IT’S OFFICIAL – WMA & ENDEAVOR MERGE

Today, both the William Morris Agency and Endeavor’s Board of Directors voted yes to merge their two companies creating William Morris Endeavor (WME) Entertainment.  Of course the deal must go through regulatory scrutiny at the state level…plus the closing B.S…but there is a new landscape being plowed in the agency world. 

Combining the two rosters will make one fierce competitor for CAA, and leave the other full service agencies looking a little weak (UTA & Paradigm).  Now WME will be a real force in motion picture, TV, music, publishing, theatre, marketing, and more.  I don’t think you have seen the last merger in the agency world. 

Would love to know what you think.  And btw, don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/jimlewi

Speak with you soon…

Jim

THE WMA / ENDEAVOR MERGER

Well if it isn’t done yet, it will be very soon.  William Morris Agency will merge with Endeavor…probably by Monday afternoon.  Nikki Finke’s blog says the new company will be called WME Entertainment.  Those most effected by this merger are of course WMA and Endeavor agents (some of whom may lose their jobs) and CAA.  How will it change the face of entertainment?  It probably won’t. 

Truth is, although the agency business has changed a lot over the past 100-years, the agency business hasn’t really changed a lot over the past 100-years.  The primary job of an agent is still to find their clients work.  Negotiate on their behalf with studios, networks, producers, promoters, endorsers, etc, to get the best deal, and put their client in the most favorable light possible.  What the merger will do is create something new and shiny…and in a business where perception is everything, these guys will be carrying a nice head of steam. 

Of course with mergers comes job duplication…and layoffs.  If a business that is contracting, these people may find it tough going looking for new homes.  And although the merger certainly has the most dramatic effect on CAA, where does this leave UTA and Paradigm? 

Paradigm seems the stronger of the two due to its music roster which includes Cold Play, Dave Matthews, Phish, and Aerosmith.  If I’m UTA management right now, I would be eyeing Gersh, plus a music agency with a strong roster…maybe Dennis Arfa or The Agency Group. 

Well, lets see what the week brings us.  Hope you have a great one!

Speak with you soon…

Jim