Hollywood talent agency William Morris votes to merge with rival Endeavor amid recession
By APTuesday, April 28, 2009
Hollywood agencies William Morris, Endeavor merge
LOS ANGELES — Two of Hollywood’s biggest talent agencies are merging.
The 111-year-old William Morris Agency said Monday it will merge with upstart Endeavor, a 14-year-old agency cofounded by Ari Emanuel. The combined entity will be called William Morris Endeavor Entertainment.
Emanuel is brother to White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, and the inspiration behind the character Ari Gold in HBO’s “Entourage.”
The move attempts to shift leverage from movie studios and record labels back to musicians, actors, writers and directors.
The merger comes at a time when actors and musicians are being asked to reduce their upfront salary guarantees and instead participate in profits later on.
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