United Talent Agency is making changes to the leadership of its news and broadcasting department, the unit that negotiates on behalf of journalists and news personalities.
According to a memo sent to staff Tuesday by UTA vice-chairman Jay Sures and COO and co-head of UTA Sports Andrew Thau, the agency is elevating Ryan Hayden and Marc Paskin to be co-heads of its news and broadcasting department.
Peter Goldberg, who had led the department since 2017, will stay with the company as a partner and senior agent. Goldberg joined UTA in its acquisition of N.S. Bienstock, the agency that helped create the market for news and journalism talent under the leadership of the late Richard Leibner.
Paskin and Hayden will report to Sures in their new roles, with Hayden also continuing to oversee UTA Sports alongside Jerry Silbowitz, reporting in to Thau.
“We are excited for the next chapter for these groups...
According to a memo sent to staff Tuesday by UTA vice-chairman Jay Sures and COO and co-head of UTA Sports Andrew Thau, the agency is elevating Ryan Hayden and Marc Paskin to be co-heads of its news and broadcasting department.
Peter Goldberg, who had led the department since 2017, will stay with the company as a partner and senior agent. Goldberg joined UTA in its acquisition of N.S. Bienstock, the agency that helped create the market for news and journalism talent under the leadership of the late Richard Leibner.
Paskin and Hayden will report to Sures in their new roles, with Hayden also continuing to oversee UTA Sports alongside Jerry Silbowitz, reporting in to Thau.
“We are excited for the next chapter for these groups...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard Leibner, a pioneering talent agent who represented such notable broadcast news journalists as Dan Rather, Diane Sawyer, Mike Wallace, Andy Rooney, Norah O’Donnell, Ed Bradley, Morley Safer and Fareed Zakaria, died today at his home in New York City. He was 85.
His death was announced by UTA vice chairman Jay Sures in a memo to staffers obtained by Deadline.
Leibner began his agency career in the 1960s as co-founder, with Nate Bienstock, of the New York-based firm N.S. Bienstock, which was acquired by UTA in 2014. Leibner retired in 2021.
“Richard will be remembered as the agent who transformed the news business,” Sures wrote in the memo. “Decades ago, he made it his personal mission to see that big name news stars should be treated and compensated like traditional movie and television stars. Over the years, he signed and represented some of the best and brightest and most iconic names including Dan Rather,...
His death was announced by UTA vice chairman Jay Sures in a memo to staffers obtained by Deadline.
Leibner began his agency career in the 1960s as co-founder, with Nate Bienstock, of the New York-based firm N.S. Bienstock, which was acquired by UTA in 2014. Leibner retired in 2021.
“Richard will be remembered as the agent who transformed the news business,” Sures wrote in the memo. “Decades ago, he made it his personal mission to see that big name news stars should be treated and compensated like traditional movie and television stars. Over the years, he signed and represented some of the best and brightest and most iconic names including Dan Rather,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Richard Leibner, the prominent talent agent who transformed the TV news business by guiding the careers of such renowned broadcast journalists as Dan Rather, Diane Sawyer, Mike Wallace, Andy Rooney and Norah O’Donnell, has died. He was 85.
Leibner died Tuesday at his home in New York, UTA vice chairman Jay Sures announced. The agent started out in the 1960s at New York-based N.S. Bienstock, which was acquired in 2014 by UTA.
Leibner also signed and represented the likes of Morley Safer, Ed Bradley, Bob Simon, Steve Kroft, Bill Whitaker, Chuck Scarborough, Paula Zahn, Brian Stelter, Daniel Schorr and Fareed Zakaria before he retired in December 2021 after 58 years in the business.
“Decades ago, he made it his personal mission to see that big name news stars should be treated and compensated like traditional movie and television stars,” Sures told staffers in a memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
Born in Brooklyn,...
Leibner died Tuesday at his home in New York, UTA vice chairman Jay Sures announced. The agent started out in the 1960s at New York-based N.S. Bienstock, which was acquired in 2014 by UTA.
Leibner also signed and represented the likes of Morley Safer, Ed Bradley, Bob Simon, Steve Kroft, Bill Whitaker, Chuck Scarborough, Paula Zahn, Brian Stelter, Daniel Schorr and Fareed Zakaria before he retired in December 2021 after 58 years in the business.
“Decades ago, he made it his personal mission to see that big name news stars should be treated and compensated like traditional movie and television stars,” Sures told staffers in a memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
Born in Brooklyn,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard Leibner, a celebrated talent agent who represented some of the best-known anchors in TV news, first at a firm he helped build and then for UTA, died Tuesday after a battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.
In his time, Leibner served as an agent and adviser to Dan Rather, Mike Wallace, Ed Bradley, Morley Safer, Bob Simon, Steve Kroft, Bill Whitaker, Diane Sawyer, Chuck Scarborough, Paula Zahn, Brian Stelter and Fareed Zakaria, among others. He was a passionate advocate for clients, and was never been shy about delivering his opinion of the latest goings-on in the ever-churning news sector.
Leibner firmly believed that top news anchors should be treated akin to Hollywood royalty. “Decades ago, he made it his personal mission to see that big name news stars should be treated and compensated like traditional movie and television stars,” said Jay Sures, UTA’s vice-chairman, in a memo to staffers Tuesday.
In his time, Leibner served as an agent and adviser to Dan Rather, Mike Wallace, Ed Bradley, Morley Safer, Bob Simon, Steve Kroft, Bill Whitaker, Diane Sawyer, Chuck Scarborough, Paula Zahn, Brian Stelter and Fareed Zakaria, among others. He was a passionate advocate for clients, and was never been shy about delivering his opinion of the latest goings-on in the ever-churning news sector.
Leibner firmly believed that top news anchors should be treated akin to Hollywood royalty. “Decades ago, he made it his personal mission to see that big name news stars should be treated and compensated like traditional movie and television stars,” said Jay Sures, UTA’s vice-chairman, in a memo to staffers Tuesday.
- 4/9/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Don Lemon’s agent has denied allegations that he submitted a list of extravagant demands to X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk before his planned show was canceled on the social media platform.
Claims published in the New York Post on Friday alleged that Lemon had sent a “wish list” to Musk as they negotiated details of Lemon’s show to be hosted on X. The demands allegedly included an $8 million salary in addition to a $5 million upfront payment, a Tesla cybertruck, equity stake in X and the right to approve any changes in X policy as it related to news content.
Lemon’s agent, UTA’s Jay Sures, denied the claims, telling The Post: “This is absolute, complete utter nonsense without an iota of truth to it.” (The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to UTA for additional comment.)
The reports come several days after Lemon said Musk had...
Claims published in the New York Post on Friday alleged that Lemon had sent a “wish list” to Musk as they negotiated details of Lemon’s show to be hosted on X. The demands allegedly included an $8 million salary in addition to a $5 million upfront payment, a Tesla cybertruck, equity stake in X and the right to approve any changes in X policy as it related to news content.
Lemon’s agent, UTA’s Jay Sures, denied the claims, telling The Post: “This is absolute, complete utter nonsense without an iota of truth to it.” (The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to UTA for additional comment.)
The reports come several days after Lemon said Musk had...
- 3/18/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Elon Musk-Don Lemon war continued today, as both sides tweaked each other’s tail over their aborted programming deal.
Lemon had the first at-bat, sending out a dig on X.
“Every time @elonmusk tweets, a subscriber gets his wings. Tune in Monday.” Lemon will continue on the X platform, even though his remuneration will come from clicks and sponsorships rather than a salary and perks.
“That was followed by a Musk retort: “Don “Veruca Salt” and a lemon image.”
The “Veruca Salt” insult likens Lemon to the Willy Wonka character of the same name, an over-indulged and manipulative young girl who shows no gratitude.
That slap stems from earlier reports indicating Lemon had a lengthy wish list while negotiating for his one-and-done show on the X platform. They allegedly included a free Tesla Cybertruck, a $5 million upfront payment on top of an $8 million salary, an equity stake in the multibillion-dollar company,...
Lemon had the first at-bat, sending out a dig on X.
“Every time @elonmusk tweets, a subscriber gets his wings. Tune in Monday.” Lemon will continue on the X platform, even though his remuneration will come from clicks and sponsorships rather than a salary and perks.
“That was followed by a Musk retort: “Don “Veruca Salt” and a lemon image.”
The “Veruca Salt” insult likens Lemon to the Willy Wonka character of the same name, an over-indulged and manipulative young girl who shows no gratitude.
That slap stems from earlier reports indicating Lemon had a lengthy wish list while negotiating for his one-and-done show on the X platform. They allegedly included a free Tesla Cybertruck, a $5 million upfront payment on top of an $8 million salary, an equity stake in the multibillion-dollar company,...
- 3/16/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The V.I.P. opening day of the Frieze Los Angeles art fair felt like a family affair as Hollywood power players and art world elites met and mingled to view the best works from galleries around the world. Held at the Santa Monica Airport for the second year running, the all-day event on Thursday, Feb. 29, felt breezier this year, as a new design and 20 percent fewer galleries gave A-listers the space to peruse and schmooze.
One couldn’t go two feet without shaking hands with an old friend or coming upon a clutch of Hollywood insiders. Old pals Will Ferrell, Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson — the first two movie star incognito in baseball caps — chatted with Lacma director and CEO Michael Govan in front of one booth, while bigwig agents-slash-collectors from Endeavor, CAA and UTA were out in force, some swarming together in packs. Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor,...
One couldn’t go two feet without shaking hands with an old friend or coming upon a clutch of Hollywood insiders. Old pals Will Ferrell, Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson — the first two movie star incognito in baseball caps — chatted with Lacma director and CEO Michael Govan in front of one booth, while bigwig agents-slash-collectors from Endeavor, CAA and UTA were out in force, some swarming together in packs. Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Hadley Meares
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Klutch Sports Group has acquired sports agency Rep 1 Baseball as UTA’s sports partner looks to expand beyond its stronghold in basketball and football representation.
The deal calls for Rep 1 CEO Chris Koras to serve as head of Klutch Baseball. Rep 1 was founded in 2015 and represents such players as Rafael Devers, Devin Williams, Andrés Giménez, Gabriel Moreno, Starling Marte, Freddy Peralta and Leody Tavares.
“We believe in the transformative power of sports, and this move into baseball aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence, innovation, and best-in-class representation for the world’s most talented athletes,” said Rich Paul, founder of Klutch Sports and co-head of UTA Sports. “The game of baseball has a special place in the hearts of sports fans around the world, and we’re thrilled to extend Klutch’s reach into this sport and to welcome Chris, the team, and their clients to Klutch.”
Becoming more active...
The deal calls for Rep 1 CEO Chris Koras to serve as head of Klutch Baseball. Rep 1 was founded in 2015 and represents such players as Rafael Devers, Devin Williams, Andrés Giménez, Gabriel Moreno, Starling Marte, Freddy Peralta and Leody Tavares.
“We believe in the transformative power of sports, and this move into baseball aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence, innovation, and best-in-class representation for the world’s most talented athletes,” said Rich Paul, founder of Klutch Sports and co-head of UTA Sports. “The game of baseball has a special place in the hearts of sports fans around the world, and we’re thrilled to extend Klutch’s reach into this sport and to welcome Chris, the team, and their clients to Klutch.”
Becoming more active...
- 12/15/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Jay Sures is not just UTA’s Vice Chairman, he is also a Regent of the University of California. It was in the latter capacity that Sures sent a letter to the Uc system’s Board of Regents, its chancellors and its president protesting what he termed a “appalling and repugnant” letter from the Uc Ethnic Studies Faculty Council to the regents.
Specifically, Sures asserted, that letter “is rife with falsehoods about Israel and seeks to legitimize and defend the horrific savagery of the Hamas massacre of October 7.”
The Ethnic Studies Faculty Council describes itself as “a diverse statewide body that represents over 300 faculty systemwide.” On October 16, that council issued its own statement regarding a communication from University of California Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib and Uc President Michael V. Drake, M.D.
In their communication, Leib and Drake expressed sympathy for the victims of the October 7 massacre and said unequivocally,...
Specifically, Sures asserted, that letter “is rife with falsehoods about Israel and seeks to legitimize and defend the horrific savagery of the Hamas massacre of October 7.”
The Ethnic Studies Faculty Council describes itself as “a diverse statewide body that represents over 300 faculty systemwide.” On October 16, that council issued its own statement regarding a communication from University of California Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib and Uc President Michael V. Drake, M.D.
In their communication, Leib and Drake expressed sympathy for the victims of the October 7 massacre and said unequivocally,...
- 10/31/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
A top executive at one of Hollywood’s largest talent agencies weighed in at length on Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and denounced a letter that sought to take issue with statements of condemnation that were publicized shortly after the massacre that killed more than 1,400 people.
Jay Sures, vice chairman at United Talent Agency and also a member of the University of California system’s Board of Regents, wrote a letter dated Oct. 31 in response to a group called The Uc Ethnic Studies Faculty Council. The executive, who was appointed to the Uc Board of Regents in 2019 and was promoted to vice chairman at UTA last year, wrote that “there are absolutely no words to describe how appalling and repugnant I found” the Ethnic Studies Faculty Council letter and added that it is “rife with falsehoods about Israel and seeks to legitimize and defend the horrific savagery of the Hamas massacre.
Jay Sures, vice chairman at United Talent Agency and also a member of the University of California system’s Board of Regents, wrote a letter dated Oct. 31 in response to a group called The Uc Ethnic Studies Faculty Council. The executive, who was appointed to the Uc Board of Regents in 2019 and was promoted to vice chairman at UTA last year, wrote that “there are absolutely no words to describe how appalling and repugnant I found” the Ethnic Studies Faculty Council letter and added that it is “rife with falsehoods about Israel and seeks to legitimize and defend the horrific savagery of the Hamas massacre.
- 10/31/2023
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bret Baier isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
The Fox News anchor, who hosts the afternoon program Special Report and serves as Fnc’s chief political anchor, has signed a contract extension with the cable news channel.
“I am honored to continue anchoring Special Report and alongside my dedicated team and co-anchoring our election coverage for many years to come,” Baier said in a statement.
Baier last signed a contract extension in 2021, in a deal that was set to run into 2026. It was not immediately clear how long Baier’s new contract runs, though Fox says it is a “multi-year” extension.
A long-time correspondent at Fox News before taking over Special Report in 2009, Baier has been the face of the cable channel’s politics coverage, co-hosting election nights and also moderating debates (including the first GOP primary debate last month). Baier will also continue to co-host his podcast for Fox News Audio.
The Fox News anchor, who hosts the afternoon program Special Report and serves as Fnc’s chief political anchor, has signed a contract extension with the cable news channel.
“I am honored to continue anchoring Special Report and alongside my dedicated team and co-anchoring our election coverage for many years to come,” Baier said in a statement.
Baier last signed a contract extension in 2021, in a deal that was set to run into 2026. It was not immediately clear how long Baier’s new contract runs, though Fox says it is a “multi-year” extension.
A long-time correspondent at Fox News before taking over Special Report in 2009, Baier has been the face of the cable channel’s politics coverage, co-hosting election nights and also moderating debates (including the first GOP primary debate last month). Baier will also continue to co-host his podcast for Fox News Audio.
- 9/12/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CNN anchor Laura Coates has moved to CAA for representation, a move that could signal a new era of influence for the talent-agency giant at the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet.
In a broad overhaul of CNN’s schedule, Coates was recently named to anchor a new 11 p.m. hour at CNN, “Laura Coates Live,” where she will follow Abby Philip, who will hold forth at 10. CAA also represents Erin Burnett, who anchors CNN’s 7 p.m. hour. All told, CAA will represent two of five of the anchors who appear during CNN’s schedule between 7 p.m. to midnight., which usually represent some of the network’s most-watched hours.
In years past, CNN’s primetime was dominated by rival agency UTA, which continues to have a strong roster at CNN. The agency represents Philip — who left CNN for UTA — as well as Anderson Cooper, Jake Tapper, Don Lemon and Alisyn Camerota.
In a broad overhaul of CNN’s schedule, Coates was recently named to anchor a new 11 p.m. hour at CNN, “Laura Coates Live,” where she will follow Abby Philip, who will hold forth at 10. CAA also represents Erin Burnett, who anchors CNN’s 7 p.m. hour. All told, CAA will represent two of five of the anchors who appear during CNN’s schedule between 7 p.m. to midnight., which usually represent some of the network’s most-watched hours.
In years past, CNN’s primetime was dominated by rival agency UTA, which continues to have a strong roster at CNN. The agency represents Philip — who left CNN for UTA — as well as Anderson Cooper, Jake Tapper, Don Lemon and Alisyn Camerota.
- 8/22/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Longtime journalist, author and host of the “Tamron Hall Show” has signed with UTA.
Just ahead of the fifth-season premiere of her Emmy-winning ABC talk show “Tamron Hall Show,” the media personality has moved onto new representation with UTA. She will continue to be represented by Bianca Levin at Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc.
“Tamron is a multifaceted talent and creator whose resume includes everything from winning awards as a talk show host and journalist, to being an acclaimed novelist, UTA vice chairman Jay Sures said in a statement. “She has extraordinary creativity and drive and we’re delighted to partner with her and bring the full range of UTA’s capabilities to her ventures across entertainment, media and business.”
Michael J. Kagan and Denise Draper, coheads of non-scripted TV at Range Media Partners, said they are “wildly impressed” by Hall’s career.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with her,...
Just ahead of the fifth-season premiere of her Emmy-winning ABC talk show “Tamron Hall Show,” the media personality has moved onto new representation with UTA. She will continue to be represented by Bianca Levin at Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc.
“Tamron is a multifaceted talent and creator whose resume includes everything from winning awards as a talk show host and journalist, to being an acclaimed novelist, UTA vice chairman Jay Sures said in a statement. “She has extraordinary creativity and drive and we’re delighted to partner with her and bring the full range of UTA’s capabilities to her ventures across entertainment, media and business.”
Michael J. Kagan and Denise Draper, coheads of non-scripted TV at Range Media Partners, said they are “wildly impressed” by Hall’s career.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with her,...
- 7/31/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Award-winning broadcast journalist Tamron Hall is the latest addition to the UTA and Range Media Partners rosters. Hall signed with UTA and Range ahead of Season 5 of her talk show “Tamron Hall Show,” where she serves as host and EP.
“Tamron is a multifaceted talent and creator whose resume includes everything,” said Jay Sures, UTA vice-chair, in a statement. “From winning awards as a talk show host and journalist, to being an acclaimed novelist. She has extraordinary creativity and drive and we’re delighted to partner with her and bring the full range of UTA’s capabilities to her ventures across entertainment, media and business.”
After its launch in Sept. 2019, Hall and her daytime syndicated strip have earned three Daytime Emmy noms (as well as two Daytime Emmy wins), two Gracie Awards and an NAACP Image Award for outstanding talk series.
“We are wildly impressed by the career Tamron has built,...
“Tamron is a multifaceted talent and creator whose resume includes everything,” said Jay Sures, UTA vice-chair, in a statement. “From winning awards as a talk show host and journalist, to being an acclaimed novelist. She has extraordinary creativity and drive and we’re delighted to partner with her and bring the full range of UTA’s capabilities to her ventures across entertainment, media and business.”
After its launch in Sept. 2019, Hall and her daytime syndicated strip have earned three Daytime Emmy noms (as well as two Daytime Emmy wins), two Gracie Awards and an NAACP Image Award for outstanding talk series.
“We are wildly impressed by the career Tamron has built,...
- 7/31/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Daytime talk show host Tamron Hall has signed with UTA and Range Media Partners for representation.
Hall is coming up on the fifth season of her syndicated talk show, which launched in 2019 and is produced by ABC News and distributed by Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution. Hall has won two Daytime Emmy Awards for hosting the program.
A veteran journalist, Hall worked for years at NBC News and MSNBC, including becoming the first African American co-host at NBC’s Today show. She is also the author of the thriller novel As the Wicked Watch.
“Tamron is a multifaceted talent and creator whose resume includes everything from winning awards as a talk show host and journalist, to being an acclaimed novelist. She has extraordinary creativity and drive and we’re delighted to partner with her and bring the full range of UTA’s capabilities to her ventures across entertainment, media and business,...
Hall is coming up on the fifth season of her syndicated talk show, which launched in 2019 and is produced by ABC News and distributed by Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution. Hall has won two Daytime Emmy Awards for hosting the program.
A veteran journalist, Hall worked for years at NBC News and MSNBC, including becoming the first African American co-host at NBC’s Today show. She is also the author of the thriller novel As the Wicked Watch.
“Tamron is a multifaceted talent and creator whose resume includes everything from winning awards as a talk show host and journalist, to being an acclaimed novelist. She has extraordinary creativity and drive and we’re delighted to partner with her and bring the full range of UTA’s capabilities to her ventures across entertainment, media and business,...
- 7/31/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Wheel of Fortune has its succession plan in place for when longtime host Pat Sajak retires.
Ryan Seacrest will take over as host of the syndicated game show beginning with the 2024-25 season. Sajak announced his retirement as host on June 12, saying that “The time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride.”
“We are ecstatic to have Ryan as the next host of Wheel of Fortune,” said Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios at Sony Pictures. “Ryan loves Wheel as much as we do and is the perfect person to continue the show’s four-decade success into the future.”
The longtime American Idol host will take the reins of one of the most popular shows in syndication; Wheel of Fortune averaged about 9 million daily viewers in the 2022-23 season. Co-host Vanna White, meanwhile,...
Ryan Seacrest will take over as host of the syndicated game show beginning with the 2024-25 season. Sajak announced his retirement as host on June 12, saying that “The time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride.”
“We are ecstatic to have Ryan as the next host of Wheel of Fortune,” said Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios at Sony Pictures. “Ryan loves Wheel as much as we do and is the perfect person to continue the show’s four-decade success into the future.”
The longtime American Idol host will take the reins of one of the most popular shows in syndication; Wheel of Fortune averaged about 9 million daily viewers in the 2022-23 season. Co-host Vanna White, meanwhile,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Love Again and Angel City, plus FYCs for Wednesday, The Last of Us and Ted Lasso.
The Last of Us FYC
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey reunited with their Last of Us team for a “For Your Consideration” event in L.A. on April 28.
Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin, Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, Gabriel Luna, Carolyn Strauss and Murray Bartlett
Wednesday FYC
Netflix held a special Wednesday screening and Q&a at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday with stars Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán and Gwendoline Christie.
Jen Malone, Danny Elfman, Alfred Gough, Luis Guzmán, Gwendoline Christie, Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Miles Millar and Yvette Nicole Brown Gwendoline Christie, Jenna Ortega and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Welcome to Wrexham FYC
Ryan Reynolds and...
The Last of Us FYC
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey reunited with their Last of Us team for a “For Your Consideration” event in L.A. on April 28.
Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin, Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, Gabriel Luna, Carolyn Strauss and Murray Bartlett
Wednesday FYC
Netflix held a special Wednesday screening and Q&a at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday with stars Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán and Gwendoline Christie.
Jen Malone, Danny Elfman, Alfred Gough, Luis Guzmán, Gwendoline Christie, Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Miles Millar and Yvette Nicole Brown Gwendoline Christie, Jenna Ortega and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Welcome to Wrexham FYC
Ryan Reynolds and...
- 5/5/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Don Lemon is leaving CNN after 17 years of pushing its boundaries.
The anchor, who had become one of the Warner Bros. Discovery network’s most popular faces in recent years, announced on social media Monday that he had been ousted from CNN.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play,” Lemon said. “With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business,...
The anchor, who had become one of the Warner Bros. Discovery network’s most popular faces in recent years, announced on social media Monday that he had been ousted from CNN.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play,” Lemon said. “With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
UTA has added Main Street Advisors CEO Paul Wachter and Nexus Management Group founder Ceci Kurzman to its board of directors, naming Wachter the board’s chairman.
Independent directors Wachter and Kurzman join a board lineup that includes CEO Jeremy Zimmer, president David Kramer, vice chairman Jay Sures and COO Andrew Thau, and UTA’s Rich Paul, Blair Kohan and Matt Rice, as well as investors Philippe Bouchard (PSP), Kasper Knokgaard (Eqt) and Sydney Pardey (Eqt). Most recently, UTA co-founder Jim Berkus served as chairman, a position he’s held for 25 years.
Their additions come on the heels of UTA’s acquisitions of U.K. talent and literary agency Curtis Brown Group and entertainment and marketing advisory firm MediaLink, as well as the private equity investment from firm Eqt in July 2022.
“The addition of Paul and Ceci, with their web of expertise in entertainment and technology, finance and corporate governance,...
Independent directors Wachter and Kurzman join a board lineup that includes CEO Jeremy Zimmer, president David Kramer, vice chairman Jay Sures and COO Andrew Thau, and UTA’s Rich Paul, Blair Kohan and Matt Rice, as well as investors Philippe Bouchard (PSP), Kasper Knokgaard (Eqt) and Sydney Pardey (Eqt). Most recently, UTA co-founder Jim Berkus served as chairman, a position he’s held for 25 years.
Their additions come on the heels of UTA’s acquisitions of U.K. talent and literary agency Curtis Brown Group and entertainment and marketing advisory firm MediaLink, as well as the private equity investment from firm Eqt in July 2022.
“The addition of Paul and Ceci, with their web of expertise in entertainment and technology, finance and corporate governance,...
- 2/2/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
As 2022 drew to a close, some stars and Hollywood executives leaned into the luxury of staying home for the holidays, while many others ventured further afield to celebrate. Among the hot spots were perennial getaway favorites Aspen, Cabo, Maui and St. Barts along with destinations from Fiji and Taiwan to Dubai and Madagascar. Here are highlights of the Hollywood crowd’s globe-trotting merrymaking.
Home in L.A.
Topping haute L.A. holiday parties was Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s soirée, complete with a gingerbread rendering of their Bel-Air residence, where Kim Kardashian, Jane Fonda, Billie Eilish and Vanessa Hudgens mingled. North West joined Sia to sing “Santa’s Coming for Us” at the Kardashian-Jenner Christmas Eve bash in Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s home in Calabasas, with Machine Gun Kelly, Addison Rae, Charli D’Amelio and Kathy Hilton among guests and red Christmas trees as decor.
As 2022 drew to a close, some stars and Hollywood executives leaned into the luxury of staying home for the holidays, while many others ventured further afield to celebrate. Among the hot spots were perennial getaway favorites Aspen, Cabo, Maui and St. Barts along with destinations from Fiji and Taiwan to Dubai and Madagascar. Here are highlights of the Hollywood crowd’s globe-trotting merrymaking.
Home in L.A.
Topping haute L.A. holiday parties was Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s soirée, complete with a gingerbread rendering of their Bel-Air residence, where Kim Kardashian, Jane Fonda, Billie Eilish and Vanessa Hudgens mingled. North West joined Sia to sing “Santa’s Coming for Us” at the Kardashian-Jenner Christmas Eve bash in Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s home in Calabasas, with Machine Gun Kelly, Addison Rae, Charli D’Amelio and Kathy Hilton among guests and red Christmas trees as decor.
- 12/31/2022
- by Ingrid Schmidt
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
“It’s now a very close race. That’s exciting,” says Jay Sures, vice chairman of UTA, and a supporter of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso.
He’s not kidding. Two new polls show a very tight race. According to a Uc Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies’ poll released Oct. 2, among all registered voters, Caruso is behind opponent Karen Bass by only 3 percentage points, with 34 percent preferring Bass to 31 percent for Caruso, well within the margin of error. But the good news for Bass is that she leads by 15 points among likely voters, 46 percent to 31 percent.
A newer Southern California News Group poll, released Oct. 18, however, showed Caruso ahead of Bass, with a slight 3 percent lead, 39.8 percent to 36.8 percent.
As the Los Angeles mayor’s race enters its final stretch before the Nov. 8 election, The Hollywood Reporter checked in with Hollywood supporters...
“It’s now a very close race. That’s exciting,” says Jay Sures, vice chairman of UTA, and a supporter of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso.
He’s not kidding. Two new polls show a very tight race. According to a Uc Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies’ poll released Oct. 2, among all registered voters, Caruso is behind opponent Karen Bass by only 3 percentage points, with 34 percent preferring Bass to 31 percent for Caruso, well within the margin of error. But the good news for Bass is that she leads by 15 points among likely voters, 46 percent to 31 percent.
A newer Southern California News Group poll, released Oct. 18, however, showed Caruso ahead of Bass, with a slight 3 percent lead, 39.8 percent to 36.8 percent.
As the Los Angeles mayor’s race enters its final stretch before the Nov. 8 election, The Hollywood Reporter checked in with Hollywood supporters...
- 10/20/2022
- by Hadley Meares
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Talk about a big week. Two days before premiering his new Hulu sitcom Reboot on the Fox lot Sept. 19, Modern Family creator Steven Levitan tied the knot with fiancée Kristina in a backyard ceremony at the home of his agent, UTA vice chairman Jay Sures.
“Holy cow,” the 60-year-old exclaimed to THR of the hectic 48 hours. “As if I didn’t have enough pressure in my life. But I think it was a good thing because it allowed me to split my focus these last couple of weeks.”
He did the same during brief prescreening comments while standing at the podium inside the Darryl F. Zanuck Theater. Levitan divided his time by shouting out Reboot collaborators and introducing his bride.
“It occurred to me while I was out on the red carpet with all the [cameras] flashing that it’s kind of natural to...
Talk about a big week. Two days before premiering his new Hulu sitcom Reboot on the Fox lot Sept. 19, Modern Family creator Steven Levitan tied the knot with fiancée Kristina in a backyard ceremony at the home of his agent, UTA vice chairman Jay Sures.
“Holy cow,” the 60-year-old exclaimed to THR of the hectic 48 hours. “As if I didn’t have enough pressure in my life. But I think it was a good thing because it allowed me to split my focus these last couple of weeks.”
He did the same during brief prescreening comments while standing at the podium inside the Darryl F. Zanuck Theater. Levitan divided his time by shouting out Reboot collaborators and introducing his bride.
“It occurred to me while I was out on the red carpet with all the [cameras] flashing that it’s kind of natural to...
- 9/28/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Allan Haldeman, whose 18-year career at UTA has traced a familiar arc from mailroom to partner, has been named the head of the company’s New York office.
The exec rose to become co-head of UTA’s literary department and will now also work to unlock more opportunities in New York, where the company set up shop in 2011 with just a handful of agents. A press release about the promotion described the company’s New York outpost as a “fast-growing office critical to UTA’s business and future global potential.”
A little more than a decade after the company started operating in New York, it now has a workforce of 350 in New York across all major business categories, including film, television, theatre, publishing, music, marketing, news, fashion and more. One milestone came in 2014 when the company acquired N.S. Bienstock, a deal that gave UTA a formidable client list in TV...
The exec rose to become co-head of UTA’s literary department and will now also work to unlock more opportunities in New York, where the company set up shop in 2011 with just a handful of agents. A press release about the promotion described the company’s New York outpost as a “fast-growing office critical to UTA’s business and future global potential.”
A little more than a decade after the company started operating in New York, it now has a workforce of 350 in New York across all major business categories, including film, television, theatre, publishing, music, marketing, news, fashion and more. One milestone came in 2014 when the company acquired N.S. Bienstock, a deal that gave UTA a formidable client list in TV...
- 9/28/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
United Talent Agency has appointed veteran literary agent and UTA partner Allan Haldeman as the head of it’s New York office, the company announced Wednesday.
Haldeman began his career with UTA in the mail room and has been with the agency for 18 years, rising to co-head of UTA’s literary department. He will now additionally work to expand opportunities in a fast-growing office critical to UTA’s business and future global potential.
UTA opened its New York office in 2011 with a handful of agents and now boasts 350 employees representing all major categories of UTA’s representation, including film, TV, theatre, publishing, music, marketing, news, fashion and more.
Also Read:
UTA Promotes Jay Sures to Vice Chairman, Names David Kramer as President
In 2021, UTA acquired strategic advisory firm MediaLink, which also has a significant presence in New York City.
“As the cultural capital of so many industries, New York is...
Haldeman began his career with UTA in the mail room and has been with the agency for 18 years, rising to co-head of UTA’s literary department. He will now additionally work to expand opportunities in a fast-growing office critical to UTA’s business and future global potential.
UTA opened its New York office in 2011 with a handful of agents and now boasts 350 employees representing all major categories of UTA’s representation, including film, TV, theatre, publishing, music, marketing, news, fashion and more.
Also Read:
UTA Promotes Jay Sures to Vice Chairman, Names David Kramer as President
In 2021, UTA acquired strategic advisory firm MediaLink, which also has a significant presence in New York City.
“As the cultural capital of so many industries, New York is...
- 9/28/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
UTA has promoted TV literary agent Allan Haldeman to head of its New York office.
Haldeman, an 18-year veteran of UTA who started in the agency’s mailroom, has been a partner at the firm since 2017. In his new role he will “work to expand opportunities in a fast-growing office critical to UTA’s business and future global potential,” per the agency.
UTA launched its New York office in 2011, and it now has some 350 employees based in the city covering film, TV, fashion, theater, publishing, news and other areas. New York has also become a centerpiece of UTA’s push into marketing and advertising, which coincides with its 125 million acquisition last year of the strategic advisory firm MediaLink.
“As the cultural capital of so many industries, New York is incredibly important to UTA and our heightened presence there is critical to the next chapter of our growth,...
UTA has promoted TV literary agent Allan Haldeman to head of its New York office.
Haldeman, an 18-year veteran of UTA who started in the agency’s mailroom, has been a partner at the firm since 2017. In his new role he will “work to expand opportunities in a fast-growing office critical to UTA’s business and future global potential,” per the agency.
UTA launched its New York office in 2011, and it now has some 350 employees based in the city covering film, TV, fashion, theater, publishing, news and other areas. New York has also become a centerpiece of UTA’s push into marketing and advertising, which coincides with its 125 million acquisition last year of the strategic advisory firm MediaLink.
“As the cultural capital of so many industries, New York is incredibly important to UTA and our heightened presence there is critical to the next chapter of our growth,...
- 9/28/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
UTA announced new roles for two senior leadership members, promoting Jay Sures to vice chairman while naming David Kramer as president. The pair had served together as co-presidents of the company since 2017.
In addition to his roles in building UTA’s television group, Sures oversees UTA’s news, speakers, and culture and leadership practices, while also representing a wide roster of talent. He was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2016.
The company did not specify what new responsibilities Kramer would assume as solo president.
“The ultimate power player, Jay’s contributions to UTA over three decades are enormous,” wrote UTA co-founder and CEO Jeremy Zimmer wrote in a company-wide email. He has played a major role in systematically building our television group, including literary and talent, into an industry leader, while representing a wide roster of clients. He also oversees, and continues to grow, our news, speakers, and culture and leadership groups.
In addition to his roles in building UTA’s television group, Sures oversees UTA’s news, speakers, and culture and leadership practices, while also representing a wide roster of talent. He was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2016.
The company did not specify what new responsibilities Kramer would assume as solo president.
“The ultimate power player, Jay’s contributions to UTA over three decades are enormous,” wrote UTA co-founder and CEO Jeremy Zimmer wrote in a company-wide email. He has played a major role in systematically building our television group, including literary and talent, into an industry leader, while representing a wide roster of clients. He also oversees, and continues to grow, our news, speakers, and culture and leadership groups.
- 9/13/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
UTA has promoted two of its top agents to new executive roles at the talent agency.
David Kramer has been promoted to UTA president, while Jay Sures has been named vice chairman. UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer shared the news with staff Tuesday.
Kramer has overseen UTA’s film business and helped develop new lines of business like podcasting and publishing. Zimmer said that the promotion “acknowledges the important role he serves as my close strategic partner, leader of a large part of UTA’s operations, and forward-thinking business builder.”
Kramer led UTA’s acquisition of Curtis Brown Group earlier this summer, and alongside Zimmer worked on the process to bring on Eqt as UTA’s largest outside investor.
Sures, meanwhile, helped build UTA’s TV business, and oversees its news, speakers, and culture and leadership businesses. Sures helped turn UTA into a powerhouse agency for journalists,...
UTA has promoted two of its top agents to new executive roles at the talent agency.
David Kramer has been promoted to UTA president, while Jay Sures has been named vice chairman. UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer shared the news with staff Tuesday.
Kramer has overseen UTA’s film business and helped develop new lines of business like podcasting and publishing. Zimmer said that the promotion “acknowledges the important role he serves as my close strategic partner, leader of a large part of UTA’s operations, and forward-thinking business builder.”
Kramer led UTA’s acquisition of Curtis Brown Group earlier this summer, and alongside Zimmer worked on the process to bring on Eqt as UTA’s largest outside investor.
Sures, meanwhile, helped build UTA’s TV business, and oversees its news, speakers, and culture and leadership businesses. Sures helped turn UTA into a powerhouse agency for journalists,...
- 9/13/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
United Talent Agency (UTA) has announced new roles for former co-presidents David Kramer and Jay Sures. Kramer has been named president, while Sures will become vice chairman.
The longtime agents and board members have served as co-presidents since 2017, with the realignment of their roles intended to allow the veteran company executives to focus on their respective strengths in growing the agency.
UTA co-founder and CEO Jeremy Zimmer shared the news of Kramer and Sures’ promotions in a company-wide email sent Tuesday morning.
Zimmer noted that Kramer’s appointment to president “acknowledges the important role he serves as my close strategic partner, leader of a large part of UTA’s operations and forward-thinking business builder. Again and again, David has been a trusted ally to clients and a passionate champion of our people and our culture. Having David as our president underscores my confidence in the future direction and stewardship of our business.
The longtime agents and board members have served as co-presidents since 2017, with the realignment of their roles intended to allow the veteran company executives to focus on their respective strengths in growing the agency.
UTA co-founder and CEO Jeremy Zimmer shared the news of Kramer and Sures’ promotions in a company-wide email sent Tuesday morning.
Zimmer noted that Kramer’s appointment to president “acknowledges the important role he serves as my close strategic partner, leader of a large part of UTA’s operations and forward-thinking business builder. Again and again, David has been a trusted ally to clients and a passionate champion of our people and our culture. Having David as our president underscores my confidence in the future direction and stewardship of our business.
- 9/13/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA has given new roles to two of its most established senior leaders, promoting David Kramer to president and Jay Sures to vice chairman.
The two have been co-presidents of the company since 2017.
There’s never quite enough room at the top in Hollywood, but insiders say the shuffle is aimed at enabling each executive to focus on their respective strengths.
In an internal email, UTA co-founder and CEO Jeremy Zimmer said Kramer’s promotion “acknowledges the important role he serves as my close strategic partner, leader of a large part of UTA’s operations, and forward-thinking business builder. Again and again, David has been a trusted ally to clients and a passionate champion of our people and our culture. Having David as our president underscores my confidence in the future direction and stewardship of our business.”
Zimmer described Sures as “the ultimate power player” who has made “enormous...
The two have been co-presidents of the company since 2017.
There’s never quite enough room at the top in Hollywood, but insiders say the shuffle is aimed at enabling each executive to focus on their respective strengths.
In an internal email, UTA co-founder and CEO Jeremy Zimmer said Kramer’s promotion “acknowledges the important role he serves as my close strategic partner, leader of a large part of UTA’s operations, and forward-thinking business builder. Again and again, David has been a trusted ally to clients and a passionate champion of our people and our culture. Having David as our president underscores my confidence in the future direction and stewardship of our business.”
Zimmer described Sures as “the ultimate power player” who has made “enormous...
- 9/13/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
After two years of an Emmy party field dramatically reduced by the pandemic, the festivities around the 2022 ceremonies are starting to resemble the hustle and bustle of the 2010s — with the addition of Covid testing, a lot of it.
We haven’t had formal agency Emmy parties in four years as plans for 2019 bashes were canceled amid the agencies’ standoff with the WGA. CAA and UTA are back this year, with CAA picking up where it left off in 2018, holding a party at Rose Café in Venice. It will be the agency’s first public event after the recent acquisition of ICM, which traditionally hosted Emmy brunches at the home of CEO Chris Silbermann.
UTA, whose popular party had been held at the home of co-president Jay Sures for many years, is taking over the Rooftop at Waldorf Astoria.
The other Hollywood talent agencies and management companies that threw Emmy...
We haven’t had formal agency Emmy parties in four years as plans for 2019 bashes were canceled amid the agencies’ standoff with the WGA. CAA and UTA are back this year, with CAA picking up where it left off in 2018, holding a party at Rose Café in Venice. It will be the agency’s first public event after the recent acquisition of ICM, which traditionally hosted Emmy brunches at the home of CEO Chris Silbermann.
UTA, whose popular party had been held at the home of co-president Jay Sures for many years, is taking over the Rooftop at Waldorf Astoria.
The other Hollywood talent agencies and management companies that threw Emmy...
- 9/7/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: The Los Angeles mayoral primary race that saw billionaire Grove developer Rick Caruso in the lead and Rep. Karen Bass trailing on election night has swung the other way as mail-in ballots, which make up the majority of the city’s votes, have crawled in. Caruso’s share of the tally has dropped 5 percentage points since election night, from 41 to 36 this afternoon, while Bass’ share has surged from 38 just after the polls closed to 43 today.
While the race will still head to a runoff election in six months, Bass’ ascendancy will surely be welcomed by showbiz supporters such as Jeffrey Katzenberg, Ari Emanuel, Steven Spielberg. Caruso, on the other hand, who seemed to be surging toward election night, has a greater-than-expected hill to climb in the runoff.
A little over a week ago, Bass had pulled ahead with 41 to Caruso’s 38. Today’s tally shows the gap widening even further,...
While the race will still head to a runoff election in six months, Bass’ ascendancy will surely be welcomed by showbiz supporters such as Jeffrey Katzenberg, Ari Emanuel, Steven Spielberg. Caruso, on the other hand, who seemed to be surging toward election night, has a greater-than-expected hill to climb in the runoff.
A little over a week ago, Bass had pulled ahead with 41 to Caruso’s 38. Today’s tally shows the gap widening even further,...
- 6/21/2022
- by Ted Johnson and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and billionaire local developer Rick Caruso are headed to a November run-off election for the Los Angeles mayoralty after the Associated Press called the race on Tuesday night. The top vote-getters in the open primary go on to face each other in the general election in November.
Their candidacies — which divided Hollywood loyalties during the open primary — each promised solutions for a city grappling with deep anxiety over homelessness, housing affordability and crime.
Two-time L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti was termed out. His nomination to become U.S. Ambassador to India has been held for months in the Senate over allegations he knew about (and didn’t properly address) a top aide’s sexual misconduct. Bass would be the first female and second Black mayor in the city’s history. A win by Caruso, an outsider to elected...
Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and billionaire local developer Rick Caruso are headed to a November run-off election for the Los Angeles mayoralty after the Associated Press called the race on Tuesday night. The top vote-getters in the open primary go on to face each other in the general election in November.
Their candidacies — which divided Hollywood loyalties during the open primary — each promised solutions for a city grappling with deep anxiety over homelessness, housing affordability and crime.
Two-time L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti was termed out. His nomination to become U.S. Ambassador to India has been held for months in the Senate over allegations he knew about (and didn’t properly address) a top aide’s sexual misconduct. Bass would be the first female and second Black mayor in the city’s history. A win by Caruso, an outsider to elected...
- 6/8/2022
- by Gary Baum
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When voters go to the polls Tuesday for Los Angeles’ primary election, they are likely to advance two mayoral candidates to the general election: Rep. Karen Bass (D-ca) and developer Rick Caruso.
If so, Hollywood’s unusual split in its loyalties between the two could be an indicator of a highly contentious and massively expensive November general election.
Both candidates have courted the industry for support, pledged to retain and boost film and TV production and have trumpeted their support from some of showbiz’s most prominent donors.
Just in the past few weeks, Caruso’s campaign has highlighted his endorsements from social media juggernauts like Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian and Elon Musk, and from industry figures such as Bryan Lourd and Dana Walden. Bass has drawn recent contributions from Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Octavia Spencer and Jennifer Garner, and a recent event at Bad Robot Productions drew 300 people including Norman Lear,...
If so, Hollywood’s unusual split in its loyalties between the two could be an indicator of a highly contentious and massively expensive November general election.
Both candidates have courted the industry for support, pledged to retain and boost film and TV production and have trumpeted their support from some of showbiz’s most prominent donors.
Just in the past few weeks, Caruso’s campaign has highlighted his endorsements from social media juggernauts like Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian and Elon Musk, and from industry figures such as Bryan Lourd and Dana Walden. Bass has drawn recent contributions from Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Octavia Spencer and Jennifer Garner, and a recent event at Bad Robot Productions drew 300 people including Norman Lear,...
- 6/5/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, Wednesday, 3:23 Pm Pt: Organizers said that more than 300 people attended an event at Bad Robot Productions for Karen Bass, as polls show she faces a tight primary race against developer Rick Caruso.
Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams addressed the crowd at the event, and Norman Lear, 99, was among the attendees and co-chairs. Other co-chairs included Lyn Lear, Damon and Heidi Lindelof, Nina Shaw, Christy Haubegger and Matt Johnson.
The money race between Bass and Caruso has heated up in recent weeks. According to campaign records, Caruso donated an additional 3.25 million to his campaign, while the Los Angeles Police Protective League gave a 1.8 million infusion to its committee opposing Bass.
Last week, Jeffrey Katzenberg donated 600,000 to an independent committee that is backing Bass. The committee, Communities United for Bass for LA Mayor 2022, announced on Wednesday that it was spending 1.07 million for a TV ad buy in a 30-second spot...
Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams addressed the crowd at the event, and Norman Lear, 99, was among the attendees and co-chairs. Other co-chairs included Lyn Lear, Damon and Heidi Lindelof, Nina Shaw, Christy Haubegger and Matt Johnson.
The money race between Bass and Caruso has heated up in recent weeks. According to campaign records, Caruso donated an additional 3.25 million to his campaign, while the Los Angeles Police Protective League gave a 1.8 million infusion to its committee opposing Bass.
Last week, Jeffrey Katzenberg donated 600,000 to an independent committee that is backing Bass. The committee, Communities United for Bass for LA Mayor 2022, announced on Wednesday that it was spending 1.07 million for a TV ad buy in a 30-second spot...
- 5/18/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
When United Talent Agency revives its annual party this evening around the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., expected guests will hail from the worlds of journalism, politics, entertainment and sports. The tableau might just contain members of the next big set of TV anchors, too.
UTA has in recent months been working to convince some of the nation’s biggest TV-news outlets to consider correspondents and contributors to whom they might not have given a serious look in the past. In a different era, former Ohio Governor John Kasich, a UTA client with a dry demeanor, might not seem like someone destined to get frequent airtime after leaving office. And yet in recent months, he’s been a regular presence on CNN. Symone Sanders, the UTA client who is a former Democratic strategist and counselor to Vice President Kamala Harris, might not seem like a candidate to be an anchor,...
UTA has in recent months been working to convince some of the nation’s biggest TV-news outlets to consider correspondents and contributors to whom they might not have given a serious look in the past. In a different era, former Ohio Governor John Kasich, a UTA client with a dry demeanor, might not seem like someone destined to get frequent airtime after leaving office. And yet in recent months, he’s been a regular presence on CNN. Symone Sanders, the UTA client who is a former Democratic strategist and counselor to Vice President Kamala Harris, might not seem like a candidate to be an anchor,...
- 4/29/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Richard Leibner, the long-serving agent who has backed some of the best-known news anchors in the U.S., is delivering some headlines of his own: He’s retiring after decades on the job.
The veteran talent representative intends to step away from his role as partner at United Talent Agency at the end of the year, according to a memo sent to staffers by Jay Sures, co-president of the agency. “Throughout his career, Richard has represented one major news figure after another, building them up, helping make them household names and playing an important role ensuring journalism always stood for something meaningful, ethical and about high quality,” Sures said.
His exit from UTA will mark the end of an era. Leibner is a clever and passionate advocate for clients, and has never been shy about delivering his opinion of the latest goings-on in the ever-churning news sector — as long as he isn’t being quoted.
The veteran talent representative intends to step away from his role as partner at United Talent Agency at the end of the year, according to a memo sent to staffers by Jay Sures, co-president of the agency. “Throughout his career, Richard has represented one major news figure after another, building them up, helping make them household names and playing an important role ensuring journalism always stood for something meaningful, ethical and about high quality,” Sures said.
His exit from UTA will mark the end of an era. Leibner is a clever and passionate advocate for clients, and has never been shy about delivering his opinion of the latest goings-on in the ever-churning news sector — as long as he isn’t being quoted.
- 12/14/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
When his tenure as president of the Writers Guild of America West began four momentous years ago, David Goodman knew a groundswell was building for a campaign to end the decades-old practice of talent agencies earning packaging fees from TV shows and movies.
As such, the longtime comedy scribe and showrunner for “Family Guy” and “The Orville” realized that setting a strategy for slaying the dragon of packaging fees once and for all — the issue had percolated in the guild since the early 1970s — would be a top priority. While WGA leaders developed a pitch to bring to members, Goodman fervently hoped that the WGA’s grassroots wouldn’t be too engaged.
“People don’t believe me when I say this: I’m hoping they’re going to say, ‘We’re not on board for this,’ because then we don’t have to do it,” Goodman tells Variety in a...
As such, the longtime comedy scribe and showrunner for “Family Guy” and “The Orville” realized that setting a strategy for slaying the dragon of packaging fees once and for all — the issue had percolated in the guild since the early 1970s — would be a top priority. While WGA leaders developed a pitch to bring to members, Goodman fervently hoped that the WGA’s grassroots wouldn’t be too engaged.
“People don’t believe me when I say this: I’m hoping they’re going to say, ‘We’re not on board for this,’ because then we don’t have to do it,” Goodman tells Variety in a...
- 9/17/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
If Gov. Gavin Newsom is recalled next week, the entertainment industry will lose a valuable ally in Sacramento.
The industry’s top concern at the Capitol is the film and TV tax credit, which provides a 20-25% discount on eligible production spending in the state. In July, Newsom signed a two-year expansion of the program, bringing it to $420 million a year, and indicated he would support making that increase permanent.
With the exception of former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, the leading Republican candidates to replace Newsom all oppose the film incentive.
Radio host Larry Elder, who has led in the replacement polls since entering the race in July, has long been against giving tax credits to Hollywood. He sees the program as “hypocritical,” given Democrats’ support for higher corporate tax rates on other industries.
“I find it interesting that Hollywood pulls that lever for the Democratic Party, that raises taxes,...
The industry’s top concern at the Capitol is the film and TV tax credit, which provides a 20-25% discount on eligible production spending in the state. In July, Newsom signed a two-year expansion of the program, bringing it to $420 million a year, and indicated he would support making that increase permanent.
With the exception of former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, the leading Republican candidates to replace Newsom all oppose the film incentive.
Radio host Larry Elder, who has led in the replacement polls since entering the race in July, has long been against giving tax credits to Hollywood. He sees the program as “hypocritical,” given Democrats’ support for higher corporate tax rates on other industries.
“I find it interesting that Hollywood pulls that lever for the Democratic Party, that raises taxes,...
- 9/8/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Update, Aug. 12, 7:48 Pm Pt: A fundraising event to boost Gavin Newsom’s chances of beating a Sept. 14 recall drew about a dozen attendees on Thursday and raised more than $1 million, organizers said.
Newsom was scheduled to address the virtual Zoom event, with guests including Rob and Michelle Reiner, Alan and Cindy Horn, Byron Allen, Janet and Barry Lang, Ann Sarnoff and Matt Walden.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, Casey Wasserman, Andrew Hauptman, Van Fletcher and Skip Paul and Stephanie and Mark Robinson were among the chairs for the event, and Eric Smidt was among the hosts. Gonring, Lin, Spahn organized the event, which raised for the Stop the Republican Recall Of Governor Newsom committee.
The fundraiser was held as President Joe Biden issued his first statement on the recall via Twitter, writing, “Gavin Newsom is leading California through unprecedented crises—he’s a key partner in fighting the pandemic and helping build our economy back better.
Newsom was scheduled to address the virtual Zoom event, with guests including Rob and Michelle Reiner, Alan and Cindy Horn, Byron Allen, Janet and Barry Lang, Ann Sarnoff and Matt Walden.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, Casey Wasserman, Andrew Hauptman, Van Fletcher and Skip Paul and Stephanie and Mark Robinson were among the chairs for the event, and Eric Smidt was among the hosts. Gonring, Lin, Spahn organized the event, which raised for the Stop the Republican Recall Of Governor Newsom committee.
The fundraiser was held as President Joe Biden issued his first statement on the recall via Twitter, writing, “Gavin Newsom is leading California through unprecedented crises—he’s a key partner in fighting the pandemic and helping build our economy back better.
- 8/13/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood studios are lining up to support Gavin Newsom and the effort to defeat the Sept. 14 recall, as executives and the companies themselves pour money into his campaign and a committee set up to ensure that he remains in office.
Their support is hardly a surprise: With the “No” to the recall leading in the polls, and Newsom already having garnered significant industry backing for his reelection bid, studio support for his effort to fight off the recall is far from surprising.
But Newsom’s tenure hasn’t been without some significant industry friction: Last November, The Walt Disney Co. went public with its unhappiness over the governor’s refusal to allow theme parks to reopen. CEO Bob Chapek said.the company was “extremely disappointed” over the continued closure, while executive chairman Bob Iger resigned from a task force on the state’s recovery.
Disney, though, is a member of the Motion Picture Association,...
Their support is hardly a surprise: With the “No” to the recall leading in the polls, and Newsom already having garnered significant industry backing for his reelection bid, studio support for his effort to fight off the recall is far from surprising.
But Newsom’s tenure hasn’t been without some significant industry friction: Last November, The Walt Disney Co. went public with its unhappiness over the governor’s refusal to allow theme parks to reopen. CEO Bob Chapek said.the company was “extremely disappointed” over the continued closure, while executive chairman Bob Iger resigned from a task force on the state’s recovery.
Disney, though, is a member of the Motion Picture Association,...
- 7/18/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Pictures is the latest industry donor to chip in on an effort to defeat the recall of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
According to records from the California Secretary of State, the studio donated $40,000 to Stop the Republican Recall of Governor Newsom, a committee set up to fight the pending effort to oust Newsom from office. The studio also gave $5,000 in March to the California Democratic Party, one of the sponsors of the anti-recall committee, and contributed to Newsom’s 2018 election campaign.
A spokesperson for the studio said that the donation actually was made by ViacomCBS, the studio’s parent company, even though the contribution record lists Paramount.
The recall is not officially on the ballot for later this year, but it is expected to qualify after Secretary of State Shirley Weber said that proponents had passed the signature threshold. Newsom and his allies have been raising money in the meantime.
According to records from the California Secretary of State, the studio donated $40,000 to Stop the Republican Recall of Governor Newsom, a committee set up to fight the pending effort to oust Newsom from office. The studio also gave $5,000 in March to the California Democratic Party, one of the sponsors of the anti-recall committee, and contributed to Newsom’s 2018 election campaign.
A spokesperson for the studio said that the donation actually was made by ViacomCBS, the studio’s parent company, even though the contribution record lists Paramount.
The recall is not officially on the ballot for later this year, but it is expected to qualify after Secretary of State Shirley Weber said that proponents had passed the signature threshold. Newsom and his allies have been raising money in the meantime.
- 6/1/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: As Los Angeles reels from a violent and specifically organized attack on Jewish men dining on La Brea last week, UTA has become the first talent and entertainment company to represent the Anti-Defamation League.
“Amid a resurgence of extremism and hate in this country, the work of Adl has never been more important, and there is a deep yearning among many of my UTA colleagues and across this industry to stand up and make a difference,” agency co-president Jay Sures told Deadline on Wednesday.
“Adl’s goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate,” Sures added. “UTA’s focus will be on expanding the scale and impact of Adl’s work through partnerships with entertainment and technology platforms, as well as industry leaders and talent. Together we will stand against hate, ignorance and bigotry in all its forms.”
The two organizations...
“Amid a resurgence of extremism and hate in this country, the work of Adl has never been more important, and there is a deep yearning among many of my UTA colleagues and across this industry to stand up and make a difference,” agency co-president Jay Sures told Deadline on Wednesday.
“Adl’s goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate,” Sures added. “UTA’s focus will be on expanding the scale and impact of Adl’s work through partnerships with entertainment and technology platforms, as well as industry leaders and talent. Together we will stand against hate, ignorance and bigotry in all its forms.”
The two organizations...
- 5/26/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Organizers of the campaign to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom have cleared the threshold of the number of valid signatures needed to trigger a vote later this year, but it is not yet official.
Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office said on Monday that “the requisite number of valid signatures has been reported to our office to initiate the recall of Governor Gavin Newsom. However, county elections officials must continue to verify the validity of any remaining signatures and must report the final signature verification on April 29, 2021.” The number of valid signatures stands at 1,626,042, about 100,000 more than needed. Almost 1.5 million are needed to make the ballot.
The next step will be a 30 day period in which voters may request that county officials remove their names from recall petitions. If there are still enough valid signatures, it then goes to a cost estimate, and then a review and comment period before certification.
Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office said on Monday that “the requisite number of valid signatures has been reported to our office to initiate the recall of Governor Gavin Newsom. However, county elections officials must continue to verify the validity of any remaining signatures and must report the final signature verification on April 29, 2021.” The number of valid signatures stands at 1,626,042, about 100,000 more than needed. Almost 1.5 million are needed to make the ballot.
The next step will be a 30 day period in which voters may request that county officials remove their names from recall petitions. If there are still enough valid signatures, it then goes to a cost estimate, and then a review and comment period before certification.
- 4/26/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
“Forget money, I’m focused on dignity and loyalty.” Those were the disturbing words spoken the other day by my favorite agent who, alas, is facing the prospect of going out of business.
Fortunately, the agent in question is French and fictional; she works for Ask and is portrayed in Call My Agent!, the hit show that began its fourth and final season on Netflix this week. Talent agents and their entourages have pitched and connived their way on TV before, but the French show has found a binge following, even among Hollywood’s besieged tenpercenters, as Variety used to call them.
Faced with strikes and streamers, the agenting community has had to make some bold moves, redefining corporate goals and expanding job descriptions. Agents are now even repping politicians and their causes as well as actors.
Fortunately, the agent in question is French and fictional; she works for Ask and is portrayed in Call My Agent!, the hit show that began its fourth and final season on Netflix this week. Talent agents and their entourages have pitched and connived their way on TV before, but the French show has found a binge following, even among Hollywood’s besieged tenpercenters, as Variety used to call them.
Faced with strikes and streamers, the agenting community has had to make some bold moves, redefining corporate goals and expanding job descriptions. Agents are now even repping politicians and their causes as well as actors.
- 1/28/2021
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA partner and veteran TV lit agent Leslie Maskin is leaving the agency after 27 years to transition to management. She is joining Circle of Confusion where she will start at the top of the new year.
Maskin is among the longest-tenured agents at UTA, which she joined in 1993, two years after its launch. She built the company’s formidable television director department — now a part of the larger TV literary department — representing such clients as Alan Taylor, Daniel Minahan, Clark Johnson, Alik Sakharov and Maria Schrader (Unorthodox). Additionally, Maskin represents the Oscar and Emmy-winning producer Mark Johnson, the multi-Emmy award winning producer Gregg Fienberg and a number of TV writers/showrunners.
“Over the past 27 years, Leslie has played an impactful role in our television group, specifically helping build our TV...
Maskin is among the longest-tenured agents at UTA, which she joined in 1993, two years after its launch. She built the company’s formidable television director department — now a part of the larger TV literary department — representing such clients as Alan Taylor, Daniel Minahan, Clark Johnson, Alik Sakharov and Maria Schrader (Unorthodox). Additionally, Maskin represents the Oscar and Emmy-winning producer Mark Johnson, the multi-Emmy award winning producer Gregg Fienberg and a number of TV writers/showrunners.
“Over the past 27 years, Leslie has played an impactful role in our television group, specifically helping build our TV...
- 11/30/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
With less than two weeks to go, if there is one phrase that defines how Hollywood’s top Democrats are viewing the election it’s “cautious optimism.”
As in, don’t get too fooled again, don’t let anything to chance, certainly don’t make predictions. “I’d say I’ve got a cautious optimism going into these last few weeks, a good feeling, but no illusions about what the other side may do,” a top executive with long links to Hollywood political circles says.
The shadow of 2016 hangs over the final stretch, even as Democratic challenger Joe Biden maintains a larger lead and circumstances are different than they were back then. For one, as we head into tonight’s final debate between the candidates, Donald Trump is defending the past four years in office, particularly his Covid-19 response, the more than 220,000 Americans dead from the virus, and he has...
As in, don’t get too fooled again, don’t let anything to chance, certainly don’t make predictions. “I’d say I’ve got a cautious optimism going into these last few weeks, a good feeling, but no illusions about what the other side may do,” a top executive with long links to Hollywood political circles says.
The shadow of 2016 hangs over the final stretch, even as Democratic challenger Joe Biden maintains a larger lead and circumstances are different than they were back then. For one, as we head into tonight’s final debate between the candidates, Donald Trump is defending the past four years in office, particularly his Covid-19 response, the more than 220,000 Americans dead from the virus, and he has...
- 10/22/2020
- by Ted Johnson and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
United Talent Agency has implemented an across-the-board pay raise for hourly employees, Variety has learned, amid calls for the industry to offer more equitable wages as a means of opening entry-level opportunities in entertainment to a wider array of job seekers.
UTA has installed a minimum hourly wage of $22, a figure that increases based on tenure. The majority of hourly employees at talent agencies are agents’ assistants, who make an average of $24 per hour at UTA now. Participants in UTA’s agent training program have also been offered raises based on tenure, as high as $26 per hour.
The increases make UTA’s entry-level staff the highest paid at any of the talent shops, and come nearly nine months after the campaign #PayUpHollywood took hold of social media and saw assistants across entertainment demand better pay and treatment. After an incremental bump to $18.50 per hour in July, and becoming the first...
UTA has installed a minimum hourly wage of $22, a figure that increases based on tenure. The majority of hourly employees at talent agencies are agents’ assistants, who make an average of $24 per hour at UTA now. Participants in UTA’s agent training program have also been offered raises based on tenure, as high as $26 per hour.
The increases make UTA’s entry-level staff the highest paid at any of the talent shops, and come nearly nine months after the campaign #PayUpHollywood took hold of social media and saw assistants across entertainment demand better pay and treatment. After an incremental bump to $18.50 per hour in July, and becoming the first...
- 9/22/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood may never look the same after the coronavirus pandemic, but a relic of the old world has been returned to one major Hollywood agency: full paychecks.
UTA has become the first of the big four to reinstate full salaries, after reducing compensation across the board this spring — a cost-cutting measure that many talent shops took to brace for the economic beating delivered by Covid-19.
In a Wednesday memo to staff, agency CEO Jeremy Zimmer said employees would return to full compensation by mid-September. In step with the announcement, the company enacted a round of layoffs affecting 50 employees across rank and department, some of them furloughed since March when nationwide shutdowns went into place.
The laid-off staff received severance and post-employment benefits for a limited period of time, another insider familiar with the company told Variety. Zimmer and UTA co-presidents Jay Sures and David Kramer will forgo compensation for the...
UTA has become the first of the big four to reinstate full salaries, after reducing compensation across the board this spring — a cost-cutting measure that many talent shops took to brace for the economic beating delivered by Covid-19.
In a Wednesday memo to staff, agency CEO Jeremy Zimmer said employees would return to full compensation by mid-September. In step with the announcement, the company enacted a round of layoffs affecting 50 employees across rank and department, some of them furloughed since March when nationwide shutdowns went into place.
The laid-off staff received severance and post-employment benefits for a limited period of time, another insider familiar with the company told Variety. Zimmer and UTA co-presidents Jay Sures and David Kramer will forgo compensation for the...
- 9/2/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
UTA Becomes First Agency To Reinstate Full Pay For Workers, As It Downsizes And Lets 50 Employees Go
Good news and bad news today at UTA. Agency chief Jeremy Zimmer sent an internal email to employees notifying them that UTA is the first major agency to reinstate full pay for employees. Everyone there took paycheck haircuts on March 23 when it was clear the pandemic that brought the revenue flow for the agency to a screeching halt wasn’t going to abate.
At the same time, the agency has also let go 50 people, some of whom had already been furloughed earlier. The furloughed workers won’t be brought back immediately, but the 50 person layoff is a downsizing move as the agency remakes itself for the future. The layoffs are spread across the company.
I’m told that Zimmer and agency heads Jay Sures and David Kramer will continue to not take salaries through year’s end.
Full salaries will be reinstated by Mid-September. In the memo, Zimmer describes the...
At the same time, the agency has also let go 50 people, some of whom had already been furloughed earlier. The furloughed workers won’t be brought back immediately, but the 50 person layoff is a downsizing move as the agency remakes itself for the future. The layoffs are spread across the company.
I’m told that Zimmer and agency heads Jay Sures and David Kramer will continue to not take salaries through year’s end.
Full salaries will be reinstated by Mid-September. In the memo, Zimmer describes the...
- 9/2/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Rich Paul, CEO and founder of Klutch Sports Group, has been appointed to UTA’s Board of Directors. Paul also serves as Head of UTA Sports and is a UTA partner, roles he assumed in July 2019 after UTA took a significant stake in Klutch Sports Group.
Paul founded Klutch in 2012 and built it into a sports representation powerhouse with NBA clients including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, Ben Simmons and John Wall. In the past year, since working with UTA, Klutch has expanded into professional football and baseball with acquisitions of Revolution Sports Agency and Tidal Sports Group, adding key NFL and Mlb clients. In recent weeks, leading sports agent Omar Wilkes has also joined Klutch.
“Our association with Rich Paul has been a true bright spot since he partnered with us a year ago,” said UTA CEO and Board member Jeremy Zimmer. “We were determined to come together and build a cutting edge,...
Paul founded Klutch in 2012 and built it into a sports representation powerhouse with NBA clients including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, Ben Simmons and John Wall. In the past year, since working with UTA, Klutch has expanded into professional football and baseball with acquisitions of Revolution Sports Agency and Tidal Sports Group, adding key NFL and Mlb clients. In recent weeks, leading sports agent Omar Wilkes has also joined Klutch.
“Our association with Rich Paul has been a true bright spot since he partnered with us a year ago,” said UTA CEO and Board member Jeremy Zimmer. “We were determined to come together and build a cutting edge,...
- 7/27/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
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