As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours navigating the virtual world of cutthroat competition and corporate politics, I can’t help but draw parallels between my gaming escapades and the latest shake-up at United Talent Agency (UTA).
This is the period when annual budget decisions are made in Hollywood, a time that arrives amidst industry-wide cost reductions, affecting executives as well as support staff, throughout this year.
The Talent Agency based in Beverly Hills, led by CEO Jeremy Zimmer, is undergoing some reductions and letting go of approximately 10 agents whose contracts were not renewed, according to a source. Additionally, two notable exits at the agency have been reported internally recently, including the departure of an executive who had been a key figure in UTA’s sports division.
After almost two decades with the company, Andrew Thau, who also served as co-head of UTA Sports, is set to depart. In a memo to staff, agency president David Kramer confirmed that Thau will remain until the end of the year to help with the transition, and will continue consulting for UTA through part of 2025. The sports division, which encompasses Klutch Sports and acquisitions like ROOF (Euro soccer agency), will now be overseen by Rich Paul.
Andrea Nelson Meigs, who had worked at UTA for the past four years as a partner, is also leaving at the end of this year. In a separate message to the staff, talent co-chiefs Chris Hart and Jay Gassner wrote that she will be taking a break to explore other options and spend more time with her family after over two decades in agenting. Meigs’ clientele includes Courtney B. Vance, Beyoncé, Ellen Burstyn, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
UTA, a company that rivals CAA and WME in the full-service industry, boasts over 2,000 employees and expanded its team by approximately 20 agents in 2024. This year, the agency has been making news headlines following a public disagreement between Michael Kassan, who managed the MediaLink division UTA acquired for $125 million in 2021, and UTA’s upper management. This conflict was eventually taken to arbitration for resolution.
A spokesperson did not add additional comment on the departures at the agency.
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2024-11-01 20:24