The Option

Why Talent Agencies Are More Powerful Than Ever


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Why Talent Agencies Are More Powerful Than Ever

The WGA sued major talent agencies over packaging fees in 2019, framing it as a victory for writers. But CAA, WME, and UTA are more powerful now than they were before the lawsuit.

In this episode:

  • How agencies adapted by expanding into gaming, sports, and branded content
  • Why the core conflict of misaligned incentives remains
  • How agencies now control access to talent ecosystems across multiple verticals
  • Why the streaming era actually increased agency leverage
  • What this means for talent deals and studio negotiations
  • Key takeaway: "The headline missed the incentive—agencies didn't lose, they diversified."

    Related topics: Hollywood talent representation, entertainment industry power dynamics, talent deal structures, agency business models

    The Option is a daily intelligence briefing on the business of Hollywood. Subscribe for entertainment industry news, talent representation analysis, and agency business insights. New episodes every weekday at 6 AM PT.

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    The OptionBy Oil&Cattle