It’s a pivotal time for Hollywood’s top talent agencies. Here’s the critical context
Creative Artists Agency said Monday that it is acquiring ICM Partners, one of Hollywood’s largest talent agencies.
If approved, the merger would transform the talent industry — which is currently dominated by four firms: CAA, WME, United Talent Agency and ICM — and mark the biggest industry acquisition since WME scooped up IMG in 2014.
Tension at Hollywood’s top agencies has been growing for years. Here’s some context, including The Times’ recent investigation into allegations that women were subjected to harassment, bullying and other inappropriate conduct by male agents and managers.
Century City-based Creative Artist Agency buys ICM Partners for an undisclosed price.
Sept. 27, 2021
Current and former employees of ICM Partners allege that the talent agency tolerated harassment and misconduct toward women and people of color.
May 5, 2021
Plus: NBC announces it won’t air the Golden Globes in 2022 after a Times investigation. Tubi brings new audiences to Fox. AMC dares to meme big.
May 11, 2021
After an L.A. Times investigation raised allegations of inappropriate behavior, the prominent agent has left ICM to reportedly start his own business.
July 29, 2021
CAA is the latest Hollywood business to sue its insurer over pandemic-related business losses.
Sept. 14, 2021
Q&A with David Goodman, president of the WGA West, on what writers gained from new agreements with the top talent agencies.
March 1, 2021
Creative Artists Agency said Tuesday that it is laying off 90 agents and executives and furloughing about 275 assistants and other staff.
July 28, 2020
The shutdown in production and the streaming services’ insatiable appetite for new I.P. has led to a surge in sales of film and TV rights for books during COVID-19. That has been a boon for agencies.
Oct. 6, 2020
Former WME partner and talent agent Phillip Sun recently launched his own management firm M88, with plans to push for more inclusive storytelling in Holllywood.
Oct. 2, 2020
As Hollywood’s two biggest talent agencies remain at odds with the Writers Guild of America, some agents are leaving to start their own management firms.
Dec. 16, 2020
Talent agencies are under growing pressure to raise capital to finance growth at time of rapid changes in the media industry. The rise of streaming and expected decline of TV packaging, combined with the effects of a longstanding boycott by Writers Guild of America, have put the squeeze on talent agencies, some of which have laid off workers.
Jan. 16, 2020
Four decades ago, California enacted rules designed to protect Hollywood talent from the worst impulses in the entertainment industry.
April 30, 2019
As Hollywood writers continue waging their fight against talent agencies, with little progress to show after several negotiating sessions, one boutique agency is declaring its neutrality from the four major agencies that dominate the entertainment industry.
March 28, 2019
When the talent agency formerly known as WME-IMG rebranded itself late last year as Endeavor, it was more than just a simple name change.
April 6, 2018
Career paths to becoming an agent often involve working as an assistant at a major talent agency.
July 26, 2021
Guidance is crucial to starting a career in entertainment, and at some point you’ll need an agent. How and where can you find one who gets you?
July 16, 2021