2ND UPDATE: I've confirmed the names of 3 so far in the talent department and in motion picture lit -- Holly Baril, Louise Ward, Brian Stern (NY). There will be more. This was discussed at a staff meeting, but all the names haven't been released inside Morris yet. (See, none are on the moneymaking music side.)
This is the agency world, so you know the bigger the prick you are the more likely you are to keep your job. Think of the most moral and decent people and figure they are the one’s to be fired.
Comment by Anonymous — October 6, 2008 @ 4:42 pm
hearing that the agents are:
Holly Baril
Brian Depersia
Louise Ward
Ken Freimann
Phillip Grenz
Craig Kestel
Comment by Bob Roberts — October 6, 2008 @ 6:37 pm
The problem with William Morris is the MANAGEMENT!!!!!!! .They have Gaby Morgerman as the head of the talent department… Hello???? How is she going to compete with Ari Emanuel, Brian Swardstrom, Patrick Whitsell, Bryan Lourd, Kevin Huvane,Hylda Queally (a former WMA agent that the management let go…..) These junior people- never stood a chance! How can they service clients that the agency doesn’t have..
Comment by dave — October 6, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
The rumors about Phillip Grenz and Craig Kestel being fired are absolutely 100% wrong. They both have a lot of business at William Morris.
Comment by Mark — October 6, 2008 @ 7:34 pm
Whoa, firing 6 on the 6th. One more 6 and you’ve got the sign of the devil, which is appropriate considering this is William Morris we’re talking about.
Comment by billythekid — October 6, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
They really should get rid of the loathsome Cassian Elwes. It looks like Kestel, who works for him, is taking the hit for the indie division.
Comment by Dixon Steele — October 6, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
Cassian is terrible. Name a good movie he’s put together.
Comment by Yeah — October 6, 2008 @ 7:57 pm
The previous comment above is correct. I can confirm that Philip Grenz still works at William Morris.
Comment by Bob — October 6, 2008 @ 8:26 pm
Cassian Elway has ruined and or helped stall many filmmakers careers…his brother has talent, he needs to go.
Comment by Dixon is right — October 6, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
Kestel is not taking the hit on the indie division since he is not a part of that group…he is in the lit department. He should get fired though since his integrity and character is extremely questionable. He’s lied to many writer / director friends of mine he’s tried to sign.
In fairness to WMA, when the economy is in crisis mode, all companies resort to reducing overhead. The problem with WMA is that the wrong action plans are often implemented.
Kestel should be let go, but not Grenz since he is a very good servicer.
Comment by Scott Phillips — October 6, 2008 @ 8:50 pm
Louise Ward started at WMA a little over a year ago after leaving Innovative with Channing Tatum. Why would Morris risk losing an up and comer like Tatum?
Comment by Anonymous — October 6, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
Well Kestel’s worked his ass off for the clients he and I share. He’s a total dedicated work-aholic. I’ve been assured he’s staying.
Comment by Jim Strader — October 6, 2008 @ 10:29 pm
Interesting that the post about wiatt and wirtschafter was taken down, since the fish does stink from the head. As a former agent at WMA, I can tell you this is one of the worst run companies in this town. And I’m not one of the old schoolers who think norman brokaw and sam haskel hang the moon, I base my opinion on having worked several places and witnessing the just irresponsible behavior an greed of all upper management at wma.
Comment by MLK — October 6, 2008 @ 10:39 pm
Scott Phillips is a moron. I’ve known Craig for many years and so have many people in various circles — independent and studio alike. As a person and as an agent, he possesses an integrity that few people in this town can claim to have. He’s a good friend and most of all a real person - east coast to the core, true to his word, and he’ll fight for projects he believes in long after everyone else has given up.
It’s really sad that random people can pop onto these message boards and try to destroy the character of people they’ve clearly never met, but so be it. We can also defend them. I’m guessing I’m not alone as the lurkers who are reading comments like this are probably shaking their heads also. Consider the record straightened.
Comment by Jay — October 6, 2008 @ 11:03 pm
It amazes me that Craig Kestel’s name has been included in this rumor. It simply is NOT true. In fact, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Contrary to “Scott Phillips”’ comments, he is a genuine, stand up guy. As many of us know all too well, these sorts of things are put out there by people who have questionable agendas. I’ve personally worked with CK numerous times, and know him to be nothing other than honorable, trustworthy, and a guy who gets his job done extremely well (that, I guess, could be reason enough for some out there who would rather spend their time propagating things like this than keeping their nose to the grindstone like he does).
Comment by Lorenzo — October 6, 2008 @ 11:31 pm
Sarah Bottfeld, Brian DiPersia, and Ken Freimann are all out.
Comment by Boohoo — October 7, 2008 @ 12:46 am
Craig Kestel is a nice guy. I understand not everyone gets along with everyone in this industry. But, wow, he doesn’t deserve to be trashed like one of the previous posters did.
Comment by Chris Ryan — October 7, 2008 @ 1:09 am
Regarding Louise Ward, it would be sad, but it wouldnt surprise me if she were let go because unfortunately, the writing was on the wall. From what I understand, the problem is that Michael Cooper had always wanted to sign him, so WMA acquired Ward then put Michael Cooper on the Tatum team with the objective of eventually letting her go. The fact that she was pregnant when she was brought over gave him time to develop the necessary rapport etc.
Her being let go is bottom line business. It ain’t ever pretty.
Regarding Craig Kestel, I can’t help but be slightly amused. My company has dealt with him for several years and there are a few things that are certain.
To claim that Kestel has an integrity that few people can claim is absurdly ridiculous. At WMA, that would go to people like Mike Simpson, Wirtschafter, and from what I hear, Mark Geiger, to name a few. I do hate to say this, because i know him as well, but he is a jerk to people. You can tell the true quality of someone by how they treat the people they don’t need anything from, and if you’ve known him like several of us have (he has pitched our company several times), he is not a genuinely nice guy. Rather, he is a lonely and unhappy person consumed with his job because that is all he has, and he’s not as effective as he could be when you consider that truth. That is why it wouldn’t surprise me if he were let go. If you bring in 2 cents from indy related revenue, yet cost a company 5, 10 or 20 cents, it would make sense that you make executive decisions,like lay-offs. We had to do it recently, too.
I hope the company continues to do well because i like the folks there and have given them good business, but unfortunately, i fear that this economy is going to continue to spiral downwards. Everyone, believe me, brace yourselves because there are going to be a lot more lay-offs across the board.
Comment by Fair Play to Good Art — October 7, 2008 @ 4:27 am
brian stern? that guy has a solid list
Comment by riddick bowe — October 7, 2008 @ 5:57 am
I find it incredibly audacious for these people to be let go just as the board withdrew from the company like an ATM a good portion of the nine-figure windfall from the sale of WMA’s Beverly Hills real estate. The poor mouthing that I’m sure accompanied this announcement couldn’t ring more hollow or be more insulting.
Meanwhile, real dead weight (Joanne Wiles still has a job?) floats on because of their relationships with one or more of the rather useless management, while hard working, well-liked agents who sign and book jobs get the axe. And Wiatt, et al continue on, thinking a talent agency need not represent talent. If they lose Channing Tatum out of this–and if Louise has any backbone she’ll walk right over to Endeavor with him–they truly don’t have even a hint of a clue. Corporate consulting and music booking do not a talent agency make.
Comment by Anonymous — October 7, 2008 @ 6:25 am
Wiatt is well respected at WMA. Like all businesses, there are conflicts but WMA is a very solid agency. Still in the top three. Compare it to other train wrecks like ICM.
Comment by Anonymous — October 7, 2008 @ 6:35 am
I’m a little surprised that the comment about Wiatt Wirtschafter, and Weintraub was removed. If WMA was a public company, it would be scrutinized and found to be operating in a questionable manner. Jim’s number 1 business guy, Irv Weintraub, is a horrible person who has screwed over people the people who hired him. He has no integrity and as the previous blogger indicated, is not respected (nor liked) internally or externally. He may have lost weight but he can’t shed his reputation. There is a dearth of talent due to the managment style - especially Gaby. She wouldn’t be where she is today if it wasn’t for her husband. Talent - what talent? I’d call it the “lack of talent” department. The management is loathed. If it weren’t for the income generated by Mark Itkin’s Television Division (and the real estate holdings that are known only to certain members of the board) the company would be in severe financial trouble. There is no strategy and total lack of visionary leadership (unlike CAA and Endeaver - and even Paradigm). Further, they do like to mock those (behind their back) who made the agency what it once was. They have lost numerous incredible agents (Hylda, Todd, Michelle, etc.) to other agencies. Some of these people left due to the fact that WMA wanted to cut their contract agreed upon salaries. The leadership is a group of unethical, greedy Hollywood misfits - no social skills, no vision and a lack of integrity. They may be moving to a new building, but to shed their skins (like the snakes that they are), they will need to bring in true leaders. The board, which is run by Jim and Dave’s favorites, will, unfortunatly, never do this. And being a private company, the shareholders (senior management who arbitrarily decides who will make what) will only bow down to Dave, Jim and Irv’s commands. It is sad that a company with such rich history and innovative business acumen is now being run into the ground. For the young agents (DePersia who was Jim’s loyal and trusted assistant - and is an amazing agent), they will realize in time that this is a good thing for them. While it may be a sad day in Hollywood for those agents who are without work in today’s financial crisis, it is William Morris who will suffer in the long run from such inept leadership.
Comment by Lisa — October 7, 2008 @ 7:28 am
Sam Haskel was frozen out by the WMA young turks, so when he parted the agency it began the imminent decline. With Haskell concentrating on a tell-all memoir (I know an editor and had a glimpse at what is coming soon!) Sam dishes the truth as he says “goodbye” to showbiz opening acts and steps onto the real stage as Governor of Mississippi. Truth be told WMA has been a bottom feeder since buying up the super trendy Triad Artists decades ago. The agency should have dumped Nicole David and Arnold Rifkin when they had the chance!
WMA has a terrible karmic price to pay- and they will reap what they sow and everyone knows it. I have no sympathy for WMA and they day they brought in Ed Limato was the day the agency died. And like all tired gas bags- it takes forever for the eternally winded to die and this agency is will wind down similarly!
The good news is it won’t be long now!
Ding dong- the witch is dead…She’s gone where the goblins go below…below below yo ho…!
Comment by Sterling — October 7, 2008 @ 8:28 am
Well, rumors aside, I’m interested to see how this all shakes out (i.e. who’s 8really* being fired).
One thing about WMA - they hustle to package films like no other agency i’ve ever dealt with. It may be because they have to since they don’t have the rosters of CAA and Endeavor. but still, overall they do a nice job IMHO.
Comment by yo — October 7, 2008 @ 8:58 am
Why DiPersia? He is a good guy.
Comment by anton combenew — October 7, 2008 @ 9:30 am
The above comment was issued from WMA’s PR department which is blog savvy, Congrats, Nikke, you have WMA’s attention. “Often there are conflicts..” is out of the Beginner’s PR manual. Personally, Wiatt is to WMA what Richard Fuld is to Lehman Brothers. Just wait for one of his fired agents to come punch him out on the treadmill at the company gym as Fuld was.
Comment by squire — October 7, 2008 @ 9:43 am
had dinner with Craig last night. he paid and he’s safe.
they are (and anybody would be) lucky to have him.
Comment by Unnamed — October 7, 2008 @ 10:16 am
Man, what is up with these agencies? I think FEAR is the big driver here. But agencies have to be nimble - we live in a time where there are no guarantees anymore. If WMA can make $ with music, so be it. But don’t be shocked WMA if you start losing actors with that kind of thinking. Like ICM and it’s lit heavy posture, actors seemed secondary there.
Comment by F. — October 7, 2008 @ 10:42 am
Remember you read this here first:
The media conglomerates have been invested in a five year plan to get rid of the unions and force the Hollywood economy back to the Stone Age. But what many do not know is that part of the plan is a scheme to eradicate the talent agency business as well.
While very quiet, the congloms have figured out a way to stop the strong-arming, package fees and general b.s. They think this will weaken the workforce and allow easier domination of the market.
It’s sketchy but like all new innovation, it involves technology,information sharing and open access to buyers.
Of course no one will believe this until it happens.
Comment by Chance Sommers — October 7, 2008 @ 10:46 am
I thought Brian Stern was an assistant, no?
Comment by Dell — October 7, 2008 @ 11:34 am
Holly Baril was a great agent for Wm. Morris. In the world of TV casting, you can’t find a better covering agent for pilots. That’s a real loss to the casting community.
Comment by castinglady — October 7, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
Word on the street is that they are going to be hearing “Seacrest Out” soon.
Comment by Kim — October 7, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
I think there are some telling facts that speak more to the state of WMA than the crazy personalities, lack of leadership, greediness, etc.
1) Has any other agency besides ICM lost as many agents over the past ten years, including many top agents, like Steve Dontanville, Hylda Queally, Todd Feldman, Michelle Bohan, Sam haskell, Richard Rosenberg, Greg Lipstone, etc.? In turn, look at all the clients they lost. And does anyone who has left speak fondly of the place?
2) If any industrious reporter cared to do the legwork, you would note that most of the announcements coming out of their corporate consulting department and indie film department have either amounted to nothing or have been bullshit from the beginning.
3) Why is WMA never in the running to sign top talent? Fundamental issue.
4) WMA always seems to be a press annoucnment in search of reality…remember how Michelle Wie was going to change the face of sports or how all the funds Cassian Elwes set up would revolutionize indie film, or how the corporate consulting offereed unique ways for companies to “swim up stream”…like salmon, the companies’ usually got what they deserved…
Comment by Justin — October 7, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
WMA’s talent division should take a hit. They suck.
Comment by client — October 7, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
Wiatt has been having very, very confidential (so confidential in fact that Wirtschafter and The Board don’t know) conversations about bringing back his BFF - Ben Silverman.
Comment by Anne — October 7, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
How could anyone forget the Wirtshafter interview. He moved to the music department after he destroyed the motion picture department. Speaking about his clients deals… calling Alicia Keyes his favorite client (scored big points with Halle Berry).
A lot of the agents over there were nice people but were not doing a great job because a lot of them had been taught poorly by the bosses. There is no leadership. The great agents all left for Endeavor or CAA because of the lack of leadership.
Actors make movies happen. Writers and Directors follow the actors because they need them to green light their films. If you are a director and need a star to get your film going… WMA has very few that get films green lit. The biggest problem is that the heads of WMA are in denial over this. They think it is not about the stars and it is only about the music and office buildings.
Poor Louise Ward. They got her to leave Innovative when she was 7 months pregnant (not even a year ago) and then stole her client Channing Tatum and got rid of her. The department heads are truly lost and need to realize that it all starts at the top!
Comment by Anonymous — October 7, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
I’m sure he likes to think of himself as an agent, Dell.
Comment by Egg — October 7, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
I laughed out loud when I saw Gaby’s name in the comments (props to Lisa, dave and R. Stein). In my personal opinion, her position explains a lot about WM’s troubles. I knew her back when she was very attractive and very lazy. Even as a junior agent - in an agency full of hard working kids - she was famous for ‘not reading.’ Producers and Directors would go into meetings with questions about their scripts, knowing she’d hadn’t done her homework. Gaby’s inane responses became running jokes during production…
I’m not saying she’s a bad person. In my opinion, she’s just well-connected and lazy, not a great choice for leadership.
Comment by Back In The Day — October 7, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
What is the real story between Stern Bohan and Wiatt? Was she fired or did she quit? I hear Wiatt caught her in a lie about other offers during renegotiation and booted her ass out.
Comment by lulu de f — October 7, 2008 @ 2:26 pm
lets look at the facts people -
5 years ago, Jim Wiatt, Dave Wirtschafter and Irv Weintraub along with the board of WMA made a game changing decision - to remove their Non-Agents (and those who pretended to be Agents) from the decision making and from deciding the future of the Agency. Since then, the Agency has been on a roll.
All of these entries are obviously written by former WMA Agents who have all been asked to leave the Agency for their lack of contribution and are still upset about it.
WMA is doing amazing - Look at their media business - Film, Music, Talent, TV, Corporate, Books, International Penetration, Comic Books, Theatre, Digital, Sports Marketing……
Look at the facts………
Comment by these are the facts — October 7, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
These are the facts? WMA spinmeisters can do better than that. Why didn’t they just sign it?
Comment by dougie — October 7, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
The facts? Obviously written by a company insider (PR Department)????
Comment by Jonathan — October 7, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
That’s funny about Stern Bohan. I heard she was in rehab for lying. The waspy husband was going to divorce her. What’s the story with her pal Dontanville? Did he implode or what? Lot of former assistants celebrating that downfall, and a few ex clients too. Sela Ward fired him, Meg fired him, Courtney Love fired him, Anne Hesche fired himI think Patrick Stewart fired him. He was known at WMA for screaming at his assistants and being rude to fellow employees. Made Randie Michelle cry. What happened to him? He was Wiatt’s boy.
Comment by agent orange — October 7, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
On a roll? They have next to no major A-list film actors. Stallone? Eddie Murphy? Travolta? Old news. And their recent big gets are people like Jennifer Hudson and Scarlett Johanssen and Eric Bana. Yeah, they rake in the big bucks. Boy, that’s “amazing.”
International Penetration? What is that, foreign porn?
Comment by On a roll? — October 7, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
I had dinner with Jim Wiatt last night and I can confirm he is still working at William Morris.
Comment by ace — October 7, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
These are all probably being written by Sam Haskell.
That guy really sucked and was the biggest bottom feeder in the history of the business.
Comment by bill g — October 7, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
If indeed it is true that five years ago, Dave, Jim and Irv made the decision to rid the board of non-agents, then Sam Haskell, Richard Rosenberg and Steve Kram would have still been in place (given that it would have been 2003). They were ousted in Dec. ‘04. Someone (the PR Department) should get their facts straight. The company has a dearth of talent (both inside the walls of One William Morris Place) and on their client roster. Whoever made the comment about Weintraub should be commended. Karma is a bitch and his will come in due time.
Comment by Alison — October 7, 2008 @ 4:23 pm
Leaders should inspire, engage, and motivate.
I have worked with the leadership of WMA for 10 years, and although some are nice, others are not as effective, like John Fogelman. As was mentioned above, how do you lose such good agents like Feldman, Bohan, Dontanville, and Queally, to name a few…all who represented quality actors?
If the company really wanted to be effective, they should replace John Fogelman, who has the talent list of a junior agent at Innovative, excluding JJ Abrams, who I heard Fogelman forcefully took from David Lonner. Leaders lead by example and Fogelman is all ego and bark. Then again, you can’t fault an accountant for wanting to play agent. The problem is that the Agency suffers.
On the independent division, remove Rena Ronson. I, along with countless colleagues from various production entities, have given her countless scripts to read that she’s solicited and promised to help get financed. I have never met a lazier individual in my life. She doesn’t read scripts, she’s never in her office, and she doesn’t answer or return calls (and from what i hear from WMA agents, she really slow to even return their calls!) My guess is if you segment worker productivity between her and the other co-head, her partner is the real engine and her Return on Equity (ROE) would be very low. Her only saving grace is that she can hide behind the work of the department and Mr. Elwes in order to show value.
Comment by Armchair Observer — October 7, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
What is with the WMA curse? I was there in the Rifkin days when we all had to endure those endless Tony Robbins inspired staff meetings. Believing that I might one day be required to don a track suit and drink suspicious Kool-Aid, I high-tailed it out of there, just before WMA effectively traded John Burnham for half of ICM. For awhile, things were really on a roll with Wiatt in charge, but now nearly a decade later the place is once again a mess. Anyone with any integrity has fled or been tossed out on their ass. Yet the non-existent abilities of someone as useless as Gaby are rewarded - Gaby must have some seriously compromising photos of Irv to have hung onto her job this long.
Comment by TH — October 7, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
One more post defending Craig Kestel’s character… known him for several years and he’s never asked me for a thing, even when I was in a position to share extremely high level information… not so much as a copy of a script. He’s only ever been a decent, genuine person who extolled the virtues of his clients and pleasingly normal outside of the office.
My wife agrees even though she hasn’t been a WMA client for several years…
Comment by Shane — October 7, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
lets look at the facts people -
5 years ago, Jim Wiatt, Dave Wirtschafter and Irv Weintraub along with the board of WMA made a game changing decision - to remove their Non-Agents (and those who pretended to be Agents) from the decision making and from deciding the future of the Agency. Since then, the Agency has been on a roll. UH, THE DECISION WAS ALONG THE LINES OF SOPHIE’S CHOICE, THE GUYS WHO LEFT DID SO ON THEIR OWN, OPTING OUT OF THE CONSTANT FIGHTS WITH W&W. IT WAS EITHER THEM OF W&W, SO THE OTHER THREE TOOK THE MONEY AND RAN. HAD IT GONE THE OTEHR WAY, A LIKELY OUTCOME, W&W WOULD BE GONE…WEINTRAUB JUST SAW WHERE HIS LOAF OF BREAD WAS BUTTERED AND SOLD OUT HIS GOOD FRIENDS TO STAY AND PRETEND HE WAS A PLAYA’
All of these entries are obviously written by former WMA Agents who have all been asked to leave the Agency for their lack of contribution and are still upset about it. OR CHOSE TO LEAVE BECAUSE OF THE INSANITY, BAD LEADERSHIP AND MISMANAGEMENT…OR THEY HAVE FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS WHO WORK IN THAT SOUL SUCK.
WMA is doing amazing - Look at their media business - Film, Music, Talent, TV, Corporate, Books, International Penetration, Comic Books, Theatre, Digital, Sports Marketing……FILM TALENT IS SECOND TIER; MUSIC IS DOMINANT; TV HAS BEEN ON A STEADY DECLINE, JUST LOOK AT THEIR PACKAGES; CORPORATE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SHINY MONEY LOSER THAT ENABLES WIATT TO PRETEND HE’S A TITAN OF INDUSTRY; BOOKS IS GOOD BUT NOT THE SAME SINCE JONIE EVANS AND SOME OF THE OTHER TOP AGENTS WERE FORCED OUT; HAVE NO IDEA WHAT INTERNATIONAL PENETRATION MEANS (THAT BOONDOGGLE IN MIAMI THAT HAS AMOUNTED ONLY TO DINNERS WITH MODELS AND CUBAN CIGARS?) THAT ONE PERSON DYNAMO OF A CHINA OFFICE? THE LONDON OFFICE, WHOSE TOP TWO PEOPLE HAVE LEFT OVER THE PAST YEAR? COMIC BOOKS???? SURE, THEY INVENTED THEM, I GUESS. THEATER, YEAH THAT’S BEEN A BIG MONEYMAKER SINCE GEORGE LANE LEFT; DIGITAL???? OOOKK; SPORTS MARKETING? LIKE ANDY RODDICK? MICHELLE WIE? OR JUST HANGING OUT WITH ATHLETES AROUND THE WORLD?
Look at the facts………I JUST DID.
Comment by MIKE O — October 7, 2008 @ 8:53 pm
There is a good reason that you can never find a former William Morris agent who has a nice thing to say about the place. As a fish stinks from the head down, so does WMA, but Wiatt & co are no worse than the previous administration that drained money from the company. Only Brokaw actually brought in more than he was paid out. the others like Zifkin were a total waste It seems the curse of WMA has nothing to do with who runs it. It’s the same old story as never learning from your mistakes. They like to pit their agents against one another and then fire the loser. Nothing wrong with taking an aggressive attitude, but then look at the results. Other agencies made it work, but WMA never will. it must be in the genes of the company. The former board ie; Haskell, Kram and others did nothing but rape the accounts of the working agents who actually represented the clients. Baril lasted years longer than she should have but I have to say hats off to IW for screwing everyone around you and still being there. you must have some great pictures of Wiatt
Comment by no doubt — October 7, 2008 @ 9:57 pm
WMA just got over $180 million for their building and they are laying people off in the worst recession we’ve ever seen. that’s real classy. the people running that place are worthless as human beings.
Comment by karma — October 7, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
People… a few agents lost their jobs probably because they didn’t perform well. That’s all it is… The comments on this post conjure images of those who have been relegated to desks in Siberia or insurance companies in the valley, huddled around their laptops in Starbucks and Internet cafes during their lunch break and posting vitriol and conjecture. What a waste of table space.
Comment by who's better than you? — October 7, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
The real problem with WMA is not only Gaby Morgerman, but John Fogelman and Jim Wiatt. John Fogelman think’s his shit don’t stink. He treats his assistant’s like dirt and he is possibly the worst agent out there. Doesn’t read a script. He has his underling, Esther Chang, do all his dirty work and deal with his clients, Kevin Spacey and ERic Bana. Fogelman could only dream of coming close to a Bryan Lourd or Ari E. Fogelman plans to take over for Jim when he’s done and then WMA will be in real trouble. Also they have lost so many good agents over the years not to mention the clients that went with the agents like Steve Carrell, Todd Phillips, Kate WInslet, Cate Blanchett, Reese Witherspoon etc…. I’m sure Jim is just waiting for his cash of the WMA sale and then may retire in a few years and take his money and run…which he should do after fucking up Eddie Murphy’s career with movies like Dave and Pluto Nash. What the hell was he thinking, but I guess he just wanted to cash that fat commission check off Eddie’s $20 million pay days. WMA has so many problems, but the real problems are with the talent dept. and you can only blame Fogelman and Morgerman. They pay agent Micheal Cooper too much I hear and then were going to fire good agents like DePersia and Phillip Grenz who make no money and service whatever clients they have. Cooper did wonders for Josh Brolin’s carrer, but is Cooper really worth $800k a year. Now guys like Aaron Kaplan and Mark Itkin are worth their $4 million plus salaries. Also I hear Gaby Morgerman is a nasty bitch and the reason they can’t fire her is because they don’t want to lose her husband’s business at WMA. The husband controls the Wayan Bros as well as South Park guys which is Gaby’s business.
Comment by Jimmy — October 7, 2008 @ 10:41 pm
What about Ramses “the Liar” IsHak? And his mentor, Alan “my career is over” Gasmer? IsHak has lost so many clients he spends his days fruitlessly trying to poach clients from other agencies. His nickname “the Liar” was given to him by the head of a studio and now that is they way he is referred to by EVERY STUDIO. Gasmer is pathetic. His career peaked 13 years ago and now he spends his time reading magazines in his office all day. Talk about deadwood. Give them the boot….
Comment by Jeff — October 8, 2008 @ 1:39 am
Their is no “Biggest Looser” than Irv Weintraub. He represents everything that is terrible about Hollywood (failed up, screwed those that were loyal to him, lies, dishonest, insecure, a yes man, a “non” agent, not very smart, etc.). Now that he perceives that he is in a position of power, watch out. Someday, he will screw you as he did his former loyal confidantes. You can put lipstick on a pig…..
Comment by Arnold — October 8, 2008 @ 9:28 am
This is for Alison…
It shows how little you know. Sam Haskell, Richard Rosenberg and Steve Kram all chose to leave on their own. They weren’t pushed out. If you worked there (WMA), then you’d want to leave too!
Comment by Anonymous — October 8, 2008 @ 10:40 am
Grenz should be fired. He operates out of fear and has no moral compass. Actually, knowing WMA corporate culture, he should be promoted
Comment by grace — October 8, 2008 @ 10:54 am
Grace:
Whoever you are, it is clear to me you obviosuly don’t know Philip Grenz. I have worked with him for his entire career in this business and he has the uptmost moral integrity. Regarding your comment about him having fear, that it truly laughable. As anyone who has ever sat in a WMA staff meeting can affirm, Philip is NEVER one to mince his words. His humor and opinions are abundant in the WMA hallways. Which will continue to occur as he is still a valued member of the talent department.
Comment by Anonymous — October 8, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
So what is the final list of who was fired? Nikki we need a follow up to this!
Comment by the final list — October 8, 2008 @ 1:47 pm
Philip Grenz is one of the only agents over there with a moral compass. Clearly ‘Grace’ is confused or knows nothing about WMA and the people over there. He works his ass off and actually provides service. I’ve known Grenz for years and he has never been anything but a stand-up guy who tells it to you straight whether it’s what you want to hear or not. He’s his own man in a sea of sycophants. With Depersia gone, he’s now the only go-to guy over there in talent.
Comment by Mac — October 8, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
Depersia out! Nice guy. Not agent material.
Comment by David — October 8, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
Philip Grenz has as sound a moral compass as Mother Theresa. Anyone who worked with, for, or above him will attest to that fact.
Comment by Tim — October 8, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
like it or not, WMA will be around long after we are all gone. So lets all worry about what we are doing.
Comment by Leave it alone — October 8, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
It is amazing in all of these postings that the names of Wirtschafter’s two key people - Phillip Button and Jill Smoller have not been mentioned. They are innept. Button is dumber than a box of rocks. Promises the world. Delivers NOTHING. Smoller hasn’t made a dime on her very, very weak list of “sports” stars. Where are the millions that Wie was supposed to bring in? She travels the world, ducks in and out of the office and spends lavishly - with no accountability. She must cost the company millions in T+E alone. She delivers nothing. Empty suits and vapid human beings. If there was accountability, most of these people would be standing the the long and growing employment line.
Comment by Andy Wie — October 8, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
To whoever posted that Wiatt and Wirtshafter got rid of non-agents, does anyone have a clue what John Mass does? What is Johnny Levin doing these days in that non-agenting IP department? What deals has China brokered? talk about a money drain. Irv Weintraub, non-agent, pulls in millions a year…
John Fogelman is morally bankrupt, but still closer to a human being than Wiatt. The one to watch out for is Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, she has cast a spell on all the top male executives and is a viper, which has led her to become part of the ultra secret “compensation committee,” aka, the board within a board, which decides what people get paid and gets a little somethin’ somethin’ extra after everyone has bonused.
Comment by Ari — October 8, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
Depersia out! See ya’ll l8tr. Going to the beach now.
Comment by Christopher — October 8, 2008 @ 4:29 pm
Anyone hear Wattenberg coming back?
Comment by Cara — October 8, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
Any truth to Rena Ronson being axed?
Comment by Stacey — October 8, 2008 @ 4:34 pm
China is a joke. Headed by someone’s former assistant. Promoted from assistant to Managing Director. Who have they signed? What has been the return on the investment? Ask Irv - he manages her - and should take accountability. As for those two lit women in NY - they are evil. Cara Stein is great. She should run for the door and take her client list and a few of her colleagues with her. As for the compensation committee, no-one (with the exception of those of are on it) knows who is on it. Jim Wiatt - wake up and smell the coffee. Or has Starbucks bailed on your corporate consulting group as well…another joke…
Comment by Morris Stoller — October 8, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
Grenz has the social skills of an ape, the intellectual depth of a flee, the sex appeal of a squash and is a great yes man. Sure he can service clients but has he ever signed one?
Comment by rex — October 8, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
Anyone know if they really let Brian Stern in NY go? That guy did have a solid client list and was a good guy.
Comment by Bret Michaels — October 8, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
any word on the final list of agents who got walking papers?
Comment by Bret Michaels — October 8, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Hey, anonymous, I know Grenz better than you do. Learn to write an English sentence. I guess they didn’t fire him. But of course they don’t pay him much. And this is just the beginning. Cuts throughout all business will be a good excuse for agencies to trim down as their business naturally declines. I’d be looking for another job.
Comment by grace — October 8, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
Philip is sexier than a squash. But I don’t think he has ever signed a money making client. Sorry Phil.
Comment by rachel b — October 8, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
Hey fired guys: I hear Management 360 is looking for help.
Comment by lily — October 8, 2008 @ 6:16 pm
How old is Bymel anyway? Did she retire?
Comment by tom — October 8, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
Really? People feel the need to comment on the sexiness of an agent? Guess what? What matters is that they do a great job, make money for the agency, have great relationships plus service the studios, producers AND their clients. Grenz does that all.
Comment by BMc — October 8, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
What you need to understand y’all is that none of those fired had lists. They were servicers. Covering agents who had little to no contact with the talent. Occasionally they spoke with the clients manager but most of the time they must go through the controlling agent.
Comment by Greg — October 8, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
The root of the motion picture problem is Fogelman and Morgerman. Two idiots incapable of staffing departments with any brains whatsoever or hanging onto or developing stars. As far as Gaby is concerned, how can you be head of the “talent” department when you have no clients? They are both so disliked internally and certainly externally it is shocking they ever made it to where they are or managed to stay there. It’s a shame too, it used to be a great place to deal with.
Comment by Anonymous — October 8, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
Hey, I work in one of those offices in the valley and take my laptop to Starbucks and enter posts. Does that make me a bad person?
Comment by peter s — October 8, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
Here’s the actual list of people WMA let go:
Holly Baril
Brian Stern
Louise Ward
Ken Freeman
Brian DiPersia (but rumor is that he’s been rehired)
Comment by Jimmy S. — October 8, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
When are Sheresky and Ramses taking over for Danny Greenberg? Even bringing back Carlson would be an improvement… unless he’s too busy wallowing in his Transformers $$$.
Comment by Roknrolla — October 8, 2008 @ 9:14 pm
It was mentioned earlier that “you can tell the true quality of someone by how they treat the people they don’t need anything from” and as a former WMA Trainee who has personally worked for Brian, Holly, and Louise, I can tell you that while their personalities and styles could not be more across the board, the trait that they all possess is that they treat those who work for them with the utmost respect and dignity, which is something that can’t be taught or faked. You either have it or you don’t, and all three posses it with some to spare. So regardless of the reasons behind their departures, their integrity and decency as people will ultimately will be the legacy they leave behind. Not to mention that all three are some of the hardest working agents in this business…
Comment by Noah — October 8, 2008 @ 10:03 pm
I think Philip Grenz is awesome. He’s brutally honest and super funny and works his ass off. And, considering that John Fogelman, Gaby Morgerman and George Freeman can’t find any stars it amazes me he’s had the success he’s had in the short time he’s been an agent.
Comment by Archi — October 8, 2008 @ 10:08 pm
Philip Grenz is smart, loyal and dedicated to his job. Any LEGITIMATE person in the industry knows that and the vindictive comments about him on this website reflects the “blogger’s” status than it does anyone at WMA.
Comment by seriously? — October 8, 2008 @ 11:41 pm
If the Louise Spinner/Michael Cooper/Channing Tatum rumor is true, WMA is even dumber than ICM. What up and coming agents from other agencies will EVER come to WMA when WMA has just established the way they work? For them to put that perception in the industry ….it is beyond bad business. You think they would have learned from the past….but they just dont. All of the agents leaving in the past, the New Yorker article, etc….they still don’t get it.
Comment by anonymous — October 8, 2008 @ 11:48 pm
Oh Archi, nice try. Dontanville left all his clients, that is, all his clients who didn’t quit the agency when he “retired” with the memo “You won’t have this old Queen to kick around any more (Variety),” to Grenz tp hold while he did what ever he did, before starting a little management company, at which Grenz placed the clients. Bymel is such an ineffective manager that all 360’s name clients switch to O’Neill, except Hathaway, who she had to bring back Dontanville for half commission to wrangle her out of that relationship with the fraudster. Grenz is a good little servicer in the Dontanville mode. Frankenstein and his little monster. Sweet. But a signer? An agent with a future? A grown up who can sit at dinner and hold a worldly conversation? Never happen. Send him to the back room and throw him scripts and phone lists.
Comment by Veronica — October 9, 2008 @ 6:34 am
Enough beatifying Grenz. I have personal experience of him stabbing a close friend and mentor in the back to further his little career advancement from an old Ford into a leased BMW. No different than any other loser left over there in the Grey Gardens of agencies. A few more well placed knives and Phil might make it out of the 3 series, although I doubt it. Like Grenz could make the cut at CAA or Endeavor? I don’t think so.
Comment by jughead — October 9, 2008 @ 6:57 am
Who cares about Grenz? A pimple (soort Phil) on the back of the big problem. The disease starts from the head down, and the head is Wiatt. Too busy being a “playa” and not enough time with his nose to the grindstone. Old economy thinking.
Comment by carrie — October 9, 2008 @ 11:07 am
Philip Grenz works harder than the vast majority of the company and frequently stays later than most assistants servicing not only his own clients but clients of senior agents who are too lazy to do the grunt work but still manage to take all the credit for their clients’ success. He treats everyone with respect – from studio executives to assistants to maintenance workers – returns calls promptly and is always accessible. And he does it all with a consistently pleasant demeanor, something that can not be said for his peers. He’s funny, witty, thinks outside-the-box and most of all, is infinitely sexier than a squash.
Comment by I Heart Vegetables — October 9, 2008 @ 12:05 pm
Philip Grenz is one of the best agents in the building. How are these libelous posts getting up?
Comment by Nikki — October 9, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
Agent Orange, Grace, Rex, Veronice, Jughead: You are clearly the same person using different aliases and you also clearly don’t have a clue about how WMA operates. If Grenz was a backstabber, he’d already be running the talent department. And that’s Agency 101.
Comment by Sad but true — October 9, 2008 @ 12:18 pm
Can’t say I know Philip Grenz but he must be doing something right to warrant this much attention. Nobody has mentioned Esther Chang or Brad Slater yet. Thoughts???
Comment by Rich — October 9, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
Easy up on Grenz people. This fellow is getting more press here than he deserves. Like little Michael Jackson said, any news is better than no news. Here’s the test of an agent. You don’t get fired. You leave. And you leave with your clients. Your clients get you in and out of doors. If you are fired than your list was never your list. Look at any of the macheted junior agents. You thought they had a list. In reality the list was never theirs. That’s why they are gone. Finished. Seacrest out! Because what you thought was their list is not going with them. The power will always be those who are close with the talent. If A+ STAR wants a tick like glorified assistant agent promoted guess what? They jump and promote. If the little tick don’t have a client he go bye-bye. Now look at the list of the axed. Go over who you thought were their clients. See that they no longer have the those clients. They never had them in the first place. You see your fear of them in the halls was for nothing. And for those of you not in the halls your fear of them for thinking they were something is ever dumber. They live in studio apartments, make nothing. Get it? Thank you.
Comment by Little Stevie — October 9, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
The person who said “Hey fired guys,”…classic!
Comment by Denby — October 9, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
Nice work with Bratt, Grenz. Love in a Time of Cholera pretty much finished off Bratt’s career as a leading man in film. And Alfre Woodard’s film career has really taken off since you took that one on. Reward the failures with promotion and a big PR staff and have your master fill up the blogs with illiterate and obvious planted defenses. If your defenders are so intense, have them sign the blog entries you ask them to contribute, Phil. Fail, be not too smart, kiss the right ass, and have no personal life, and you have the formula for success at WMA.
Comment by laura jean — October 9, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
“Sad but true” seems so knowledgeable about this blog and WMA, and is defending little Phil in different similarly syntaxed and overwrought prose,with a variety of three word handles, that all fingers point to the Master of Grenz defending his little robot. Sing out, Louise. Lie cheat and steal, the three agent mantras. Borderline behavior means you don’t know the difference. Clearly there is room for differences of opinion and healthy discussion among healthy persons. But you wouldn’t be able to cope with that. It is not how you see the world. I am right and everyone else is wrong so I’ll keep writing in over and over defending my little puppet. Yawn. Anyone got anything new to say? Oh - and paranoid. I forgot that agent criterion.
Comment by sigmund — October 9, 2008 @ 3:46 pm
Archi - I don’t think Freeman, Fogelman or Gaby would be very happy doing business with you ,throwing their names in as the parties at fault to throw the reader off the real scent of stink. Let’s see - Archi, Anyonymous, Little Stevie, Sad but true, Nikki, I heart vegetables, seriously, BMcC, Mac — do we see a pattern here? Other than loser, that is…
Comment by Mary Kate — October 9, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
You mean Kestel and Grenz didn’t get fired? Did they take the pay cuts they were offered to stay?
Comment by ellen — October 9, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
I do not like being compared to Philip Grenz.
Comment by Mother Theresa — October 9, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
Good agents always need to be in control. This blog is out of control. Don’t cut yourself with a knife while playing “I will survive” or try and kill your loved ones. Accept the fact that karma is a bitch.
Comment by T bird — October 9, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
The interesting of this thread and the other posts is that Nikki hasn’t at all focused on the fact that the 2 WGA related problems (Ozzy and Mr. Madea) are WMA packages… So instead of focusing how people losing their jobs in this shitting economy, lets maybe focus on how WMA is helping break unions…
Comment by Danny BoBanny — October 9, 2008 @ 4:37 pm
Truth be told….the upper management is afraid of Fogelman & Morgerman AKA Prune face maybe if she stopped worrying about her shopping habits on Rodeo and her boyish figure and learned how to be a human being she would have a friend…I can tell you not one person at William Morris Place would support her…They cheer when she fails…that should sum it up….Someone should get smart and remove that stale piece of bread…the list of clients she has lost or not signed is too long to write about…OUT WITH THE OLD in with the new. DING DONG THE BITCH IS DEAD!
Comment by A Happy Agent not at WMA — October 9, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
Could you define “a LEGITIMATE person in this industry,” which is in itself an oxymoron? Where does one go to have this legitimacy conferred? Thanks for the tip. Wouldn’t want any fresh blood on here, only tired old club members. Me bad.
Comment by kneivel — October 9, 2008 @ 7:29 pm
Putting Brolin (another Dontanville hand-off, bubbala) in W is akin to putting Joan Crawford in Mommy Dearest. Career ender. Plus is he insurable? After Sierra Tucson he seems to be having some problems - at least W found God and stayed sober. Poor Diane. Poor Grenz. Taking a perfectly good versatile character actor and turning him into a one trick pony.
Comment by Bill Wilson — October 9, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
Also curious is why Nikke isn’t following up with the agency commission reductions for stars that WMA doesn’t deny giving. All actors need to know their commissions are negotiable. I know I found it useful.
Comment by russell — October 9, 2008 @ 7:55 pm
It’s true Theresa Peters is leaving and taking Kristen Dunst, James McAvoy, Rachel Bilson with her. The rumor is she wanted to run the talent dept. which she should since she is a great agent, but that butterface Gaby squashed everything for Theresa so Theresa will end up at CAA or UTA and it’s another huge loss to WMA. WMA is on the way out.
Comment by Tony — October 9, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
Too bad you took the Fuld/Wiatt post down. Understandable. Don’t want to be giving those impressionable agents any new ideas.
Comment by mike — October 9, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
Talking about Gaby. She goes shopping every week on Rodeo…I doubt she ever reads a script and the one of the biggest jokes out there was that she claimed to be friends with Vince Vaughn and was promised a meeting when he left his agent….Well Vince not only didn’t return Gaby’s calls, but signed with CAA even before Gaby realized she didn’t have meeting on the books with Vince. Great fucking agent she is. Maybe if she wasn’t so worried about getting her pedicures and leaving work at 1pm to drive home to Malibu she could actually read a fucking script.
Comment by Gaby — October 9, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
Steve Dontanville was one of the greats. WM was nuts to let him go. Reese Witherspoon, Keifer Sutherland, Holly Hunter, Kyra Sedgwick. Lots and lots of moolah. Also the guy was always a mensch. Total class act. Sign him back WM!
Comment by Eww Dane — October 10, 2008 @ 12:51 am
Dontanville WAS a mensch? In the previous post he or his stooges admit to WAS. Then he had that famous “this old queen” industry wide melt down and had to be let go by WMA by the author’s own admission. He may have been making “moolah” (who but a 55 year old grandpa uses that dated term?) for the agency but he had negotiated his compensation package to over $3 million and his stars like Weaver, Ryan, Stewart, Hunter, even Sedgewick, were aging out of the movie business. Now he or his advocates want him hired back? He outplaced all his big money stars with other agencies, while still on the WMA payroll, and left the chaff behind with Grenz. Guess they need help decorating all that new space. Even WMA isn’t that dense. Sounds like he is floating a job request. He WAS a snappy dresser and sure knew how to work that expense account, eh Eww Dane?
Comment by Borderlinus — October 10, 2008 @ 6:12 am
If Dontanville is looking for a job, have him call me. The boutique management business is a graveyard, and he is clearly alive. I know several agencies that would be glad to have him. Maybe not in the entertainment field, but none the less.
Comment by Recruiter — October 10, 2008 @ 8:38 am
oh gaby leaves at 1pm now? she’s a horrible and rude woman who does not deserve her spoils considering how she treats her asst, coworkers and her own clients. oh the stories i could tell. ive never seen anyone run away from the phone like she does. it pleases me to no end that others are aware. karma’s a bitch. Now Hylda Queally? Top notch and CLASSY. Theresa Peters, fierce and cool..good luck to her, she’ll do any other agency a huge service.
Comment by gmasst — October 10, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
Hey Recruiter… since you clearly are behind in times, I will give you a bit of day old news. Steve Dontanville is a manager now and doing very well.
Comment by smartasst — October 10, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
without a soul
Comment by gmasst — October 11, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
Mentally, physically, or business wise?
Comment by kit — October 13, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
True Story, - a man robs a bank, walks out and signs up with William Morris, ….(wait for it)
and he’s never heard from again.
True Story, I swear.
Comment by George Burns — October 14, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
In my opinion, it would be a cold day in hell before Channing Tatum would leave Louise Ward. WMA just made a huge mistake (on so many levels) in letting her go, especially if it happened in the way it’s being described.
Comment by me — October 18, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
Marc Geiger and Michelle Kleinart are the best people in that building
Comment by No Reason To Lie — December 12, 2008 @ 4:46 pm