All articles tagged with #uta
Major talent agencies and producers have formed the American Entertainment Alliance to lobby for legislation requiring streaming platforms to allocate half their content budgets to independent productions.
The Boston Globe’s September 22 article about the mask policy controversy at Last Ditch Bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, has sparked interest from Hollywood for a scripted or documentary adaptation. The piece, which details the financial and social fallout after the bar made masks optional on Saturdays, has become one of the most-read stories in the newspaper's history and driven thousands of new subscriptions. UTA, which represents the Globe, is currently fielding inquiries from studios and producers. The story highlights the tension between progressive community values and the financial survival of local businesses.
Alex Cooper is leaving United Talent Agency (UTA) to join Creative Artists Agency (CAA) as her media company, Unwell, prepares for aggressive expansion following a $500 million valuation. The move follows a recent investment from Patrick Whitesell’s firm WTSL and occurs amid scrutiny over workplace culture and the shutdown of Unwell’s beverage line.
Podcast host Alex Cooper is leaving talent agency UTA to join Creative Artists Agency (CAA), according to multiple sources. The move follows a $500 million valuation of her media company, Unwell, backed by WTSL. While UTA declined to comment, insiders suggest the shift is driven by Unwell’s rapid expansion into film, TV, and live events, which requires a different representation structure. The transition occurs amid negative press regarding workplace culture and the shutdown of her beverage line.
Alex Cooper has exited UTA and is in talks with CAA, driven by Unwell's $500M valuation and WTSL investment, despite ongoing workplace controversy.
Deadline confirms Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper is in serious talks to move from UTA to CAA, with no deal finalized; UTA and CAA declined to comment, and Bloomberg was first to report the shift.
Alex Cooper left UTA amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding her Unwell venture and its high-profile partnerships, as she shifts focus to broader media operations. Unwell is expanding into TV, film, and live events with backing from Patrick Whitesell’s investment firm WTSL, while past exposés about workplace culture and industry tensions continue to color the narrative.
UTA hosted its fourth annual Pre-Met Gala party at Nubeluz in The Ritz-Carlton New York, partnering with Tanqueray. The event drew a star-studded crowd including Daisy Edgar-Jones, Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Janelle Monáe and Karlie Kloss, with bites from José Andrés Group, a Tanqueray olive-brine fountain, DJ Austin Millz, and luxe gift bags as fashion’s biggest night approached.
Actress Susan Sarandon says she was barred from major U.S. roles after publicly calling for a Gaza ceasefire, claiming her agency fired her and she had to seek work in Europe; she also contrasted Spain’s intellectual freedom with U.S. repression as she prepared for a Goya Award.
A prominent Hollywood power broker has parted ways with talent agency UTA over a dispute regarding a $950,000 expenses fund. The broker, who represents several high-profile clients, had been with UTA for over a decade before the split. This development underscores the ongoing tensions and power struggles within the entertainment industry.
Michael Kassan, the founder of MediaLink, has alleged in an arbitration filing that UTA undermined his business after acquiring it for $125 million, leading to his resignation. UTA, in turn, claims to have fired Kassan due to misappropriation of company funds and is preparing to take legal action against him. The dispute has put the future of MediaLink, a consultancy serving the technology, media, entertainment, and advertising sectors, in question. Kassan, known for his extensive industry connections, has a history of legal and professional challenges but has remained a prominent figure in the advertising business.
MediaLink founder Michael Kassan and UTA are embroiled in a legal battle involving allegations of fraud, breach of contract, and financial impropriety. Kassan filed a $25 million arbitration demand against UTA, accusing CEO Jeremy Zimmer of breach of contract and broken promises, while UTA countersued, alleging Kassan's misuse of corporate funds and resources. The dispute stems from Kassan's resignation from MediaLink and subsequent fallout with UTA following its acquisition of MediaLink. Both parties are pointing fingers and engaging in a heated legal showdown.
MediaLink founder and UTA partner Michael Kassan has accused UTA of breach of contract and fraud following its 2021 acquisition of MediaLink, claiming that UTA executives engaged in bad faith in managing the company. Kassan alleges that UTA failed to deliver on key promises of the acquisition, including centralizing UTA's marketing department under MediaLink and pressuring Kassan to raise fees for outside customers while offering discounts to UTA clients. UTA, in response, stated that Kassan was terminated for cause following an investigation into misappropriation of company funds. Kassan is seeking damages worth at least $25 million and compensation for attorneys' fees.
Susan Sarandon's son, Miles Robbins, has asked fans to stop using a video of his mother in which she appears with her "honkers out," following her recent departure from Hollywood agency UTA due to her controversial remarks about the Israel-Hamas war. The video in question shows Susan in a sheer bra and white robe while getting her hair and makeup done. Miles' plea on Twitter received cheeky responses from fans. Sarandon's exit from UTA came after comments she made about Israel at a pro-Palestinian rally, including chanting a slogan some consider antisemitic. Melissa Barrera, another Hollywood star, was also dropped by her agent for making similar comments.
Hollywood agency United Talent Agency (UTA) has severed ties with actress Susan Sarandon after she made anti-Semitic remarks, expressing her support for protesters conversing with Jewish Americans at a pro-Palestinian event. Sarandon's comments, including comparing the experience of American Jews to that of Muslims in the country, have drawn criticism and led to her termination by UTA. The Academy Award-winning actress has been with the agency since 2014 but has now been dropped.