be. Ari Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell and Dave Wirtschafter will be running Wme, which still awaits regulatory approval.
The answer is yes, according to published reports. Eventually.
According to sources, the 63-year-old Wiatt is not expected to exit the company anytime soon, but will head out the door within the next year.
While there are no details of what the next chapter of his career would be, it is likely he will take an emeritus title at the new agency. That move could free him up from day-to-day responsibilities but let him be as involved as he wants to be. Ari Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell and Dave Wirtschafter will be running Wme, which still awaits regulatory approval.
- 5/23/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's Hollywood history in the making! William Morris and Endeavor, two of the leading entertainment agencies, reached a historic agreement today and finalized a merger. The new agency, which will be called William Morris Endeavor (Wme) Entertainment, will attempt to shift leverage from movie studios and record labels back to artists, actors, writers and directors. The leadership team for the new agency will be Jim Wiatt, Chairman, and Ariel Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell and Dave Wirtschafter, Co-CEOs. While the new company will have a revenue estimated at about $250-$300 million a year, layoffs are still expected. In fact,...
- 4/28/2009
- Hollyscoop.com
In a major shift within the talent representation business, leaders from the 111-year old Wma and the 14-year old Endeavor voted to merge forming Wme Entertainment. The new super-sized agency combines the cash assets of Wma through its music, tours and television show legacy deals with the client-rich roster of Endeavor. Leading Wme Entertainment will be Jim Wiatt as Chairman (formerly Wma's CEO), while Endeavor heads Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell and Wma president Dave Wirtschafter will oversee the new entity's operations. Wme Entertainment will also be headed by a nine-person board of directors including five executives from Wma and four from Endeavor. By the end of 2009, Wme Entertainment will likely be headquartered in Beverly Hills at a building Wma is in the process of designing. But, possibly in the next few months layoffs are expected within Wma's ranks as Wma has nearly four times the number of agents than Endeavor.
- 4/28/2009
- by cynthia@cynopsis.com
- Cynopsis.com/
Endeavor and the William Morris Agency agreed Monday afternoon to a merger that dramatically redraws the map for Hollywood's talent agencies.
WMA's 20-person board and Endeavor's 28 partners, in separate meetings, approved the deal, the largest combination of two existing agencies in Hollywood history. While things will not be finalized for several weeks as regulatory approvals are sought, the stage already is set for fresh upheaval as rival agencies attempt to lure agents and clients away from the new combine.
The new agency will operate under the moniker William Morris Endeavor (WME) Entertainment, preserving the venerable William Morris name that has become synonymous with repping talent while giving Endeavor room in the spotlight. It will position itself as a challenger to dominant industry agency CAA.
WMA's Jim Wiatt will serve as chairman of the new agency, with Endeavor's...
WMA's 20-person board and Endeavor's 28 partners, in separate meetings, approved the deal, the largest combination of two existing agencies in Hollywood history. While things will not be finalized for several weeks as regulatory approvals are sought, the stage already is set for fresh upheaval as rival agencies attempt to lure agents and clients away from the new combine.
The new agency will operate under the moniker William Morris Endeavor (WME) Entertainment, preserving the venerable William Morris name that has become synonymous with repping talent while giving Endeavor room in the spotlight. It will position itself as a challenger to dominant industry agency CAA.
WMA's Jim Wiatt will serve as chairman of the new agency, with Endeavor's...
- 4/27/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The WMA-Endeavor mating dance is expected to reach its climax this week, with the agencies voting to approve a merger as early as Monday.
The new entity also is expected to sport a new moniker -- WME Entertainment currently tops the list -- that draws from both current names but gives the larger William Morris first billing, albeit in abbreviated form.
Although neither company has formally approved the merger, Endeavor's 28 partners and WMA's 20-person board discussed the proposed merger separately last week and are poised to take votes on it this week.
The new outfit is expected to have a nine-person board, with WMA putting forward five members and Endeavor four.
Ari Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell, Rick Rosen and Adam Venit are on tap to join the new board from the Endeavor side. For Wma, the betting is that the new board will include Jim Wiatt, David Wirtschafter, John Fogelman,...
The new entity also is expected to sport a new moniker -- WME Entertainment currently tops the list -- that draws from both current names but gives the larger William Morris first billing, albeit in abbreviated form.
Although neither company has formally approved the merger, Endeavor's 28 partners and WMA's 20-person board discussed the proposed merger separately last week and are poised to take votes on it this week.
The new outfit is expected to have a nine-person board, with WMA putting forward five members and Endeavor four.
Ari Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell, Rick Rosen and Adam Venit are on tap to join the new board from the Endeavor side. For Wma, the betting is that the new board will include Jim Wiatt, David Wirtschafter, John Fogelman,...
- 4/26/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
By Sharon Waxman
They filed quietly out of the building after lunch on Tuesday, all 20 or so of the William Morris Agency board members:
Top dogs Jim Wiatt and Dave Wirtschafter; the music department Peter Grosslight, Marc Geiger, David Snyder; the gals from New York Cara Stein and her literary crew Jennifer Rudolf Walsh and Suzanne Gluck; and the TV department, Aaron Kaplan, John Ferriter, Mark Itkin.
On the agenda at their secret location was the terms of a merger between their century-ol...
They filed quietly out of the building after lunch on Tuesday, all 20 or so of the William Morris Agency board members:
Top dogs Jim Wiatt and Dave Wirtschafter; the music department Peter Grosslight, Marc Geiger, David Snyder; the gals from New York Cara Stein and her literary crew Jennifer Rudolf Walsh and Suzanne Gluck; and the TV department, Aaron Kaplan, John Ferriter, Mark Itkin.
On the agenda at their secret location was the terms of a merger between their century-ol...
- 4/22/2009
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
The Wma board meeting Tuesday afternoon likely was one of the more tense in the storied history of the 120-year-old agency. That's because the 20-member body has to grapple with the fact that a merger with Endeavor means Wma agents on the combined board likely will total just five or six, to mirror the number that comes from the other side.
Many Wma stalwarts soon will have their noses out of joint and their resumes ready if they aren't on the new team.
Among the strongest contenders to be on a combined board, other than Wma CEO Jim Wiatt and president David Wirtschafter, are COO Irv Weintraub, motion picture head John Fogelman and New York-based literary co-head Jennifer Rudolph Walsh. That could leave a lot of heavyweights standing when the music stops, including reality chieftains Mark Itkin and John Ferriter as well as music maven Peter Grosslight. (Reality and music...
Many Wma stalwarts soon will have their noses out of joint and their resumes ready if they aren't on the new team.
Among the strongest contenders to be on a combined board, other than Wma CEO Jim Wiatt and president David Wirtschafter, are COO Irv Weintraub, motion picture head John Fogelman and New York-based literary co-head Jennifer Rudolph Walsh. That could leave a lot of heavyweights standing when the music stops, including reality chieftains Mark Itkin and John Ferriter as well as music maven Peter Grosslight. (Reality and music...
- 4/21/2009
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Beverly Drive likely WMA-Endeavor home
Commentary: Chemistry will be key to merger's success
Endeavor and WMA, two of Hollywood's top-tier talent agencies, have all but tied the knot. Now the town is waiting anxiously for them to announce a wedding date.
Discussions between the companies have been taking place for months, but they reached a crescendo in recent weeks. Barring any last-minute glitches, a formal announcement is expected imminently, though neither firm would comment about the merger status during the weekend.
A deal would unite 14-year-old upstart Endeavor with venerable WMA, founded in 1898, and create a powerhouse in the agency world. The combo would realign the entire agenting biz, affecting every player from top dog CAA to the smallest boutique.
"It will be a viable competitor to CAA," said one rival agent, though most observers still concede CAA will remain the town's dominant player.
Although details of the structure...
Commentary: Chemistry will be key to merger's success
Endeavor and WMA, two of Hollywood's top-tier talent agencies, have all but tied the knot. Now the town is waiting anxiously for them to announce a wedding date.
Discussions between the companies have been taking place for months, but they reached a crescendo in recent weeks. Barring any last-minute glitches, a formal announcement is expected imminently, though neither firm would comment about the merger status during the weekend.
A deal would unite 14-year-old upstart Endeavor with venerable WMA, founded in 1898, and create a powerhouse in the agency world. The combo would realign the entire agenting biz, affecting every player from top dog CAA to the smallest boutique.
"It will be a viable competitor to CAA," said one rival agent, though most observers still concede CAA will remain the town's dominant player.
Although details of the structure...
- 4/20/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
By Sharon Waxman
Now it’s official. William Morris head honchos Jim Wiatt and Dave Wirtschafter held a staff meeting on Thursday morning to acknowledge that it was true: all the smoke about a merger was because they’d been rubbing sticks together with Endeavor.
It’s about time.
“They said they were sorry they had not been more communicative, and that they still don’t know if it’s going to happen,” said one person who spoke to someone who’d been in the room. “It was idiotic not to say anything before now.” (I confirmed the meeting with...
Now it’s official. William Morris head honchos Jim Wiatt and Dave Wirtschafter held a staff meeting on Thursday morning to acknowledge that it was true: all the smoke about a merger was because they’d been rubbing sticks together with Endeavor.
It’s about time.
“They said they were sorry they had not been more communicative, and that they still don’t know if it’s going to happen,” said one person who spoke to someone who’d been in the room. “It was idiotic not to say anything before now.” (I confirmed the meeting with...
- 3/27/2009
- by sharon waxman
- The Wrap
What would a hookup mean?
As William Morris and Endeavor continue to try to hammer out a potential merger, the consequences for the industry are emerging as vast and complicated.
The combination of the two shops would be nearly unprecedented in modern Hollywood, whose agency pairings have tended to come more as an absorption than as a merger of equals.
Yet Wma and Endeavor have been in discussions for weeks, with agency partners including Ari Emanuel at Endeavor and Jim Wiatt and Dave Wirtschafter at Wma said to be in the talks. Reps for the two agencies declined comment. But some observers put the odds at 50-50 that a deal could be worked out -- far from a certainty but a very real possibility.
A merger would hold appeal for both companies, combining departments and strengths that in many cases are complementary.
"This would get William Morris back in the game with talent,...
As William Morris and Endeavor continue to try to hammer out a potential merger, the consequences for the industry are emerging as vast and complicated.
The combination of the two shops would be nearly unprecedented in modern Hollywood, whose agency pairings have tended to come more as an absorption than as a merger of equals.
Yet Wma and Endeavor have been in discussions for weeks, with agency partners including Ari Emanuel at Endeavor and Jim Wiatt and Dave Wirtschafter at Wma said to be in the talks. Reps for the two agencies declined comment. But some observers put the odds at 50-50 that a deal could be worked out -- far from a certainty but a very real possibility.
A merger would hold appeal for both companies, combining departments and strengths that in many cases are complementary.
"This would get William Morris back in the game with talent,...
- 3/10/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spike Lee has jumped from William Morris to Endeavor.
The combative writer-director-producer left his agency of more than 15 years in the wake of the critical and boxoffice disappointment of his most recent film, "Miracle at St. Anna."
"Anna," a period war movie and Lee passion project that had trouble finding a backer, was eventually released by Disney late last month. It has grossed just $7.5 million to date.
The Brooklyn-bred director had several movies already set up by his longtime Wma rep, Dave Wirtschafter: Universal's "Inside Man 2," written by Terry George ("Reservation Road"); Touchstone's "Time Traveler," which Lee adapted himself from the Ronald Mallett book; and Universal's "L.A. Riots," penned by John Ridley ("Three Kings").
Before "Anna," Lee directed his largest-grossing film to date, the Universal heist thriller "Inside Man," which drew $176 million worldwide in 2006.
Lee did not respond to a request for comment.
The combative writer-director-producer left his agency of more than 15 years in the wake of the critical and boxoffice disappointment of his most recent film, "Miracle at St. Anna."
"Anna," a period war movie and Lee passion project that had trouble finding a backer, was eventually released by Disney late last month. It has grossed just $7.5 million to date.
The Brooklyn-bred director had several movies already set up by his longtime Wma rep, Dave Wirtschafter: Universal's "Inside Man 2," written by Terry George ("Reservation Road"); Touchstone's "Time Traveler," which Lee adapted himself from the Ronald Mallett book; and Universal's "L.A. Riots," penned by John Ridley ("Three Kings").
Before "Anna," Lee directed his largest-grossing film to date, the Universal heist thriller "Inside Man," which drew $176 million worldwide in 2006.
Lee did not respond to a request for comment.
- 10/20/2008
- by By Jay A. Fernandez and Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Janet Jackson has signed with WMA for representation in all areas.
While Jackson is known as a recording artist, she is coming to the agency after a starring role in Tyler Perry's hit Why Did I Get Married? She also is prepping a worldwide tour to promote a new album due in February.
"Janet is one of the most iconic female entertainers of our time," WMA president Dave Wirtschafter said. Jackson will be repped by a team of agents led by Wirtschafter and Charles King that will run across multiple divisions of the agency including film, touring, licensing and merchandising, television, theater, publishing and new technology.
Jackson said she was attracted to the agency because of its long history. Jackson continues to be repped by managers Johnny Wright and Kenneth Crear as well as attorney Don Passman.
While Jackson is known as a recording artist, she is coming to the agency after a starring role in Tyler Perry's hit Why Did I Get Married? She also is prepping a worldwide tour to promote a new album due in February.
"Janet is one of the most iconic female entertainers of our time," WMA president Dave Wirtschafter said. Jackson will be repped by a team of agents led by Wirtschafter and Charles King that will run across multiple divisions of the agency including film, touring, licensing and merchandising, television, theater, publishing and new technology.
Jackson said she was attracted to the agency because of its long history. Jackson continues to be repped by managers Johnny Wright and Kenneth Crear as well as attorney Don Passman.
- 11/27/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WMA has signed soccer great Pele for representation in all areas. As part of the move, the agency is packaging a biopic feature film about the three-time World Cup winner's life.
WMA president Dave Wirtschafter lauded Pele as "one of the greatest and most iconic athletes of our time." He added, "We look forward to helping him develop his already global brand throughout the entertainment and sports communities."
Dubbed the "king of football," Pele's life is ripe for cinematic treatment. He reportedly was responsible for a 48-hour cease-fire during a civil war in Nigeria so that people could watch him play. He officially was declared a national treasure by the government of his native Brazil.
WMA will work closely with Sao Paulo, Brazil-based Prime Licensing to create global marketing and business opportunities for the retired star. Prime Licensing holds exclusive rights to license the Pele brand worldwide.
Pele joins a growing roster of WMA sports clients, including Michelle Wie, Kevin Garnett and Serena Williams.
WMA president Dave Wirtschafter lauded Pele as "one of the greatest and most iconic athletes of our time." He added, "We look forward to helping him develop his already global brand throughout the entertainment and sports communities."
Dubbed the "king of football," Pele's life is ripe for cinematic treatment. He reportedly was responsible for a 48-hour cease-fire during a civil war in Nigeria so that people could watch him play. He officially was declared a national treasure by the government of his native Brazil.
WMA will work closely with Sao Paulo, Brazil-based Prime Licensing to create global marketing and business opportunities for the retired star. Prime Licensing holds exclusive rights to license the Pele brand worldwide.
Pele joins a growing roster of WMA sports clients, including Michelle Wie, Kevin Garnett and Serena Williams.
- 3/27/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- WMA said Tuesday that it has hired Caroline Michel as managing director of the agency's U.K. division and as a literary agent. Michel joins WMA from HarperPress, the literary division of HarperCollins, where she has been managing director since 2003. She has been brought in to expand WMA's business in the U.K. and Europe and will be a key global executive for the company, said WMA president David Wirtschafter, who announced Michel's hire, which is effective Aug. 15.
- 6/21/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Legally Blonde star Reese Witherspoon has become the latest star to leave Hollywood's William Morris Agency (WMA). While Halle Berry, Sarah Michelle Gellar and director Matthew Vaughn dumped WMA after controversial comments made by the company's president David Wirtschafter in a recent magazine article, Witherspoon is moving on because her longtime agent Steve Dontanville is set to retire. And despite high expectations that big agencies will vie for Witherspoon's business, sources tell trade publication Variety that the actress isn't sure whether she'll take on a new agent, after having spent 15 years with Dontanville, who signed her on her first movie. Other stars who are with Dontanville through WMA include Kiefer Sutherland and Anne Hathaway. Their future representation is uncertain.
- 4/20/2005
- WENN
Director Matthew Vaughn is the latest in a long line of celebrities to abandon the William Morris Agency, after controversial comments made by agency boss Dave Wirtschafter. The 34-year-old, who is married to German supermodel Claudia Schiffer, has signed up with rival agency Endeavor after taking offence at Wirtschafter's scathing attack on British film-maker Guy Ritchie published in The New Yorker earlier this month, according to website Pagesix.Com. Vaughn produced Ritchie's smash hit gangster movies Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, and felt he had no option but to change agents in solidarity with his close friend. A friend of the Layer Cake director says, "He was angry at Dave because in The New Yorker he ragged on Guy Ritchie. Matthew produced Guy's movies and took it as an insult."...
- 3/25/2005
- WENN
Hollywood beauty Sarah Michelle Gellar has ditched the prestigious William Morris Agency after its president dismissed the star as "nothing at all". David Wirtschafter offended the Buffy The Vampire Slayer actress with his comments in US publication the New Yorker surrounding her performance in horror movie The Grudge. Yesterday, Gellar's public relations spokesperson confirmed that she "has left the William Morris Agency effective immediately because of the New Yorker article", reports website Pagesix.Com. However, the sexy star will remain with management company The Firm. Gellar isn't the only star who has been upset by the outspoken talent boss - Charlie's Angels star Lucy Liu has also had problems with William Morris, but not "because of the article" according to a company spokesperson.
- 3/16/2005
- WENN
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.