Editor’s Note: Deadline closely covered the seismic impact that disruption, and the pandemic had on every segment of film, TV and stage, and the companies that make and distribute them. This will start a series of occasional features on how they’ve emerged from the darkness of the past two plus years.
Verve is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Two years after the agency hit the decade mark.
When the agency started by former Endeavor lit agents Bill Weinstein, Adam Levine and Bryan Besser hit the 10-year milestone, grand celebrations of any kind would have been unseemly. While Verve mustered through without any layoffs and furloughs that beset most other agencies, while it also created the first crack in the resolve of agencies when WGA successfully forced the percenteries to end packaging and affiliated production companies, the Covid pandemic made the uncorking of champagne impossible, with most of Hollywood shuttered in their homes.
Verve is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Two years after the agency hit the decade mark.
When the agency started by former Endeavor lit agents Bill Weinstein, Adam Levine and Bryan Besser hit the 10-year milestone, grand celebrations of any kind would have been unseemly. While Verve mustered through without any layoffs and furloughs that beset most other agencies, while it also created the first crack in the resolve of agencies when WGA successfully forced the percenteries to end packaging and affiliated production companies, the Covid pandemic made the uncorking of champagne impossible, with most of Hollywood shuttered in their homes.
- 6/16/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The upstart management company that Deadline revealed on August 23 would be launched by Pete Micelli with principal backing from hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen, now has a name — Range Media Partners — additional new backing through Microsoft Cmo Mich Matthews-Spradlin and Grubhub founder/CEO Matt Maloney. The company will launch with three more dealmakers who’ll become part owners along with the other agents transitioning to the manager side of the street.
Sandra Kang from CAA Global Brands Group, CAA Foundation’s Rachel Kropa, and manager Byron Wetzel (a New York-based manager who runs Wetzel Entertainment Group and has management clients including Michael Shannon) will round out the lineup of principals, with an additional founding member about to be named to lead a music division. They will join exiting CAA agents Dave Bugliari, Michael Cooper, Mick Sullivan and Jack Whigham, UTA agents Mackenzie Condon Roussos, Susie Fox, Chelsea McKinnies & Lucinda Moorhead...
Sandra Kang from CAA Global Brands Group, CAA Foundation’s Rachel Kropa, and manager Byron Wetzel (a New York-based manager who runs Wetzel Entertainment Group and has management clients including Michael Shannon) will round out the lineup of principals, with an additional founding member about to be named to lead a music division. They will join exiting CAA agents Dave Bugliari, Michael Cooper, Mick Sullivan and Jack Whigham, UTA agents Mackenzie Condon Roussos, Susie Fox, Chelsea McKinnies & Lucinda Moorhead...
- 9/2/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Adam Venit, the longtime talent agent and an architect of Endeavor and Wme’s movie businesses, is retiring on Monday. Venit told his close colleagues and clients yesterday that he has made the decision to retire, and he is transitioning a stellar list of stars and filmmakers to others at Wme, a list that includes Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone, Shawn Levy, Dustin Hoffman, Eddie Murphy, Michael B. Jordan, Vince Vaughn, M. Night Shyamalan and Marc Forster.
His final months as an agent included becoming mired in the #MeToo controversy after former Wme client Terry Crews claimed that the agent groped him at a party. Venit apologized, but Crews was steadfast and has become a forceful voice in that victims don’t necessarily have to be women. Being drawn into that narrative certainly dampened the spirit of Venit, who was temporarily suspended and stripped of his title as head of Wme’s Motion Picture Group.
His final months as an agent included becoming mired in the #MeToo controversy after former Wme client Terry Crews claimed that the agent groped him at a party. Venit apologized, but Crews was steadfast and has become a forceful voice in that victims don’t necessarily have to be women. Being drawn into that narrative certainly dampened the spirit of Venit, who was temporarily suspended and stripped of his title as head of Wme’s Motion Picture Group.
- 9/6/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Verve, the upstart lit agency hatched by Bryan Besser, Bill Weinstein and Adam Levine in January 2010, today made its first agent promotion from within by giving Rob Herting his dealmaker stripes. They made it memorable, with help from Summit production chief Erik Feig. The partners set a meeting with screenwriter clients Jon & Erich Hoeber to discuss titles for the sequel to Red. They told the entire company that Summit was forcing a title the duo didn't like, and challenged everyone to coming into the conference room ready to pitch. They got Feig on the speakerphone and went right to Herting. After he floated his idea, Herting was asked by Feig who he was. When Herting said he was an assistant, Feig told the room: "Guys? What are you doing? I really like this idea. This kid should obviously be an agent." The Verve partners who set the whole thing up...
- 4/1/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
When Endeavor took over the William Morris Agency, one of the upstart agency's brilliant founding partners Tom Strickler departed. He had been expected by everyone, including Ari Emanuel, to join the combined company even though the motion picture lit agent had vociferously argued against Endeavor changing from David into Goliath. So it came as a shock when he announced his resignation just before Endeavor voted on the merger. As a result, that vote was unanimous. Since then, a week doesn't go by when someone doesn't email me asking to know what Tom is doing. Here's the answer in an email he sent around to friends today. It's, in a word, inspiring. It also should remind Hollywood players who find themselves at a voluntary or involuntary career crossroads that following a different path can be just as rewarding -- and maybe more so: From: Tom Strickler Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 4:40 Pm...
- 2/2/2011
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
Exclusive: Tim Burton has reunited with his Ed Wood screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski on a pair of projects. They will write The Addams Family, the stop-motion animated film that Burton and Chris Meledandri are producing for Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures. At the same time, Burton has come on to be a producer of Big Eyes, the fact-based drama which the duo wrote as a directing vehicle, based on artist Margaret Keane's struggle to get credit for the line of paintings of big-eyed children that became wildly popular in the 60s. Burton will produce with Lynette Howell's Silverwood Films banner. The writers, whose scripts include 1408 and The People Vs. Larry Flynt, actually made another move, to UTA. They were repped for two decades by Tom Strickler and became charter Endeavor clients when that dealmaker, Ari Emanuel and others left Icm to form the agency. They had been...
- 8/19/2010
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
USA’s hit series about a burned spy, Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), in Miami reaches an interesting culmination in its third season finale. I warn you now, if you have not been watching the series to this point then please wait to read this review.
Over the past two seasons Micheal has come closer and closer to discovering who had him burned only to hot hiccups such as walking right into the wall that is a covert mercenary organization known as “Management”. This group had been protecting Michael Westen during his burn by keeping his enemies at bay. Not interested in the line of work Management wants him for, this season has revolved around the fallout of that decision, not having any protection and now showing up in every law enforcement database making it increasingly difficult to investigate who had him burned.
Westen still helping the little guy, taking side missions,...
Over the past two seasons Micheal has come closer and closer to discovering who had him burned only to hot hiccups such as walking right into the wall that is a covert mercenary organization known as “Management”. This group had been protecting Michael Westen during his burn by keeping his enemies at bay. Not interested in the line of work Management wants him for, this season has revolved around the fallout of that decision, not having any protection and now showing up in every law enforcement database making it increasingly difficult to investigate who had him burned.
Westen still helping the little guy, taking side missions,...
- 3/7/2010
- by Kevin Coll
- FusedFilm
Are spies a bunch of bitchy little girls? Let’s find out. Our opening montage is Fi beating the crap out of Michael while training. She seems to not be fine with Michael’s career decisions, despite her promise of support. Michael winces as she pummels the pads he’s holding. She only weights 70lbs, so I think Michael is Indeed a bitchy little girl. Glad to have that question answered so quickly. Michael hears a knock on his door and steps outside to find a gift basket full of yogurt. Clearly whoever left it knows Michael well. The gift comes with a note and a meeting time. The going theory from Fiona is that the basket is a gift from the agency.
Michael wanders onto the balcony of that courtyard shopping mall/restaurant/hotel space they’re sometimes meeting people at. His voiceover gives us some tips on meeting a new operative.
Michael wanders onto the balcony of that courtyard shopping mall/restaurant/hotel space they’re sometimes meeting people at. His voiceover gives us some tips on meeting a new operative.
- 7/17/2009
- by Everyn
- TVovermind.com
With merger plans moving toward finalization, WMA began Monday putting out more than 100 pink slips to personnel that won't be included in the combined William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. The layoffs cut across all divisions and mostly involve lower-level agents and their assistants in the Los Angeles and New York offices.
The company is giving those let go two weeks in the office to wrap up business and make their exit plans. Severance packages reportedly are significantly more robust than what is legally mandated.
As for higher-profile Wma staff, motion picture lit agent David Lonner, Steve Rabineau and top scripted agent Aaron Kaplan are leaving the Wma fold on their own, but it is not clear which, if any, other ranking agents will follow their lead.
Endeavor's downsizing plans remain unclear but are likely to be less sizable; high-ranking agents from that team who are leaving of their own accord include...
The company is giving those let go two weeks in the office to wrap up business and make their exit plans. Severance packages reportedly are significantly more robust than what is legally mandated.
As for higher-profile Wma staff, motion picture lit agent David Lonner, Steve Rabineau and top scripted agent Aaron Kaplan are leaving the Wma fold on their own, but it is not clear which, if any, other ranking agents will follow their lead.
Endeavor's downsizing plans remain unclear but are likely to be less sizable; high-ranking agents from that team who are leaving of their own accord include...
- 5/18/2009
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Agents at CAA, Icm and UTA are making no bones about the potential to profit from the infighting and departures.
By Lauren Horwitch
While the power players at William Morris and Endeavor celebrated the creation of Wme on Tuesday, their rivals were doing what agents do best: lick their chops.
Their colleagues at CAA, Icm and UTA are making no bones about the potential to profit from the in-fighting and departures.
Right away, certain agents are in play. On Monday David Lonner and Tom Strickler opted out of the new regime. On Tuesday, Endeavor's literary agent Brian Lipson and Wma literary agent Richard Knapp made known their intentions to do the same.
...
By Lauren Horwitch
While the power players at William Morris and Endeavor celebrated the creation of Wme on Tuesday, their rivals were doing what agents do best: lick their chops.
Their colleagues at CAA, Icm and UTA are making no bones about the potential to profit from the in-fighting and departures.
Right away, certain agents are in play. On Monday David Lonner and Tom Strickler opted out of the new regime. On Tuesday, Endeavor's literary agent Brian Lipson and Wma literary agent Richard Knapp made known their intentions to do the same.
...
- 4/29/2009
- by Lew Harris
- The Wrap
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
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
Endeavor has promoted agents Jennifer Rawlings and Megan Silverman to partner.
Rawlings counts Keisha Castle-Hughes, Alison Lohman, Josh Lucas, John Malkovich, Viggo Mortensen, Samantha Morton, Karl Urban and Rachel Weisz as clients. She spent 15 years at CAA before becoming partner, then moved to Endeavor in 2006.
Silverman's roster includes Paul Bettany, Amanda Bynes, Amber Heard, Shia Labeouf, Leighton Meester, Kay Panabaker, Ryan Phillippe and Emma Stone. She worked as a business affairs lawyer for New Work Entertainment and Fox before spending five years at Gersh as an agent. She moved to Endeavor in 2004.
The agency, founded in 1995, now has 28 partners, including Christopher Donnelly, Ari Emanuel, Nancy Josephson, Robert Newman, Philip Raskind, Tom Strickler, Brian Swardstrom and Patrick Whitesell.
"We're thrilled to welcome Jenny Rawlings and Megan Silverman to the partnership," the Endeavor partners said in a statement. "Both women have made significant contributions to the agency, and we look forward to...
Rawlings counts Keisha Castle-Hughes, Alison Lohman, Josh Lucas, John Malkovich, Viggo Mortensen, Samantha Morton, Karl Urban and Rachel Weisz as clients. She spent 15 years at CAA before becoming partner, then moved to Endeavor in 2006.
Silverman's roster includes Paul Bettany, Amanda Bynes, Amber Heard, Shia Labeouf, Leighton Meester, Kay Panabaker, Ryan Phillippe and Emma Stone. She worked as a business affairs lawyer for New Work Entertainment and Fox before spending five years at Gersh as an agent. She moved to Endeavor in 2004.
The agency, founded in 1995, now has 28 partners, including Christopher Donnelly, Ari Emanuel, Nancy Josephson, Robert Newman, Philip Raskind, Tom Strickler, Brian Swardstrom and Patrick Whitesell.
"We're thrilled to welcome Jenny Rawlings and Megan Silverman to the partnership," the Endeavor partners said in a statement. "Both women have made significant contributions to the agency, and we look forward to...
- 4/15/2009
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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