After leaving Verve last month, Bill Weinstein and Devon Schiff are joining Paradigm in the literary content department, the agency has announced.
“In this business, whether collaborating or going head-to-head, there is no denying the creativity, intelligence and passion that Bill and Devon bring to their work. This relentless advocacy on behalf of clients is a great fit with the artist-led approach that remains the core value of Paradigm,” said Paradigm Talent Agency managing partner Andrew Ruf.
The hirings come after nearly a month of rumors and jockeying for Weinstein, who in February was ousted as the CEO of Verve, the agency he co-founded with Bryan Besser and Adam Levine. Shortly after he ouster, it was reported that Weinstein would be starting his own operation, taking three Verve agents — Schiff, Matthew Doyle and Jake Dillman — with him.
Weinstein later filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court that claimed that...
“In this business, whether collaborating or going head-to-head, there is no denying the creativity, intelligence and passion that Bill and Devon bring to their work. This relentless advocacy on behalf of clients is a great fit with the artist-led approach that remains the core value of Paradigm,” said Paradigm Talent Agency managing partner Andrew Ruf.
The hirings come after nearly a month of rumors and jockeying for Weinstein, who in February was ousted as the CEO of Verve, the agency he co-founded with Bryan Besser and Adam Levine. Shortly after he ouster, it was reported that Weinstein would be starting his own operation, taking three Verve agents — Schiff, Matthew Doyle and Jake Dillman — with him.
Weinstein later filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court that claimed that...
- 3/19/2024
- by Mia Galuppo and Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As Deadline revealed last night, former Verve CEO Bill Weinstein has joined Paradigm along with former Verve colleague Devon Schiff. Both join as agents in the Literary Content department and will be working out of Paradigm’s Los Angeles office.
Appointed as CEO of Verve last January, Weinstein co-founded the agency in 2010 alongside Bryan Besser and Adam Levine. He was previously a motion picture literary agent at WME, and at Endeavor prior to its merger. He began his career in the mailroom at Endeavor.
As Partner and Head of Packaging & Crossover at Verve, Schiff had been focused on representing independent studios, production companies, and multi-hyphenate filmmakers. Previously, she was an executive at Intermedia Films, and an independent producer with a deal at Disney. She began her career in the mailroom at William Morris, and as an assistant at Endeavor.
News of the hirings comes amid a period of growth at Paradigm,...
Appointed as CEO of Verve last January, Weinstein co-founded the agency in 2010 alongside Bryan Besser and Adam Levine. He was previously a motion picture literary agent at WME, and at Endeavor prior to its merger. He began his career in the mailroom at Endeavor.
As Partner and Head of Packaging & Crossover at Verve, Schiff had been focused on representing independent studios, production companies, and multi-hyphenate filmmakers. Previously, she was an executive at Intermedia Films, and an independent producer with a deal at Disney. She began her career in the mailroom at William Morris, and as an assistant at Endeavor.
News of the hirings comes amid a period of growth at Paradigm,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
In a notable executive move, Paradigm Talent Agency is elevating fourteen agents to partner, the firm’s leaders told staff on Monday. The promotions bring the total number of partners to 15 at the company, which has about 100 employees.
Those partners, who’ll receive equity in the Sam Gores-founded agency, are as follows: Jim Dempsey (Talent), Bill Douglass (Literary Content), Sarah Fargo (Talent), Jennifer Good (Literary Content), Brett Hansen (Unscripted and Literary Content), Jennifer Millar (Talent), Jonathan Mills (Theatre and Content), Stephanie Ramsey (Talent), Mark Ross (Literary Content), Chris Schmidt (Talent), Zac Simmons (Literary Content), Jack Tantleff (Theatre and Content), Hannah Tenenbaum (Brand Partnerships), and Steve Wohl (Unscripted and International Content).
Gores stated of the promotions, “We have assembled an extraordinary group of creative, smart, experienced and energetic colleagues who will help guide Paradigm into the future.”
Paradigm Talent Agency, with offices in Los Angeles and New York, is the...
Those partners, who’ll receive equity in the Sam Gores-founded agency, are as follows: Jim Dempsey (Talent), Bill Douglass (Literary Content), Sarah Fargo (Talent), Jennifer Good (Literary Content), Brett Hansen (Unscripted and Literary Content), Jennifer Millar (Talent), Jonathan Mills (Theatre and Content), Stephanie Ramsey (Talent), Mark Ross (Literary Content), Chris Schmidt (Talent), Zac Simmons (Literary Content), Jack Tantleff (Theatre and Content), Hannah Tenenbaum (Brand Partnerships), and Steve Wohl (Unscripted and International Content).
Gores stated of the promotions, “We have assembled an extraordinary group of creative, smart, experienced and energetic colleagues who will help guide Paradigm into the future.”
Paradigm Talent Agency, with offices in Los Angeles and New York, is the...
- 4/24/2023
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paradigm Talent Agency has named 14 new partners as the firm seeks to rebuild its stature in Hollywood.
Paradigm went through transformative struggles during the pandemic period that led to the company selling off its lucrative music and touring division to Casey Wasserman’s enterprise. In addition to cleaving off its music arm, the firm lost numerous agents and clients to layoffs and defections.
Monday’s promotions make it clear that the new-model Paradigm will focus on film, TV, publishing and theater, representing actors, writers, directors and producers as well as packaging TV series and movie properties. Last September the company also launched Paradigm Media Entertainment, a division to represent local and national news anchors, meteorologists, sportscasters, producers and other news and host talent. Paradigm kickstarted its way into the TV news biz with the acquisition of three speciality agencies: Napoli Management Group, Two Twelve Management and 3 Kings Entertainment.
The...
Paradigm went through transformative struggles during the pandemic period that led to the company selling off its lucrative music and touring division to Casey Wasserman’s enterprise. In addition to cleaving off its music arm, the firm lost numerous agents and clients to layoffs and defections.
Monday’s promotions make it clear that the new-model Paradigm will focus on film, TV, publishing and theater, representing actors, writers, directors and producers as well as packaging TV series and movie properties. Last September the company also launched Paradigm Media Entertainment, a division to represent local and national news anchors, meteorologists, sportscasters, producers and other news and host talent. Paradigm kickstarted its way into the TV news biz with the acquisition of three speciality agencies: Napoli Management Group, Two Twelve Management and 3 Kings Entertainment.
The...
- 4/24/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Paradigm has elevated 14 agents to partners, establishing the largest new leadership group in the talent agency’s more than 35-year history. The new partners, who represent all sectors of one of the entertainment industry’s most significant independent agencies, will join managing partner Andrew Ruf as equity partners of the company.
“We have assembled an extraordinary group of creative, smart, experienced and energetic colleagues who will help guide Paradigm into the future,” founder and executive chairman Sam Gores said Monday after the promotions were announced during a staff meeting. “It gives me great pleasure to share a stake in the company with these leaders.”
The newly promoted partners are Jim Dempsey (Talent), Bill Douglass (Literary Content), Sarah Fargo (Talent), Jennifer Good (Literary Content), Brett Hansen (Unscripted and Literary Content), Jennifer Millar (Talent), Jonathan Mills (Theatre and Content), Stephanie Ramsey (Talent), Mark Ross (Literary Content), Chris Schmidt (Talent), Zac Simmons (Literary...
“We have assembled an extraordinary group of creative, smart, experienced and energetic colleagues who will help guide Paradigm into the future,” founder and executive chairman Sam Gores said Monday after the promotions were announced during a staff meeting. “It gives me great pleasure to share a stake in the company with these leaders.”
The newly promoted partners are Jim Dempsey (Talent), Bill Douglass (Literary Content), Sarah Fargo (Talent), Jennifer Good (Literary Content), Brett Hansen (Unscripted and Literary Content), Jennifer Millar (Talent), Jonathan Mills (Theatre and Content), Stephanie Ramsey (Talent), Mark Ross (Literary Content), Chris Schmidt (Talent), Zac Simmons (Literary...
- 4/24/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The closing of CAA’s closely watched megadeal for rival ICM last June and the reverberations of the Writers Guild’s years-long standoff with agencies over packaging fees and affiliate productions have reshaped Hollywood’s representation landscape. With only three majors left — CAA, UTA and Endeavor-owned WME — there’s now a race among midsize firms to become the de facto No. 4.
One of the firms eyeing an expansion is A3 Artists Agency, which had its outside counsel send letters of purchase inquiry to three of its rivals — Verve, APA and an undisclosed agency — in mid-January. A3 chairman Adam Bold says the Bill Weinstein-led Verve dismissed the offer to open discussions (Verve had no comment), while APA president Jim Osbourne tells The Hollywood Reporter that “a sale to anyone, much less A3, was never entertained and simply not true.”
Bold says he’s in early talks with a third agency.
One of the firms eyeing an expansion is A3 Artists Agency, which had its outside counsel send letters of purchase inquiry to three of its rivals — Verve, APA and an undisclosed agency — in mid-January. A3 chairman Adam Bold says the Bill Weinstein-led Verve dismissed the offer to open discussions (Verve had no comment), while APA president Jim Osbourne tells The Hollywood Reporter that “a sale to anyone, much less A3, was never entertained and simply not true.”
Bold says he’s in early talks with a third agency.
- 2/22/2023
- by Jonathan Handel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
UTA veteran Brett Hansen has moved to Paradigm Talent Agency as senior content agent, a hire that comes as part of Paradigm’s stepped-up effort to rebuild its roster of agents and clients.
Hansen is a prominent unscripted TV agent. He’s repped such notables as SallyAnn Salsano’s 495 Productions, Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens’ Propagate Content, Bunim-Murray Productions, Embassy Row, Zero Point Zero Productions, Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia banner as well as Sean Combs, Elizabeth Banks and Bryan Cranston. He spent 22 years with UTA, rising to partner status in 2010.
“Brett’s extensive expertise and relationships in television bring an added dimension to our representation of creators in both scripted and unscripted programming,” said Andrew Ruf, managing partner of Paradigm Talent Agency. “Along with our parent company Paradigm Entertainment’s recent launch of Paradigm Media Entertainment, we continue to expand our clients’ access to creatively and financially rewarding opportunities across all media.
Hansen is a prominent unscripted TV agent. He’s repped such notables as SallyAnn Salsano’s 495 Productions, Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens’ Propagate Content, Bunim-Murray Productions, Embassy Row, Zero Point Zero Productions, Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia banner as well as Sean Combs, Elizabeth Banks and Bryan Cranston. He spent 22 years with UTA, rising to partner status in 2010.
“Brett’s extensive expertise and relationships in television bring an added dimension to our representation of creators in both scripted and unscripted programming,” said Andrew Ruf, managing partner of Paradigm Talent Agency. “Along with our parent company Paradigm Entertainment’s recent launch of Paradigm Media Entertainment, we continue to expand our clients’ access to creatively and financially rewarding opportunities across all media.
- 9/12/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Consolidation in the talent representation business isn’t over yet.
Paradigm Entertainment, the owner of Paradigm Talent Agency, is acquiring a trio of representation and management companies and forming a new division to house them: Paradigm Media Entertainment.
Paradigm Media Entertainment will expand Paradigm’s reach into the worlds of TV news and culinary programming. The acquired companies include Napoli Management Group and 3 Kings Entertainment, which specialize in broadcast news talent, and Two Twelve Management, which specializes in chefs and other culinary talent.
Napoli and 3 Kings represent talent at channels like CNN, Fox News, ESPN and NFL Network, as well as local stations across the country. Two Twelve’s clients include Top Chef judge Tom Collicchio, and Food Network talent like Anne Burrell and Geoffrey Zakarian.
Paradigm acquired the firms from the family office Blue Equity, which is also committing to support...
Consolidation in the talent representation business isn’t over yet.
Paradigm Entertainment, the owner of Paradigm Talent Agency, is acquiring a trio of representation and management companies and forming a new division to house them: Paradigm Media Entertainment.
Paradigm Media Entertainment will expand Paradigm’s reach into the worlds of TV news and culinary programming. The acquired companies include Napoli Management Group and 3 Kings Entertainment, which specialize in broadcast news talent, and Two Twelve Management, which specializes in chefs and other culinary talent.
Napoli and 3 Kings represent talent at channels like CNN, Fox News, ESPN and NFL Network, as well as local stations across the country. Two Twelve’s clients include Top Chef judge Tom Collicchio, and Food Network talent like Anne Burrell and Geoffrey Zakarian.
Paradigm acquired the firms from the family office Blue Equity, which is also committing to support...
- 9/7/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paradigm Entertainment said Wednesday that it has acquired Best, a group of three management and marketing companies focused in the worlds of broadcast news, culinary and on-air media personalities. The new acquisitions will be housed in the newly created arm Paradigm Media Entertainment, which is majority owned by Paradigm Entertainment, which also has a majority interest in Paradigm Talent Agency. Those two lines of business will now work together to service clients’ entertainment, publishing, brand partnership, and news-media services needs.
No other terms of the deal were announced.
The deal for the trio of companies — Napoli Management Group, Two Twelve Management & Marketing and 3 Kings Entertainment — was struck with Best owner private-equity firm Blue Equity. Paradigm Media Entertainment’s entertainment, broadcasting and marketing businesses will be headed by Napoli Management Group’s Mendes J. Napoli, Two Twelve’s Scott Feldman and 3 Kings’ Matthew Kingsley. Paradigm Entertainment and Paradigm Talent Agency...
No other terms of the deal were announced.
The deal for the trio of companies — Napoli Management Group, Two Twelve Management & Marketing and 3 Kings Entertainment — was struck with Best owner private-equity firm Blue Equity. Paradigm Media Entertainment’s entertainment, broadcasting and marketing businesses will be headed by Napoli Management Group’s Mendes J. Napoli, Two Twelve’s Scott Feldman and 3 Kings’ Matthew Kingsley. Paradigm Entertainment and Paradigm Talent Agency...
- 9/7/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Paradigm is turning to local TV and lifestyle stars to help rebuild the agency that has been reshaped by the changing entertainment economy and the wallop of the pandemic.
Paradigm Entertainment has acquired three talent agencies from private equity firm Blue Equity to form Paradigm Media Entertainment, which will now be home to Napoli Management Group, 3 Kings Entertainment and Two Twelve Management and Marketing. Napoli Management and 3 Kings both have wide rosters of local TV anchors, reporters, weathercasters and other talent working in markets large and small around the country. Two Twelve focuses on representing chefs and other culinary, hospitality and lifestyle stars.
The acquisitions mark Paradigm’s efforts to rebuild after a tumultuous few years that included Paradigm’s sale of its music division to Casey Wasserman’s Wasserman firm last year. With the acquisition from Blue Equity, the parent company of Paradigm Entertainment has created two separate entities,...
Paradigm Entertainment has acquired three talent agencies from private equity firm Blue Equity to form Paradigm Media Entertainment, which will now be home to Napoli Management Group, 3 Kings Entertainment and Two Twelve Management and Marketing. Napoli Management and 3 Kings both have wide rosters of local TV anchors, reporters, weathercasters and other talent working in markets large and small around the country. Two Twelve focuses on representing chefs and other culinary, hospitality and lifestyle stars.
The acquisitions mark Paradigm’s efforts to rebuild after a tumultuous few years that included Paradigm’s sale of its music division to Casey Wasserman’s Wasserman firm last year. With the acquisition from Blue Equity, the parent company of Paradigm Entertainment has created two separate entities,...
- 9/7/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Paradigm will be relocating its L.A. offices from 8942 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills to the Green Building of West Hollywood’s Pacific Design Center, at 8687 Melrose Avenue, a representative for the agency has confirmed. Paradigm, which had been based at Wilshire since 2018, will begin occupying its new L.A. office space this month.
The Pacific Design Center is a multi-use facility designed by architect Cesar Pelli, Faia, which serves the needs of the design, entertainment and arts communities by providing public and private spaces for screenings, exhibitions, lectures, meetings, special events and receptions. Paradigm will now be neighbors with the wide variety of entertainment industry firms based there including A24, Den of Thieves, Dkc News, Landmark Theatres, MGM, Pluto TV and Sos Beauty.
Paradigm has opted for an office that suits the business needs of the company moving forward, with a clear and driven focus on artist-first bespoke representation,...
The Pacific Design Center is a multi-use facility designed by architect Cesar Pelli, Faia, which serves the needs of the design, entertainment and arts communities by providing public and private spaces for screenings, exhibitions, lectures, meetings, special events and receptions. Paradigm will now be neighbors with the wide variety of entertainment industry firms based there including A24, Den of Thieves, Dkc News, Landmark Theatres, MGM, Pluto TV and Sos Beauty.
Paradigm has opted for an office that suits the business needs of the company moving forward, with a clear and driven focus on artist-first bespoke representation,...
- 5/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Rand Holston is leaving Paradigm to form his own management company. All of his clients are coming with him to Rand Holston Management. The exit is amicable. Holston spent 10 years at Paradigm, this after spending 28 years at CAA. Holston’s last day will be September 30.
Holston’s client list includes the prolific author/screenwriter Stephen King; James Ivory (the Oscar-winning scribe of Call Me By Your Name is adapting for Fremantle a TV version of the French best seller The End Of Eddy by Edouard Louis); Jordan Kerner ( in post on Clifford The Big Red Dog for Paramount) ; Issa López, whom he’ll co-rep with Gaby Mena...
Holston’s client list includes the prolific author/screenwriter Stephen King; James Ivory (the Oscar-winning scribe of Call Me By Your Name is adapting for Fremantle a TV version of the French best seller The End Of Eddy by Edouard Louis); Jordan Kerner ( in post on Clifford The Big Red Dog for Paramount) ; Issa López, whom he’ll co-rep with Gaby Mena...
- 9/20/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
One of Hollywood’s most bankable filmmakers, Todd Phillips has hoisted his lavish A-lister estate in the coveted Flats neighborhood of Beverly Hills, Calif., on the market with a blockbuster price of $34.5 million. It doesn’t take a mathematics genius to tabulate that the asking price is exactly twice the $17.25 million that was paid to Paradigm Talent Agency chairman Sam Gores for the property in May of 2012, right in between the money-minting releases of the Phillips-written and -helmed second and third installments of The Hangover franchise that’s hauled in more than $1.4 billion in worldwide box office receipts.
Since he made The Hangover films, Phillips has written and directed the modestly successful film War Dogs, produced the smash hit A Star Is Born, which has hoovered up almost $450 million in worldwide gross against a production budget of $36 million, and, even more impressively, directed and produced the mega-hit The Joker,...
Since he made The Hangover films, Phillips has written and directed the modestly successful film War Dogs, produced the smash hit A Star Is Born, which has hoovered up almost $450 million in worldwide gross against a production budget of $36 million, and, even more impressively, directed and produced the mega-hit The Joker,...
- 7/7/2021
- by Mark David, Dirt.com
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One of Hollywood’s most bankable filmmakers, Todd Phillips has hoisted his lavish A-lister estate in the coveted Flats neighborhood of Beverly Hills, Calif., on the market with a blockbuster price of $34.5 million. It doesn’t take a mathematics genius to tabulate that the asking price is exactly twice the $17.25 million that was paid to Paradigm Talent Agency chairman Sam Gores for the property in May of 2012, right in between the money-minting releases of the Phillips-written and -helmed second and third installments of The Hangover franchise that’s hauled in more than $1.4 billion in worldwide box office receipts.
Since ...
Since ...
One of Hollywood’s most bankable filmmakers, Todd Phillips has hoisted his lavish A-lister estate in the coveted Flats neighborhood of Beverly Hills, Calif., on the market with a blockbuster price of $34.5 million. It doesn’t take a mathematics genius to tabulate that the asking price is exactly twice the $17.25 million that was paid to Paradigm Talent Agency chairman Sam Gores for the property in May of 2012, right in between the money-minting releases of the Phillips-written and -helmed second and third installments of The Hangover franchise that’s hauled in more than $1.4 billion in worldwide box office receipts.
Since ...
Since ...
Exclusive: Entertainment tech stalwart Deluxe has acquired Sony New Media Solutions, a division of Sony Electronics, in a deal the company says will boost its digital media supply chain capabilities.
Sony Nms provides a range of platform services to media companies around the world, including Sony Pictures Entertainment. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The transaction will enhance the system Deluxe has built to streamline many aspects of the production and distribution process for studios, streaming services and other companies. Founded more than a century ago, Deluxe has undergone a dramatic evolution as digital and cloud-based technology has overtaken physical media.
In a typical sequence in the supply chain, Deluxe ingests a customer’s assets — films or TV episodes, for example — in dozens of different language versions. The materials are then stored in a secured cloud. When the customer licenses the content to a third party like Netflix or Apple iTunes,...
Sony Nms provides a range of platform services to media companies around the world, including Sony Pictures Entertainment. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The transaction will enhance the system Deluxe has built to streamline many aspects of the production and distribution process for studios, streaming services and other companies. Founded more than a century ago, Deluxe has undergone a dramatic evolution as digital and cloud-based technology has overtaken physical media.
In a typical sequence in the supply chain, Deluxe ingests a customer’s assets — films or TV episodes, for example — in dozens of different language versions. The materials are then stored in a secured cloud. When the customer licenses the content to a third party like Netflix or Apple iTunes,...
- 4/1/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The long smoldering fire sale of Paradigm’s stronghold music division to Casey Wasserman has finally happened. Paradigm CEO Sam Gores announced a sale and called it as a “win for all parties,” with Wasserman taking possession of the assets in the second quarter of this year. This will bring up the inevitable question of what is left for Paradigm, an agency that built into a respectable boutique, housed in the old ICM headquarters on Wilshire and fueled by the cash from its music touring business.
While there’s no telling when the touring business will return and acts like Billie Eilish, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran go back out and pack stadiums, the leverage was strong for Wasserman to make a deal that allows him to float the division, because there is no income with the music artists beyond a percentage of the live touring revenues. Some will wonder if...
While there’s no telling when the touring business will return and acts like Billie Eilish, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran go back out and pack stadiums, the leverage was strong for Wasserman to make a deal that allows him to float the division, because there is no income with the music artists beyond a percentage of the live touring revenues. Some will wonder if...
- 3/17/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Paradigm has permanently laid off 180 of its 600 employees, six months after those agency staffers were temporarily laid off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Paradigm chairman and CEO Sam Gores announced the move in a memo to staff.
“With disappointment and sadness, today we have informed the temporarily laid off employees whom we have not been able to reinstate that they will be transitioned to permanent layoff,” Gores said on Thursday.
“As you know, over the last six months, we have brought back as many of our temporarily laid off colleagues as we could; unfortunately, the profound effects of the coronavirus have continued to severely impact every aspect of our industry and our world for longer than we had even imagined six months ago. Consequently, we have had to examine every aspect of our business and make this difficult decision.”
In June, Paradigm secured an investment from Crescent Drive Media, a...
Paradigm chairman and CEO Sam Gores announced the move in a memo to staff.
“With disappointment and sadness, today we have informed the temporarily laid off employees whom we have not been able to reinstate that they will be transitioned to permanent layoff,” Gores said on Thursday.
“As you know, over the last six months, we have brought back as many of our temporarily laid off colleagues as we could; unfortunately, the profound effects of the coronavirus have continued to severely impact every aspect of our industry and our world for longer than we had even imagined six months ago. Consequently, we have had to examine every aspect of our business and make this difficult decision.”
In June, Paradigm secured an investment from Crescent Drive Media, a...
- 9/17/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Paradigm Talent Agency has permanently laid off approximately 180 staffers that were previously furloughed temporarily as a result of the coronavirus pandemic back in March, chairman and CEO Sam Gores wrote in a letter to staff Thursday.
No new cuts were implemented at the talent agency, but a number of the employees that were previously impacted six months earlier have now been permanently let go.
The Los Angeles Times previously reported in March that approximately 250 staffers were furloughed.
“With disappointment and sadness, today we have informed the temporarily laid off employees whom we have not been able to reinstate that they will be transitioned to permanent layoff,” Gores said in part in a note obtained by TheWrap. “As you know, over the last six months, we have brought back as many of our temporarily laid off colleagues as we could; unfortunately, the profound effects of the coronavirus have continued to severely...
No new cuts were implemented at the talent agency, but a number of the employees that were previously impacted six months earlier have now been permanently let go.
The Los Angeles Times previously reported in March that approximately 250 staffers were furloughed.
“With disappointment and sadness, today we have informed the temporarily laid off employees whom we have not been able to reinstate that they will be transitioned to permanent layoff,” Gores said in part in a note obtained by TheWrap. “As you know, over the last six months, we have brought back as many of our temporarily laid off colleagues as we could; unfortunately, the profound effects of the coronavirus have continued to severely...
- 9/17/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Ouch. Paradigm held a conference call this morning where its head of HR told the agency that upwards of 180 employees — mostly operation and administrative, we’re told — have gone from “temporarily laid off” to permanently exited from the company. There are no new people who were laid off, this just closes the books on a large number of people who were hanging onto hope that their jobs might be restored, after the agency made a shockingly large “temporary layoff” on March 20, shortly after it became clear that the pandemic was going to decimate agencies. Especially agencies like Paradigm, which draws its largest commissions from live musical touring acts. Many of those agents who were laid off by the agency at that time have found other jobs, and drama has followed at the agency. There was wide speculation that Casey Wasserman might take a stake, before the agency threw in with Crescent Drive Media,...
- 9/17/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Paradigm talent agency disclosed that it would be making permanent staff layoffs of 180 employees that were temporarily cut earlier in the year amid pandemic-related film and TV production shutdowns.
Sam Gores, the chairman and founder of Paradigm, said in a note to staff on Thursday that, “the profound effects of the coronavirus have continued to severely impact every aspect of our industry and our world for longer than we had even imagined six months ago.”
In March, in California alone, Paradigm temporarily laid off 130 staffers at its Beverly Hills office and 4 staffers in Monterey, according ...
Sam Gores, the chairman and founder of Paradigm, said in a note to staff on Thursday that, “the profound effects of the coronavirus have continued to severely impact every aspect of our industry and our world for longer than we had even imagined six months ago.”
In March, in California alone, Paradigm temporarily laid off 130 staffers at its Beverly Hills office and 4 staffers in Monterey, according ...
- 9/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Paradigm talent agency disclosed that it would be making permanent staff layoffs of 180 employees that were temporarily cut earlier in the year amid pandemic-related film and TV production shutdowns.
Sam Gores, the chairman and founder of Paradigm, said in a note to staff on Thursday that, “the profound effects of the coronavirus have continued to severely impact every aspect of our industry and our world for longer than we had even imagined six months ago.”
In March, in California alone, Paradigm temporarily laid off 130 staffers at its Beverly Hills office and 4 staffers in Monterey, according ...
Sam Gores, the chairman and founder of Paradigm, said in a note to staff on Thursday that, “the profound effects of the coronavirus have continued to severely impact every aspect of our industry and our world for longer than we had even imagined six months ago.”
In March, in California alone, Paradigm temporarily laid off 130 staffers at its Beverly Hills office and 4 staffers in Monterey, according ...
- 9/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Companies has made an investment in APA as the agency looks to rebound from the pandemic-induced slowdown in the entertainment industry.
The agreement is not believed to be an equity investment but rather a cash influx structured as debt for the talent agency. Industry sources say APA veteran Jim Osborne, APA partner and head of talent, is poised to take on a larger role as president after helping to arrange the Yucaipa deal. Jim Gosnell will remain the agency’s CEO.
Sources close to the situation stressed that the Burkle influx is an effort to help APA grow at a time of major transition for Hollywood talent agencies but it is not a rescue mission. “This isn’t about keeping the lights on,” said a source close to the situation. The goal is for APA to expand its roster of agents and clients at a time...
The agreement is not believed to be an equity investment but rather a cash influx structured as debt for the talent agency. Industry sources say APA veteran Jim Osborne, APA partner and head of talent, is poised to take on a larger role as president after helping to arrange the Yucaipa deal. Jim Gosnell will remain the agency’s CEO.
Sources close to the situation stressed that the Burkle influx is an effort to help APA grow at a time of major transition for Hollywood talent agencies but it is not a rescue mission. “This isn’t about keeping the lights on,” said a source close to the situation. The goal is for APA to expand its roster of agents and clients at a time...
- 9/4/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Executive Shakira Gagnier has been named vice president of diversity and inclusion at Paradigm Talent Agency, CEO Sam Gores announced Thursday.
In her new role, Gagnier will oversee the development and execution of D&i strategies that fulfill agency commitments to improving the diversity and development of its employees worldwide.
Gagnier will work with senior leadership, Hr and the agency’s administration to integrate new practices, programs and processes companywide. Gagnier will help guide employee engagement, defining a clear pathway to promotion for existing staff and instituting enhanced recruiting, training, mentorship and development opportunities, an announcement said.
“Today is only the first of many steps that the leadership at Paradigm will take to stress diversity and inclusion as a core value of our agency,” Gores said. “Shakira brings an extraordinary range of experience working at some of the industry’s most prominent media companies. Everyone at Paradigm shares a renewed...
In her new role, Gagnier will oversee the development and execution of D&i strategies that fulfill agency commitments to improving the diversity and development of its employees worldwide.
Gagnier will work with senior leadership, Hr and the agency’s administration to integrate new practices, programs and processes companywide. Gagnier will help guide employee engagement, defining a clear pathway to promotion for existing staff and instituting enhanced recruiting, training, mentorship and development opportunities, an announcement said.
“Today is only the first of many steps that the leadership at Paradigm will take to stress diversity and inclusion as a core value of our agency,” Gores said. “Shakira brings an extraordinary range of experience working at some of the industry’s most prominent media companies. Everyone at Paradigm shares a renewed...
- 8/27/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Paradigm has named Shakira Gagnier vice president of the agency’s diversity and inclusion section.
“Today is only the first of many steps that the leadership at Paradigm will take to stress diversity and inclusion as a core value of our agency,” said Paradigm chairman and CEO Sam Gores, who announced the news. “Shakira brings an extraordinary range of experience working at some of the industry’s most prominent media companies.”
“Everyone at Paradigm shares a renewed commitment to ensuring our company better reflects the artists we represent, the audiences they entertain, and the wider world. We welcome Shakira and look forward to working with her on this important journey,” Gores added.
Gagnier, the latest addition to the Paradigm team, will be responsible for helping the talent agency develop enhanced strategies to promote diversity and development of its employees across the globe. In her new role, Gagnier will also work with Paradigm senior leadership,...
“Today is only the first of many steps that the leadership at Paradigm will take to stress diversity and inclusion as a core value of our agency,” said Paradigm chairman and CEO Sam Gores, who announced the news. “Shakira brings an extraordinary range of experience working at some of the industry’s most prominent media companies.”
“Everyone at Paradigm shares a renewed commitment to ensuring our company better reflects the artists we represent, the audiences they entertain, and the wider world. We welcome Shakira and look forward to working with her on this important journey,” Gores added.
Gagnier, the latest addition to the Paradigm team, will be responsible for helping the talent agency develop enhanced strategies to promote diversity and development of its employees across the globe. In her new role, Gagnier will also work with Paradigm senior leadership,...
- 8/27/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Paradigm has tapped Shakira Gagnier to head the agency’s diversity and inclusion efforts, in an announcement made by chairman and CEO Sam Gores.
In her new role as the vp of diversity and inclusion – the first such position in the company’s history — Gagnier will work with senior leadership, Hr and the agency’s administration to integrate enhanced strategies and new practices and programs, including employee engagement, defining a clear pathway to promotion for existing staff and instituting enhanced recruiting, training, mentorship and development opportunities.
Gagnier joins Paradigm from WarnerMedia, where she was director of learning and ...
In her new role as the vp of diversity and inclusion – the first such position in the company’s history — Gagnier will work with senior leadership, Hr and the agency’s administration to integrate enhanced strategies and new practices and programs, including employee engagement, defining a clear pathway to promotion for existing staff and instituting enhanced recruiting, training, mentorship and development opportunities.
Gagnier joins Paradigm from WarnerMedia, where she was director of learning and ...
- 8/27/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Paradigm has tapped Shakira Gagnier to head the agency’s diversity and inclusion efforts, in an announcement made by chairman and CEO Sam Gores.
In her new role as the vp of diversity and inclusion – the first such position in the company’s history — Gagnier will work with senior leadership, Hr and the agency’s administration to integrate enhanced strategies and new practices and programs, including employee engagement, defining a clear pathway to promotion for existing staff and instituting enhanced recruiting, training, mentorship and development opportunities.
Gagnier joins Paradigm from WarnerMedia, where she was director of learning and ...
In her new role as the vp of diversity and inclusion – the first such position in the company’s history — Gagnier will work with senior leadership, Hr and the agency’s administration to integrate enhanced strategies and new practices and programs, including employee engagement, defining a clear pathway to promotion for existing staff and instituting enhanced recruiting, training, mentorship and development opportunities.
Gagnier joins Paradigm from WarnerMedia, where she was director of learning and ...
- 8/27/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tom Gores’ Platinum Equity has acquired the distribution business of Deluxe Entertainment Services.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Deluxe Entertainment’s creative businesses are not included in the acquisition.
Billionare Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, was most recently seen helping his brother, Paradigm chief Sam Gores weather a tough economy by taking an owership interest in the agency through another investment company, Crescent Drive Media. The moved shored up finances at the company hard hit by the coronavirus crisis.
Former Deluxe CEO Cyril Drabinsky, who left the company in 2016 to found CineVizion, is returning to lead the business again. As part of the transition, CineVizion’s assets will be integrated into Deluxe.
“The entertainment industry, like many others, has been seriously disrupted by the coronavirus crisis,” said Gores, chairman-ceo of Platinum, in a statement. “It will take both experience and tenacity to make it through to the other side,...
Financial terms were not disclosed. Deluxe Entertainment’s creative businesses are not included in the acquisition.
Billionare Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, was most recently seen helping his brother, Paradigm chief Sam Gores weather a tough economy by taking an owership interest in the agency through another investment company, Crescent Drive Media. The moved shored up finances at the company hard hit by the coronavirus crisis.
Former Deluxe CEO Cyril Drabinsky, who left the company in 2016 to found CineVizion, is returning to lead the business again. As part of the transition, CineVizion’s assets will be integrated into Deluxe.
“The entertainment industry, like many others, has been seriously disrupted by the coronavirus crisis,” said Gores, chairman-ceo of Platinum, in a statement. “It will take both experience and tenacity to make it through to the other side,...
- 7/1/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Investor Tom Gores scooped up another entertainment asset through his firm Platinum Equity, acquiring the distribution business of digital cinema distribution company Deluxe Entertainment.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it does not include Deluxe’s creative businesses.
“Deluxe has been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry for more than 100 years,” Gores said in a statement. “The company drove the evolution of digital cinema distribution and has continued to reinvent itself in partnership with content creators around the world. At this pivotal time for the industry, [former Deluxe CEO Cyril Drabinsky’s] leadership, combined with Platinum’s financial resources and operational expertise, will help the company move forward stronger than ever. This is the first of several things to come in this space.”
Former Deluxe CEO Cyril Drabinsky, who left the company in 2016 to found digital cinema facility CineVizion, is returning to lead the business as CEO under Platinum Equity’s ownership.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it does not include Deluxe’s creative businesses.
“Deluxe has been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry for more than 100 years,” Gores said in a statement. “The company drove the evolution of digital cinema distribution and has continued to reinvent itself in partnership with content creators around the world. At this pivotal time for the industry, [former Deluxe CEO Cyril Drabinsky’s] leadership, combined with Platinum’s financial resources and operational expertise, will help the company move forward stronger than ever. This is the first of several things to come in this space.”
Former Deluxe CEO Cyril Drabinsky, who left the company in 2016 to found digital cinema facility CineVizion, is returning to lead the business as CEO under Platinum Equity’s ownership.
- 7/1/2020
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: After entertainment agencies and studios made pronouncements of support towards Black Lives Matter and anti-racism causes and shut down for Blackout Tuesday last week, it was inevitable that people within those companies would look around and gauge how deeply invested their companies are in diversity hiring. This became an issue last week at Paradigm, after the agency posted on its Instagram page: “We stand for justice for Black communities. We stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, families, friends, artists and clients. We share your frustration and anger. We must all help to make tomorrow better than today and the day after better than tomorrow.”
The problem, according to several staffers Deadline spoke with who did not wish to be identified, is that because of the volume of layoff/furloughs done at the beginning of the pandemic, Paradigm let go nearly all of the agents of color, and many women as well.
The problem, according to several staffers Deadline spoke with who did not wish to be identified, is that because of the volume of layoff/furloughs done at the beginning of the pandemic, Paradigm let go nearly all of the agents of color, and many women as well.
- 6/9/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with more details: Crescent Drive Media, an investment company run by Paradigm boss Sam Gores’ billionaire brother Tom Gores, has taken an “ownership interest” in the agency, shoring up finances at the company hard hit by the coronavirus crisis. No terms of the deal were disclosed Thursday, but the new ownership block that now includes the brothers said it has retained former Warner Bros TV boss and Television Academy chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum as an adviser.
“This is one of several important steps that put us in a financial position not only to weather this crisis, but to invest in future growth,” Paradigm chairman and CEO Sam Gores said today in a note to his Paradigm staff announcing the moves (read the memo below).
The deal comes two weeks after Casey Wasserman emerged as kicking the tires to acquire the agency’s music business. Deadline reported at the...
“This is one of several important steps that put us in a financial position not only to weather this crisis, but to invest in future growth,” Paradigm chairman and CEO Sam Gores said today in a note to his Paradigm staff announcing the moves (read the memo below).
The deal comes two weeks after Casey Wasserman emerged as kicking the tires to acquire the agency’s music business. Deadline reported at the...
- 6/4/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Sam Gores’ brother Tom Gores and his investment company Crescent Drive Media has taken an ownership stake in Paradigm, the agency’s CEO Sam Gores announced in a letter to employees Thursday, obtained by TheWrap.
The move is a financial step to aid Paradigm in weathering the coronavirus crisis but also to “invest in future growth,” Gores’ letter reads. The Gores have also retained Bruce Rosenblum, a former Warner Bros. executive in the studio’s TV group, as an advisor on the agency’s growth.
“I want to thank everyone for their dedication, hard work and continued focus on serving our clients and agency and helping to position our company for a strong future,” Gores said. “With an expanded ownership team, financial stability and creative advisers like Bruce to help us assess new opportunities, I look forward to our next chapter.”
Also Read: Paradigm Revolt: CEO Sam Gores Backs Down...
The move is a financial step to aid Paradigm in weathering the coronavirus crisis but also to “invest in future growth,” Gores’ letter reads. The Gores have also retained Bruce Rosenblum, a former Warner Bros. executive in the studio’s TV group, as an advisor on the agency’s growth.
“I want to thank everyone for their dedication, hard work and continued focus on serving our clients and agency and helping to position our company for a strong future,” Gores said. “With an expanded ownership team, financial stability and creative advisers like Bruce to help us assess new opportunities, I look forward to our next chapter.”
Also Read: Paradigm Revolt: CEO Sam Gores Backs Down...
- 6/4/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
(Updated With Sam Gores’ Memo) The future of the Paradigm Talent Agency could lay in Casey Wasserman’s hands.
While we hear talks for the LA28 Olympics chair to take over the once lucrative music assets of the Sam Gores-run company are still pretty fluid, there is no doubt that conversations are being had that would be a big move for the grandson of Hollywood’s one-time kingpin Lew Wasserman.
Reps for sports and entertainment agency boss Wasserman had no comment on any possible deal for part of Paradigm. Reps for the struggling agency did not reply to request for comment on the matter.
However,...
While we hear talks for the LA28 Olympics chair to take over the once lucrative music assets of the Sam Gores-run company are still pretty fluid, there is no doubt that conversations are being had that would be a big move for the grandson of Hollywood’s one-time kingpin Lew Wasserman.
Reps for sports and entertainment agency boss Wasserman had no comment on any possible deal for part of Paradigm. Reps for the struggling agency did not reply to request for comment on the matter.
However,...
- 5/21/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Paradigm President Greg Bestick is retiring from the talent agency effective immediately, the company said on Friday.
“Greg played a vital role in the agency’s growth and successes. I am forever grateful to him. I could not have asked for a more capable executive and counsel these past eleven years,” Paradigm CEO Sam Gores said in a statement. “Greg and I have become close friends, and I wish him the happiest, most well-deserved retirement as we look to write Paradigm’s next chapter.”
Bestick joined Paradigm in 2009 as a consultant. He said in a memo to staff that he is retiring from full-time work and looking forward to moving on to the next phase of his life. The talent agency has yet to name a replacement.
Also Read: Paradigm Revolt: CEO Sam Gores Backs Down After Music Agents Object to 50% Pay Cut
“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work with Sam.
“Greg played a vital role in the agency’s growth and successes. I am forever grateful to him. I could not have asked for a more capable executive and counsel these past eleven years,” Paradigm CEO Sam Gores said in a statement. “Greg and I have become close friends, and I wish him the happiest, most well-deserved retirement as we look to write Paradigm’s next chapter.”
Bestick joined Paradigm in 2009 as a consultant. He said in a memo to staff that he is retiring from full-time work and looking forward to moving on to the next phase of his life. The talent agency has yet to name a replacement.
Also Read: Paradigm Revolt: CEO Sam Gores Backs Down After Music Agents Object to 50% Pay Cut
“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work with Sam.
- 4/24/2020
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Paradigm President Greg Bestick will be retiring from the agency effective immediately.
Sources say that Paradigm has not yet named a replacement. Prior to becoming president, Bestick was COO of the agency and began working there in 2009.
“Greg played a vital role in the agency’s growth and successes. I am forever grateful to him. I could not have asked for a more capable executive and counsel these past eleven years. Greg and I have become close friends, and I wish him the happiest, most well-deserved retirement as we look to write Paradigm’s next chapter,” said Paradigm Chairman and CEO Sam Gores.
The announcement was made in an internal newsletter that was just sent out to staff. Below is the letter Bestick penned to the company.
In February of 2009, I came to work at Paradigm on a three-month consulting contract. Three months and eleven very fulfilling years later, I...
Sources say that Paradigm has not yet named a replacement. Prior to becoming president, Bestick was COO of the agency and began working there in 2009.
“Greg played a vital role in the agency’s growth and successes. I am forever grateful to him. I could not have asked for a more capable executive and counsel these past eleven years. Greg and I have become close friends, and I wish him the happiest, most well-deserved retirement as we look to write Paradigm’s next chapter,” said Paradigm Chairman and CEO Sam Gores.
The announcement was made in an internal newsletter that was just sent out to staff. Below is the letter Bestick penned to the company.
In February of 2009, I came to work at Paradigm on a three-month consulting contract. Three months and eleven very fulfilling years later, I...
- 4/24/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Greg Bestick, an 11 year veteran of Paradigm who rose from COO to agency president, has just announced his retirement to staffers at the company. We’re told he’s leaving amicably.
Paradigm Chairman & CEO Sam Gores said that “Greg played a vital role in the agency’s growth and successes. I am forever grateful to him. I could not have asked for a more capable executive and counsel these past eleven years. Greg and I have become close friends, and I wish him the happiest, most well-deserved retirement as we look to write Paradigm’s next chapter.”
More from DeadlineParadigm Responds To Debbee Klein's Suit: Sam Gores' Ex-Asst Calls Prostitutes Claims "Blatant Lies"; Agency Seeks Arbitration For CaseSam Gores To Paradigm Staff: $1.1M Fund For Laid Off Employees, New Interim Funding Secured & No Salary For Gores Through 2020Paradigm Hit With Blistering $2M Breach Of Contract Suit By Debbee...
Paradigm Chairman & CEO Sam Gores said that “Greg played a vital role in the agency’s growth and successes. I am forever grateful to him. I could not have asked for a more capable executive and counsel these past eleven years. Greg and I have become close friends, and I wish him the happiest, most well-deserved retirement as we look to write Paradigm’s next chapter.”
More from DeadlineParadigm Responds To Debbee Klein's Suit: Sam Gores' Ex-Asst Calls Prostitutes Claims "Blatant Lies"; Agency Seeks Arbitration For CaseSam Gores To Paradigm Staff: $1.1M Fund For Laid Off Employees, New Interim Funding Secured & No Salary For Gores Through 2020Paradigm Hit With Blistering $2M Breach Of Contract Suit By Debbee...
- 4/24/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
(Updated With Klein Lawyer Statement) Exclusive: A week after former Paradigm agent Debbee Klein smacked her old employer with a $2 million breach of contract lawsuit, the Sam Gores-led company has hit back today with a searing court multi-million dollar filing of its own denying all allegations of impropriety as “self-aggrandizing and delusional,” especially calumnious claims that prostitutes were hired by the agency’s chairman.
“The attached declaration of Gores’ longtime executive assistant confirms that this alleged conversation never took place,” declares the motion to compel arbitration of Klein’s assertion that a suddenly fired staffer told her earlier this year of sex workers being paid on the company’s dime for Gores and others.
More from Deadline'Tiger King's Joe Exotic Suffers Two Big Bites In His $89M False Arrest LawsuitSam Gores To Paradigm Staff: $1.1M Fund For Laid Off Employees, New Interim Funding Secured & No Salary For Gores Through...
“The attached declaration of Gores’ longtime executive assistant confirms that this alleged conversation never took place,” declares the motion to compel arbitration of Klein’s assertion that a suddenly fired staffer told her earlier this year of sex workers being paid on the company’s dime for Gores and others.
More from Deadline'Tiger King's Joe Exotic Suffers Two Big Bites In His $89M False Arrest LawsuitSam Gores To Paradigm Staff: $1.1M Fund For Laid Off Employees, New Interim Funding Secured & No Salary For Gores Through...
- 4/9/2020
- by Dominic Patten and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Paradigm CEO Sam Gores on Monday expressed regret to staffers laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic for what he said was initial communication about the move that “lacked compassion,” and announced new measures to help furloughed employees.
“The vital and significant actions we took, though necessary for the health of the company, were hard and painful,” said in an email to staffers at the agency. “And while immediate action was required, I realize that the way the message was conveyed to you lacked compassion and made you feel alienated from Paradigm.”
Paradigm let 250 staff members go on March 20 and enacted pay cuts for remaining employees. The company’s movie, TV and music departments were particularly hard hit. Laid off staffers later harshly criticized the company and Gores for how the layoffs were handled, telling the L.A. Times that they received no severance pay and were told their insurance...
“The vital and significant actions we took, though necessary for the health of the company, were hard and painful,” said in an email to staffers at the agency. “And while immediate action was required, I realize that the way the message was conveyed to you lacked compassion and made you feel alienated from Paradigm.”
Paradigm let 250 staff members go on March 20 and enacted pay cuts for remaining employees. The company’s movie, TV and music departments were particularly hard hit. Laid off staffers later harshly criticized the company and Gores for how the layoffs were handled, telling the L.A. Times that they received no severance pay and were told their insurance...
- 4/7/2020
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Exclusive: It has been a rough couple of weeks for Paradigm since chairman/CEO Sam Gores initiated “temporary layoffs” of up to 200 staffers in the wake of the Hollywood shutdown by the coronavirus pandemic, followed by a salacious lawsuit against the agency by vet agent Debbee Klein, who was among those laid off. Tonight, Gores sent an internal email that sought to reassure remaining staff about what the future held for the agency. Among the proclamations was that Gores set up an undisclosed amount of “interim financing” to keep the agency afloat for the foreseeable future, set a $1.1 million fund to help those employees on temporary layoff and extended their health coverage through June. Gores also disclosed that he will not take a paycheck for the rest of the year and possibly longer, until the music touring revenue-based agency rebounds in the future.
Deadline heard rumors that Gores was going...
Deadline heard rumors that Gores was going...
- 4/7/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Update, 11:48 Am: It took almost half a day, but Paradigm Talent Agency has finally responded to the more than $2 million lawsuit that Debbee Klein launched like a cruise missile late last night at the Sam Gores-run company for being unceremoniously axed last month after over two decades in the trenches.
And Paradigm is being almost as blunt as Klein, almost.
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“We have seen Ms. Klein’s complaint and it is littered with false, frivolous and scurrilous allegations, which, fortunately for her, are protected by the First Amendment, otherwise she would be facing a defamation suit,...
And Paradigm is being almost as blunt as Klein, almost.
More from DeadlineNo April Fools! Quibi Threatened With Injunction By Eko Days Before Launch Of Jeffrey Katzenberg's Mobile ServiceCoronavirus In Los Angeles County: Record 13 Deaths In Past 24 Hours; 534 New Cases Reported In Region - Update'The Office' EPs Ben Silverman & Paul Lieberstein Team For Remote Workplace Comedy Inspired By New Normal Amid Covid-19 Crisis
“We have seen Ms. Klein’s complaint and it is littered with false, frivolous and scurrilous allegations, which, fortunately for her, are protected by the First Amendment, otherwise she would be facing a defamation suit,...
- 4/2/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Recently fired Paradigm agent Debbee Klein has filed a $2 million lawsuit accusing the talent agency and CEO Sam Gores of, among other things, breach of oral contract and whistleblower retaliation.
The bombshell suit, filed in the Superior Court of California on Wednesday, lands less than two weeks after more than 100 Paradigm employees, including longtime agent Klein, were hit by the company’s “temporary layoffs” amid the coronavirus pandemic. The suit accuses Gores of amassing “vast personal gains by running Paradigm as his personal piggybank” and says he used “Paradigm’s expense account as a slush fund to pay for his sexual dalliances with prostitutes.”
The suit accuses Gores of “tone deaf” handling of the coronavirus pandemic’s effect on the business, saying that he maintained his full salary and kept his personal driver and chef on the payroll even as the agency let scores of longtime employees go — particularly “employees whom Mr.
The bombshell suit, filed in the Superior Court of California on Wednesday, lands less than two weeks after more than 100 Paradigm employees, including longtime agent Klein, were hit by the company’s “temporary layoffs” amid the coronavirus pandemic. The suit accuses Gores of amassing “vast personal gains by running Paradigm as his personal piggybank” and says he used “Paradigm’s expense account as a slush fund to pay for his sexual dalliances with prostitutes.”
The suit accuses Gores of “tone deaf” handling of the coronavirus pandemic’s effect on the business, saying that he maintained his full salary and kept his personal driver and chef on the payroll even as the agency let scores of longtime employees go — particularly “employees whom Mr.
- 4/2/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Writer-comedian Ali Wentworth has tested positive for Covid-19. She confirmed her diagnosis in an Instagram post Wednesday.
Wentworth’s post followed comments made by her husband, ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America earlier in the day. On the morning program, he revealed that Wentworth “has developed some symptoms”.
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“While she’s recovering as she goes through this, I’m going to be broadcasting from home and we’ll be working as long as we can,” the Gma co-host added.
Next to a photo of her in bed, Wentworth wrote that “I’ve never been sicker. High fever. Horrific body aches. Heavy chest. I’m quarantined from my family. This is pure misery.
Wentworth’s post followed comments made by her husband, ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America earlier in the day. On the morning program, he revealed that Wentworth “has developed some symptoms”.
More from DeadlineSony Establishes $100M Covid-19 Global Relief FundParadigm Rocked With $2M Breach Of Contract Suit By Debbee Klein; Sam Gores Accused Of Using Agency As "Personal Piggy Bank"Tony Winner Brian Stokes Mitchell Diagnosed With Covid-19
“While she’s recovering as she goes through this, I’m going to be broadcasting from home and we’ll be working as long as we can,” the Gma co-host added.
Next to a photo of her in bed, Wentworth wrote that “I’ve never been sicker. High fever. Horrific body aches. Heavy chest. I’m quarantined from my family. This is pure misery.
- 4/2/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
CNN and MSNBC each turned away from President Donald Trump’s coronavirus briefing after it started with an announcement — about a new advanced counter-narcotics operation.
The networks found it off-topic, particularly as Trump began to talk about progress of the construction of a wall along the southern border, a signature campaign promise.
More from DeadlineOne America News Network Removed From Donald Trump Briefings Over Violation Of Coronavirus Social Distancing GuidelinesSony Establishes $100M Covid-19 Global Relief FundParadigm Rocked With $2M Breach Of Contract Suit By Debbee Klein; Sam Gores Accused Of Using Agency As "Personal Piggy Bank"
CNN’s John King expressed his annoyance.
“When you are an incumbent president, to bring that into a briefing in the middle of a pandemic, the day after the incredibly sobering news the administration rightfully delivered to the American people yesterday, is shameless and it’s political,” he said on-air. “The president has other opportunities to do this.
The networks found it off-topic, particularly as Trump began to talk about progress of the construction of a wall along the southern border, a signature campaign promise.
More from DeadlineOne America News Network Removed From Donald Trump Briefings Over Violation Of Coronavirus Social Distancing GuidelinesSony Establishes $100M Covid-19 Global Relief FundParadigm Rocked With $2M Breach Of Contract Suit By Debbee Klein; Sam Gores Accused Of Using Agency As "Personal Piggy Bank"
CNN’s John King expressed his annoyance.
“When you are an incumbent president, to bring that into a briefing in the middle of a pandemic, the day after the incredibly sobering news the administration rightfully delivered to the American people yesterday, is shameless and it’s political,” he said on-air. “The president has other opportunities to do this.
- 4/1/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The temporary layoffs that were announced at the Paradigm Talent Agency on Friday have hit senior agents within the movie, TV literature and music departments of the organization, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
More than 100 of at least 600 employees at the agency were hit by the layoffs as TheWrap reported last week, and those who remained saw a reduction in payroll, all due to the cancellations and shutdowns caused by the pandemic. However, in a statement to TheWrap, a spokesperson said that the agency is working on bringing back people as quickly as possible and, in some cases, have already begun to do so. The news was announced agency-wide by CEO Sam Gores on Friday.
“The Covid-19 crisis has brought much of the entertainment industry to a virtual standstill, and Paradigm, like many companies, has had to take immediate steps to ensure continuity of our operations. Last week, we...
More than 100 of at least 600 employees at the agency were hit by the layoffs as TheWrap reported last week, and those who remained saw a reduction in payroll, all due to the cancellations and shutdowns caused by the pandemic. However, in a statement to TheWrap, a spokesperson said that the agency is working on bringing back people as quickly as possible and, in some cases, have already begun to do so. The news was announced agency-wide by CEO Sam Gores on Friday.
“The Covid-19 crisis has brought much of the entertainment industry to a virtual standstill, and Paradigm, like many companies, has had to take immediate steps to ensure continuity of our operations. Last week, we...
- 3/25/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Deal doubles ownership interest in affiliate productions to increase by 50%.
Paradigm Talent Agency has become the first major Hollywood agency involved in television packaging to sign a new franchise agreement with the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
The pact concludes a negotiation process that started last December and allows the agency to resume representation of its writers represented by WGA, effective immediately.
The new agreement expands on the Guild’s current franchise agreement and extends the “sunset” period for television packaging by six months to December 31, 2021. It also doubles the permitted ownership interest in affiliate productions by 50%, from 5% to 10%.
The...
Paradigm Talent Agency has become the first major Hollywood agency involved in television packaging to sign a new franchise agreement with the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
The pact concludes a negotiation process that started last December and allows the agency to resume representation of its writers represented by WGA, effective immediately.
The new agreement expands on the Guild’s current franchise agreement and extends the “sunset” period for television packaging by six months to December 31, 2021. It also doubles the permitted ownership interest in affiliate productions by 50%, from 5% to 10%.
The...
- 3/23/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Paradigm Talent Agency has signed a new franchise agreement with the Writers Guild of America, allowing the agency to resume representation of its WGA-represented clients for the first time in nearly a year.
Paradigm noted that the deal makes it the first major talent agency engaged in television packaging to sign a new franchise agreement with the WGA. The announcement was made by Paradigm chairman-ceo Sam Gores.
The new agreement expands on the terms of the WGA’s current franchise agreement, most notably extending the “sunset” period for television packaging by six months to Dec. 31, 2021, and doubling the allowable ownership interest in affiliate production from 5% to 10%.
The agreement will run through April, 2025, an extension of one year to the current WGA franchise agreement. Paradigm said the deal also preserves the agency’s right to terminate at any time following 45 days’ notice. The WGA and the agency began talks in mid-December...
Paradigm noted that the deal makes it the first major talent agency engaged in television packaging to sign a new franchise agreement with the WGA. The announcement was made by Paradigm chairman-ceo Sam Gores.
The new agreement expands on the terms of the WGA’s current franchise agreement, most notably extending the “sunset” period for television packaging by six months to Dec. 31, 2021, and doubling the allowable ownership interest in affiliate production from 5% to 10%.
The agreement will run through April, 2025, an extension of one year to the current WGA franchise agreement. Paradigm said the deal also preserves the agency’s right to terminate at any time following 45 days’ notice. The WGA and the agency began talks in mid-December...
- 3/23/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Paradigm Talent Agency announced on Monday that it has signed a five-year franchise agreement with the Writers Guild of America allowing its agents to resume representation of WGA members effective immediately.
Paradigm now joins Apa and Gersh among the list of full-service talent agencies that have made a deal with the WGA and is the first agency that does major television packaging deals to do so. As part of the agreement, the WGA has agreed to move the sunset date by which all franchised agencies must eliminate packaging fees — payments to an agency from a studio in exchange for packaging talent — to the end of 2021. Past deals with other agencies have led to the WGA repeatedly pushing back this deadline.
The new deal also doubles the amount of ownership interest an agency can have in affiliate production from 5% to 10%. The deal concludes a months-long negotiation with WGA leadership, which began...
Paradigm now joins Apa and Gersh among the list of full-service talent agencies that have made a deal with the WGA and is the first agency that does major television packaging deals to do so. As part of the agreement, the WGA has agreed to move the sunset date by which all franchised agencies must eliminate packaging fees — payments to an agency from a studio in exchange for packaging talent — to the end of 2021. Past deals with other agencies have led to the WGA repeatedly pushing back this deadline.
The new deal also doubles the amount of ownership interest an agency can have in affiliate production from 5% to 10%. The deal concludes a months-long negotiation with WGA leadership, which began...
- 3/23/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Updated with additional info, full franchise agreement: Paradigm Talent Agency has signed a new franchise agreement with the Writers Guild of America, and will be able to resume representation of its WGA-represented writer clients immediately. The deal was announced by Paradigm chairman and CEO Sam Gores.
Paradigm becomes the first major talent agency engaged in television packaging to sign a new franchise agreement with the WGA. This comes after the agency last week made widespread “temporary layoffs” of around 100 agents, and Deadline has heard this includes some of its prominent lit agents. Those laid off were given no severance and an expansion of health benefits that only last until the end of April, as the agency responded to a complete drying up of commissions that come mostly from its music touring business.
More from DeadlineCoronavirus Crunch Hits Agencies: Paradigm's Sam Gores Institutes WidespreadWGA And AMPTP "In Discussions" On How To...
Paradigm becomes the first major talent agency engaged in television packaging to sign a new franchise agreement with the WGA. This comes after the agency last week made widespread “temporary layoffs” of around 100 agents, and Deadline has heard this includes some of its prominent lit agents. Those laid off were given no severance and an expansion of health benefits that only last until the end of April, as the agency responded to a complete drying up of commissions that come mostly from its music touring business.
More from DeadlineCoronavirus Crunch Hits Agencies: Paradigm's Sam Gores Institutes WidespreadWGA And AMPTP "In Discussions" On How To...
- 3/23/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
As talent agencies in Hollywood feel the effects of a city-wide shutdown, ICM Partners on Wednesday furloughed “floating assistants,” support staff not assigned to a specific agent or department, TheWrap has confirmed.
Those affected were paid a month’s salary and medical benefits were extended through May. When the agency reopens its Century City headquarters, the staffers will have the opportunity to reapply for their lost positions.
Additionally, Wme has temporarily frozen expense reimbursements and future expenses are prohibited until further notice, a source tells TheWrap. Staff cuts have not yet hit Wme, CAA, and UTA.
Also Read: Andy Cohen Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Postpones Home-Based 'Watch What Happens Live'
Paradigm Chairman and CEO Sam Gores announced that the agency would furlough roughly 100 staffers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and reduce payroll for those who remain on staff.
The exact number of employees furloughed is not known, but...
Those affected were paid a month’s salary and medical benefits were extended through May. When the agency reopens its Century City headquarters, the staffers will have the opportunity to reapply for their lost positions.
Additionally, Wme has temporarily frozen expense reimbursements and future expenses are prohibited until further notice, a source tells TheWrap. Staff cuts have not yet hit Wme, CAA, and UTA.
Also Read: Andy Cohen Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Postpones Home-Based 'Watch What Happens Live'
Paradigm Chairman and CEO Sam Gores announced that the agency would furlough roughly 100 staffers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and reduce payroll for those who remain on staff.
The exact number of employees furloughed is not known, but...
- 3/20/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Beyond the bombshell Paradigm chief Sam Gores teleconference to temporarily lay off over 100 staffers, a Wme Partners conference call Friday has put the members of that select group in a state of shock.
Essentially, those agents were told of an indefinite postponement of a windfall they expected to occur on April 5. Basically, the partners were set to be given the option to cash out 20% of their equity, calculated on a $3.6 billion valuation of the company. That will be pushed down the road indefinitely and the partners were also told it is likely they will be asked to volunteer to take pay cuts, until business rebounds.
More from DeadlineCoronavirus Crunch Hits Agencies: Paradigm's Sam Gores Institutes Widespread 'Temporary Layoffs''Booksmart's Nico Hiraga Inks With WMEMexican Director Pitipol Ybarra Inks With Wme
This is a watershed moment for Wme. Some of the agents for the past several years kept their salaries at discounted rates,...
Essentially, those agents were told of an indefinite postponement of a windfall they expected to occur on April 5. Basically, the partners were set to be given the option to cash out 20% of their equity, calculated on a $3.6 billion valuation of the company. That will be pushed down the road indefinitely and the partners were also told it is likely they will be asked to volunteer to take pay cuts, until business rebounds.
More from DeadlineCoronavirus Crunch Hits Agencies: Paradigm's Sam Gores Institutes Widespread 'Temporary Layoffs''Booksmart's Nico Hiraga Inks With WMEMexican Director Pitipol Ybarra Inks With Wme
This is a watershed moment for Wme. Some of the agents for the past several years kept their salaries at discounted rates,...
- 3/20/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
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