It's official. United Talent Agency just confirmed to me that Tracey Jacobs is staying. Even if Jim Berkus et al had to write her a fat check, it was a smart move. With Johnny Depp and other great clients, plus a reputation wihin the Industry for smarts and savvy, Jacobs is a rare superstar talent agent. I hear UTA very soon will be making more such announcements protecting its partners and agents from poaching by other tenpercenteries. The best defense is a good offense.
As I reported yesterday, Defamer.com posted an untrue story that Jacobs was heading to Endeavor with Johnny Depp and other clients in tow. I'd been knocking down this Tracey Jacobs-is-leaving rumor for nearly two weeks because no deal was in place even though her people were calling around with a price quote for her. As I said, she couldn't leave UTA without also leaving a shitload of money behind her. Because in addition to Johnny Depp, she has two big TV stars that are integrally involved in UTA television packages: William Petersen in CSI and Vincent D'Onofrio in Law & Order: Criminal Intent. With those golden handcuffs on her wrists, no agency wanted to write that huge check. The strategy was to slow-play her so maybe she'd agree to take less money to move from UTA. But now that's moot.
UPDATE: Many UTA Partners Are in Play; Tracey Jacobs Not Leaving UTA For Now
oh, please, vital business decision for UTA while they continue to have the pleasure of dealing with her. Superstar agent, seriously?
Comment by kkate — April 23, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
She’s a total nightmare to deal with…but no more so than a lot of others at her level.
I’m not so impressed by the Depp connection…he doesn’t really need her to stay in business. He could be repped by the cashier at Sprinkles and still get the same roles he’s getting now.
Comment by Charlotte A. Cavatica — April 23, 2008 @ 10:01 pm