What really happened during the 48 hours leading up to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy — at least according to mob bosses — is heading to the big screen in the upcoming film “November 1963: The Killing of a President.”
The mob’s version of events were passed down to Chicago mob boss Sam Giancana’s nephew, Nicholas Celozzi, by Sam’s brother, the late Joseph “Pepe” Giancana, who drove around with his brother Sam during those two days.
“The reason why there’s this fascination or anxiety is because people know that what they’ve heard so far doesn’t make sense,” Celozzi tells Variety of the ongoing interest in the circumstances surrounding JFK’s assassination, even 60 years later. “They keep talking about it because they’re waiting to hear something that makes more common sense.”
Celozzi, whose film producing and writing credits include “The Legitimate Wiseguy,” “The Class” and...
The mob’s version of events were passed down to Chicago mob boss Sam Giancana’s nephew, Nicholas Celozzi, by Sam’s brother, the late Joseph “Pepe” Giancana, who drove around with his brother Sam during those two days.
“The reason why there’s this fascination or anxiety is because people know that what they’ve heard so far doesn’t make sense,” Celozzi tells Variety of the ongoing interest in the circumstances surrounding JFK’s assassination, even 60 years later. “They keep talking about it because they’re waiting to hear something that makes more common sense.”
Celozzi, whose film producing and writing credits include “The Legitimate Wiseguy,” “The Class” and...
- 5/8/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
April Perroni has joined Gersh as the agency’s senior vice president and head of business affairs, Variety has learned exclusively.
With the hiring, Steve Kravit will transition from his current role as head of business affairs to an of counsel role for Gersh. In addition, Madison White has been brought on as an associate and will work alongside current business affairs attorney Tj Heath.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Steve for his invaluable and innumerable contributions over many years with Gersh. The entire agency joins us in wishing him well as he begins this next chapter,” said Bob Gersh, David Gersh and Leslie Siebert, co-presidents of The Gersh Agency. “As a leader in her field, April’s extensive experience as an attorney and executive further strengthens our business and ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. We’re delighted to welcome both April and Madison to Gersh.
With the hiring, Steve Kravit will transition from his current role as head of business affairs to an of counsel role for Gersh. In addition, Madison White has been brought on as an associate and will work alongside current business affairs attorney Tj Heath.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Steve for his invaluable and innumerable contributions over many years with Gersh. The entire agency joins us in wishing him well as he begins this next chapter,” said Bob Gersh, David Gersh and Leslie Siebert, co-presidents of The Gersh Agency. “As a leader in her field, April’s extensive experience as an attorney and executive further strengthens our business and ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. We’re delighted to welcome both April and Madison to Gersh.
- 1/23/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Gersh has acquired A3 Artists Agency’s digital and alternative departments.
As part of the deal, 25 agents and 45 additional staffers will move to Gersh under a new standalone digital business. For the new setup, Jade Sherman will run the department, heading things up as senior partner and chief of digital. Gersh’s existing alternative department will now be led by A3’s Alec Shankman, who joins as senior partner and head of alternative, working alongside senior agent and partner Debra Goldfarb.
Other senior A3 agents moving to Gersh include Keith Bielory, Mark Turner, Melissa DeMarco, Sam Schmidt, Marienor Madrilejo, Jared Thompson and Matt Sorger, among others.
This A3 deal marks the agency’s first M&a move since receiving a significant equity investment from Crestview Partners last year and shows the agency’s focus on expanding its unscripted and digital footprints.
“We are incredibly excited about this area of growth for Gersh.
As part of the deal, 25 agents and 45 additional staffers will move to Gersh under a new standalone digital business. For the new setup, Jade Sherman will run the department, heading things up as senior partner and chief of digital. Gersh’s existing alternative department will now be led by A3’s Alec Shankman, who joins as senior partner and head of alternative, working alongside senior agent and partner Debra Goldfarb.
Other senior A3 agents moving to Gersh include Keith Bielory, Mark Turner, Melissa DeMarco, Sam Schmidt, Marienor Madrilejo, Jared Thompson and Matt Sorger, among others.
This A3 deal marks the agency’s first M&a move since receiving a significant equity investment from Crestview Partners last year and shows the agency’s focus on expanding its unscripted and digital footprints.
“We are incredibly excited about this area of growth for Gersh.
- 1/9/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Gersh has finally acquired the digital and alternative departments of A3 Artists Agency.
It comes after Deadline revealed the plans in September.
It marks the first deal after Crestview Partners took an equity investment in Gersh last year that saw the private equity company take a 45% stake in the agency.
As part of acquisition, 25 agents and a total of 45 additional staff will move to Gersh. It will see a new stand-alone digital business for the agency to be led by Jade Sherman, who joins as a senior partner and Head of Digital.
The alternative department will be led by Alec Shankman, who joins Gersh as a senior partner and Head of Alternative, working alongside senior agent and partner Debra Goldfarb.
In addition to Shankman and Sherman, senior agents moving to Gersh as part of the deal include Keith Bielory, Mark Turner, Melissa DeMarco, Sam Schmidt, Marienor Madrilejo, Jared Thompson, and Matt Sorger.
It comes after Deadline revealed the plans in September.
It marks the first deal after Crestview Partners took an equity investment in Gersh last year that saw the private equity company take a 45% stake in the agency.
As part of acquisition, 25 agents and a total of 45 additional staff will move to Gersh. It will see a new stand-alone digital business for the agency to be led by Jade Sherman, who joins as a senior partner and Head of Digital.
The alternative department will be led by Alec Shankman, who joins Gersh as a senior partner and Head of Alternative, working alongside senior agent and partner Debra Goldfarb.
In addition to Shankman and Sherman, senior agents moving to Gersh as part of the deal include Keith Bielory, Mark Turner, Melissa DeMarco, Sam Schmidt, Marienor Madrilejo, Jared Thompson, and Matt Sorger.
- 1/9/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Less than a month after a lawsuit was filed against the chairman of A3 Artists Agency seeking to block its sale, rival Gersh says it has closed a deal for the digital and alternative departments of the talent firm.
Some forty five staffers — twenty five of which are agents — will move over to the Beverly Hills-based Gersh as part of the agreement, bringing the total number of employees at the agency to around 350, with about 125 agents.
“The combined resources and expertise within the agency will unlock unparalleled opportunities for our clients,” said Bob Gersh, David Gersh and Leslie Siebert, co-presidents of Gersh, adding, “A3’s leadership team cultivated two outstanding departments. Their demonstrated success quickly positioned them as compelling additions to the agency.”
As part of the deal, A3’s Jade Sherman joins Gersh as senior partner and head of digital, while Alec Shankman arrives as senior partner and head of alternative.
Some forty five staffers — twenty five of which are agents — will move over to the Beverly Hills-based Gersh as part of the agreement, bringing the total number of employees at the agency to around 350, with about 125 agents.
“The combined resources and expertise within the agency will unlock unparalleled opportunities for our clients,” said Bob Gersh, David Gersh and Leslie Siebert, co-presidents of Gersh, adding, “A3’s leadership team cultivated two outstanding departments. Their demonstrated success quickly positioned them as compelling additions to the agency.”
As part of the deal, A3’s Jade Sherman joins Gersh as senior partner and head of digital, while Alec Shankman arrives as senior partner and head of alternative.
- 1/9/2024
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Gersh Agency bosses have backed a new African streamer with a seven-figure investment.
The Streamline Content mobile-first free SVoD will roll out across Sub-Saharan Africa shortly, combining local content with Hollywood fare in seven Fast and several VoD channels. It will have more than 15,000 hours worth of licensed content in genres ranging from scripted to documentaries to features to e-sports.
Gersh bosses Bob and David Gersh have invested a seven-figure sum in Streamline and taken an ownership stake as individuals, while longtime Gersh partner Todd Christopher is a co-founder. The streamer has also struck a strategic distribution partnership with Ayoba, an African platform that says it has more than 30 million monthly active users.
Streamline has offices in LA and New York and will soon open in South Africa and Nigeria. The vast majority of future hires will be African nationals, it said, positing an ambition to “create an exchange...
The Streamline Content mobile-first free SVoD will roll out across Sub-Saharan Africa shortly, combining local content with Hollywood fare in seven Fast and several VoD channels. It will have more than 15,000 hours worth of licensed content in genres ranging from scripted to documentaries to features to e-sports.
Gersh bosses Bob and David Gersh have invested a seven-figure sum in Streamline and taken an ownership stake as individuals, while longtime Gersh partner Todd Christopher is a co-founder. The streamer has also struck a strategic distribution partnership with Ayoba, an African platform that says it has more than 30 million monthly active users.
Streamline has offices in LA and New York and will soon open in South Africa and Nigeria. The vast majority of future hires will be African nationals, it said, positing an ambition to “create an exchange...
- 12/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tech entrepreneur and producer Oleg Shardin, best known as the co-founder of digital whiteboard company Miro, and actor-producer Alex Lane have partnered to create multimedia production company Puma In A Tank.
The new banner will specialize in low to mid-level budget elevated thriller films and TV shows focusing on international components and socially relevant themes.
The company has already raised financing to co-fund a slate of films and TV shows and will seek strategic partnerships on a project-per-project basis.
Partners include venture capitalist Joachim Laqueur, M&a and business strategy expert Vasiliy Lantsov and corporate finance professional Igor Shardin.
First projects include female-driven thriller feature film Speak Up, directed by award-winning Irish filmmaker Rioghnach Ni Ghrioghair (Balor Hall); American dramedy TV series Driver A.D., based on the international bestseller Driving The Saudis by Jayne Amelia Larson, who also co-created the series, as well as female-driven futuristic thriller A Better Place.
The new banner will specialize in low to mid-level budget elevated thriller films and TV shows focusing on international components and socially relevant themes.
The company has already raised financing to co-fund a slate of films and TV shows and will seek strategic partnerships on a project-per-project basis.
Partners include venture capitalist Joachim Laqueur, M&a and business strategy expert Vasiliy Lantsov and corporate finance professional Igor Shardin.
First projects include female-driven thriller feature film Speak Up, directed by award-winning Irish filmmaker Rioghnach Ni Ghrioghair (Balor Hall); American dramedy TV series Driver A.D., based on the international bestseller Driving The Saudis by Jayne Amelia Larson, who also co-created the series, as well as female-driven futuristic thriller A Better Place.
- 11/8/2023
- by Jesse Whittock and Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Multi-Oscar nominated director Bruce Beresford is set to direct The Place I Belong about pro golfer Moe Norman.
The Place I Belong follows the rise of Norman, from caddie and bowling alley pinsetter to playing the Masters and on the pro tour. His eccentric behavior led Moe to be bullied out of the sport he loved, but he became an unknown legend, playing and winning smaller tournaments, setting course records, living hand to mouth, sometimes sleeping in his car or in sand traps at the courses he played.
David Carver is producing. Carver co-wrote screenplay with Mark Bergen, Josh Schorr and Todd Korgan, based on previous versions by Joshua Michael Stern, David Lee Miller and Eric Adams.
David Steinberg and Robyn Todd are EPs. Wayne Gretzky and Janet Gretzky are co-producers.
Beresford has directed over 25 films including the four-time Oscar winning Best Picture Driving Miss Daisy” which grossed over $145M WW back in 1989-1990. He also helmed Tender Mercies which won two Oscars and one Golden Globe; Breaker Morant.
Says Beresford, “The central character is delightfully eccentric and the story of his amazing life and career those around it, is told with humor, compassion, sophistication and insight. I enthusiastically accepted the offer to direct such a fascinating group of characters and story, told on and off the golf course.”
Carver adds, “Bruce’s skill with the period piece genre, particularly in transformational roles, and the simple fact that he makes very classy movies, has us overwhelmed with appreciation that he will be directing our 25-year passion project.”
Beresford is represented by David Gersh of The Gersh Agency. Steinberg and Todd are represented by Jason Weinberg and Michael Rosenberg of Untitled Entertainment.
The Place I Belong follows the rise of Norman, from caddie and bowling alley pinsetter to playing the Masters and on the pro tour. His eccentric behavior led Moe to be bullied out of the sport he loved, but he became an unknown legend, playing and winning smaller tournaments, setting course records, living hand to mouth, sometimes sleeping in his car or in sand traps at the courses he played.
David Carver is producing. Carver co-wrote screenplay with Mark Bergen, Josh Schorr and Todd Korgan, based on previous versions by Joshua Michael Stern, David Lee Miller and Eric Adams.
David Steinberg and Robyn Todd are EPs. Wayne Gretzky and Janet Gretzky are co-producers.
Beresford has directed over 25 films including the four-time Oscar winning Best Picture Driving Miss Daisy” which grossed over $145M WW back in 1989-1990. He also helmed Tender Mercies which won two Oscars and one Golden Globe; Breaker Morant.
Says Beresford, “The central character is delightfully eccentric and the story of his amazing life and career those around it, is told with humor, compassion, sophistication and insight. I enthusiastically accepted the offer to direct such a fascinating group of characters and story, told on and off the golf course.”
Carver adds, “Bruce’s skill with the period piece genre, particularly in transformational roles, and the simple fact that he makes very classy movies, has us overwhelmed with appreciation that he will be directing our 25-year passion project.”
Beresford is represented by David Gersh of The Gersh Agency. Steinberg and Todd are represented by Jason Weinberg and Michael Rosenberg of Untitled Entertainment.
- 7/7/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Marking the first time in 70 years that it hasn’t been totally owned within the family, The Gersh Agency has sold a 45% stake to New York-based private equity firm Crestview Partners.
The talent agency hasn’t divulged the amount of equity its new partner is investing, but both sides said the aim is to accelerate Gersh’s domestic and international growth by expanding firm resources to support a growing staff and client roster. Deal was announced by Gersh Co-Presidents Bob and David Gersh and Brian Cassidy, Co-President and Head of Media at Crestview.
Longtime Senior Managing Partner Leslie Siebert has been elevated to Co-President, alongside David and Bob Gersh. Siebert will also join the Gersh brothers and members of Crestview on a newly formed board of directors. Siebert’s appointment represents the first step of Gersh’s long-planned management transition, the agency said.
Gersh was founded in 1949 by Phil Gersh,...
The talent agency hasn’t divulged the amount of equity its new partner is investing, but both sides said the aim is to accelerate Gersh’s domestic and international growth by expanding firm resources to support a growing staff and client roster. Deal was announced by Gersh Co-Presidents Bob and David Gersh and Brian Cassidy, Co-President and Head of Media at Crestview.
Longtime Senior Managing Partner Leslie Siebert has been elevated to Co-President, alongside David and Bob Gersh. Siebert will also join the Gersh brothers and members of Crestview on a newly formed board of directors. Siebert’s appointment represents the first step of Gersh’s long-planned management transition, the agency said.
Gersh was founded in 1949 by Phil Gersh,...
- 5/1/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
After nearly 75 years of family ownership, Gersh Agency has sold a 45% stake in the company to private equity firm Crestview Partners.
Gersh Agency chiefs Bob Gersh and David Gersh said the investment from Crestview is designed to help the agency grow in new areas to better represent its core client base. The deal calls for the brothers to continue to stay at the helm. Leslie Siebert, Gersh Agency veteran who has long served as managing partner, has been promoted to co-president status alongside Bob and David Gersh.
Gersh Agency’s sale comes as all of its major talent agency competitors have brought in additional partners and investors to help provide much-needed resources and financial support for a notoriously volatile business. The brothers assert they will maintain control even as they bring in capital from Crestview. In 2019, Crestview Partners acquired a one-third stake in ICM Partners for about $150 million — a deal...
Gersh Agency chiefs Bob Gersh and David Gersh said the investment from Crestview is designed to help the agency grow in new areas to better represent its core client base. The deal calls for the brothers to continue to stay at the helm. Leslie Siebert, Gersh Agency veteran who has long served as managing partner, has been promoted to co-president status alongside Bob and David Gersh.
Gersh Agency’s sale comes as all of its major talent agency competitors have brought in additional partners and investors to help provide much-needed resources and financial support for a notoriously volatile business. The brothers assert they will maintain control even as they bring in capital from Crestview. In 2019, Crestview Partners acquired a one-third stake in ICM Partners for about $150 million — a deal...
- 5/1/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
In the race to establish a foothold as Hollywood’s No. 4 agency, Gersh is taking private equity cash to fuel expansion in the talent representation space.
Investment firm Crestview Partners has secured a significant stake, 45 percent, in the Beverly Hills-based agency, the companies said on Monday. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but the Gersh partnership will retain a majority stake in the agency that was founded in 1949 by rep Phil Gersh and currently run by his sons, David and Bob Gersh.
As part of the deal, members of Crestview will join a newly formed board of directors at the agency, with David and Bob Gersh also joining the board. (The number of seats is to-be-determined, but the Gersh partners have a majority.) Additionally, Leslie Siebert, the senior managing partner who joined the agency in 1984, has been promoted to co-president of Gersh and will join the board.
With the move,...
Investment firm Crestview Partners has secured a significant stake, 45 percent, in the Beverly Hills-based agency, the companies said on Monday. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but the Gersh partnership will retain a majority stake in the agency that was founded in 1949 by rep Phil Gersh and currently run by his sons, David and Bob Gersh.
As part of the deal, members of Crestview will join a newly formed board of directors at the agency, with David and Bob Gersh also joining the board. (The number of seats is to-be-determined, but the Gersh partners have a majority.) Additionally, Leslie Siebert, the senior managing partner who joined the agency in 1984, has been promoted to co-president of Gersh and will join the board.
With the move,...
- 5/1/2023
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hollywood talent agents are famously competitive with one another. Whether big or boutique, agencies parry and joust in wooing talent and sealing deals.
But some issues transcend money and ego. Hate speech is one of them.
Bob Gersh, longtime leader of the agency founded by his father in the 1960s, has watched Kanye West’s abhorrent outbursts of antisemitism over the past two weeks with dismay. On Saturday, the Gersh Agency chief reached out to Variety to express support for Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel’s call for businesses to condemn and cut ties with West. That list includes Apple, Spotify and Adidas. West has already had accounts restricted on Twitter and Instagram because of the nature of his comments about Jewish people.
“This is as low as it can get,” Gersh told Variety of West’s recent comments. “This is the most blatant form of hatred and antisemitism one could imagine.
But some issues transcend money and ego. Hate speech is one of them.
Bob Gersh, longtime leader of the agency founded by his father in the 1960s, has watched Kanye West’s abhorrent outbursts of antisemitism over the past two weeks with dismay. On Saturday, the Gersh Agency chief reached out to Variety to express support for Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel’s call for businesses to condemn and cut ties with West. That list includes Apple, Spotify and Adidas. West has already had accounts restricted on Twitter and Instagram because of the nature of his comments about Jewish people.
“This is as low as it can get,” Gersh told Variety of West’s recent comments. “This is the most blatant form of hatred and antisemitism one could imagine.
- 10/23/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Bart Walker, a veteran power player on the independent film who is best known for a long tenure at ICM Partners, is joining Gersh as a partner.
Based in the agency’s New York office, Walker brings with him a long list of talent across film, TV and stage including David Byrne, Lisa Cholodenko, Sofia Coppola, Tamara Jenkins, Spike Lee, Mira Nair, Oliver Stone, Thomas Vinterberg, Mati Diop, Michel Franco, Mia Hansen-Love, Jim Jarmusch, the Kloster Brothers, Lorenzo Vigas, Benoit Delhomme, Iram Haq, Sally Potter, Richard Press and Olmo Schnabel.
The move by the well-respected agent is the latest major shift on the agency landscape in the wake of CAA’s acquisition of ICM. “The challenge of the moment in representation is focus and advocacy that is specific to the individual clients,” Walker said in a statement announcing the news. “My clients and...
Bart Walker, a veteran power player on the independent film who is best known for a long tenure at ICM Partners, is joining Gersh as a partner.
Based in the agency’s New York office, Walker brings with him a long list of talent across film, TV and stage including David Byrne, Lisa Cholodenko, Sofia Coppola, Tamara Jenkins, Spike Lee, Mira Nair, Oliver Stone, Thomas Vinterberg, Mati Diop, Michel Franco, Mia Hansen-Love, Jim Jarmusch, the Kloster Brothers, Lorenzo Vigas, Benoit Delhomme, Iram Haq, Sally Potter, Richard Press and Olmo Schnabel.
The move by the well-respected agent is the latest major shift on the agency landscape in the wake of CAA’s acquisition of ICM. “The challenge of the moment in representation is focus and advocacy that is specific to the individual clients,” Walker said in a statement announcing the news. “My clients and...
- 8/4/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bart Walker, former talent agent and partner for ICM Partners, has joined the Gersh Agency as a senior partner, Variety has confirmed. He will be based in the company’s New York office.
Walker’s move comes shortly after fellow Hollywood talent agency CAA’s acquisition of ICM this June. Following the acquisition, Walker opted to leave the company, where he has worked since 2012.
Walker is expected to bring a large number of his clients with him to Gersh, with names such as David Bryne, Sofia Coppola, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, Thomas Vinterberg, Mia Hansen-Love, Jim Jarmusch, Mati Diop, Tamara Jenkins, Mira Nair, Michel Franco and Lorenzo Vigas.
“Bart Walker is a brilliant agent with impeccable taste,” Gersh senior partners Bob and David Gersh and Leslie Siebert said in a joint statement. “The list of filmmakers he represents is formidable and we anticipate amazing integration with our existing clients. He...
Walker’s move comes shortly after fellow Hollywood talent agency CAA’s acquisition of ICM this June. Following the acquisition, Walker opted to leave the company, where he has worked since 2012.
Walker is expected to bring a large number of his clients with him to Gersh, with names such as David Bryne, Sofia Coppola, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, Thomas Vinterberg, Mia Hansen-Love, Jim Jarmusch, Mati Diop, Tamara Jenkins, Mira Nair, Michel Franco and Lorenzo Vigas.
“Bart Walker is a brilliant agent with impeccable taste,” Gersh senior partners Bob and David Gersh and Leslie Siebert said in a joint statement. “The list of filmmakers he represents is formidable and we anticipate amazing integration with our existing clients. He...
- 8/4/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Bart Walker will join Gersh as Senior Partner in the New York office. The longtime ICM agent, who decided not to stay when CAA acquired that agency, will continue to represent his esteemed clients in film, television and theatre including Oscar nominees/winners such as David Byrne, Lisa Cholodenko, Sofia Coppola, Tamara Jenkins, Spike Lee, Mira Nair, Oliver Stone and Thomas Vinterberg; Cannes, Venice and Sundance prize winners such as Mati Diop, Michel Franco, Mia Hansen-Love, Jim Jarmusch, The Kloster Brothers, and Lorenzo Vigas: and multi-hyphenate artists such as Benoit Delhomme, Iram Haq, Sally Potter, Richard Press, and Olmo Schnabel.
Walker, along with ICM indie film head Jessica Lacy, have been fixtures of the film festivals and the independent filmmaking sphere for as long as I can remember. Lacy recently left to join Range Media Partners. He had been talking with agencies and management companies and landing Walker is a coup for Gersh.
Walker, along with ICM indie film head Jessica Lacy, have been fixtures of the film festivals and the independent filmmaking sphere for as long as I can remember. Lacy recently left to join Range Media Partners. He had been talking with agencies and management companies and landing Walker is a coup for Gersh.
- 8/4/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran publicist Cari Ross has joined Gersh as Senior Vice President of Communications.
Ross, who launched and has run her own company, Balance Public Relations, since 2011, will work out of the agency’s Los Angeles office to oversee all communications, social media, imaging and press relations. This marks the first time Gersh has hired an internal communications executive. Ross begins her new role today.
Ross has represented talent, non-profits, productions and events at her own company as well as ID, serving as Senior Vice President, and Baker Winokur Ryder as part of the Management team. She also has created successful awards campaigns for the Oscars, Emmys and the Tony Awards.
“I am extremely excited to be joining Gersh,” said Ross, who has worked with the agency’s senior management for over two decades. “With the agency business changing, this gives me an extraordinary opportunity to highlight a more intimate experience...
Ross, who launched and has run her own company, Balance Public Relations, since 2011, will work out of the agency’s Los Angeles office to oversee all communications, social media, imaging and press relations. This marks the first time Gersh has hired an internal communications executive. Ross begins her new role today.
Ross has represented talent, non-profits, productions and events at her own company as well as ID, serving as Senior Vice President, and Baker Winokur Ryder as part of the Management team. She also has created successful awards campaigns for the Oscars, Emmys and the Tony Awards.
“I am extremely excited to be joining Gersh,” said Ross, who has worked with the agency’s senior management for over two decades. “With the agency business changing, this gives me an extraordinary opportunity to highlight a more intimate experience...
- 7/20/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
For the first time in the agency’s history, Gersh now has an in-house communications executive.
Veteran publicist Cari Ross has joined Gersh to serve as senior vp of communications, working out of the Los Angeles office and overseeing all communications, social media, imaging and press relations, effective immediately. Ross segues to the post after more than a decade of running her own firm, Balance Public Relations, where she repped stars like Julianna Margulies, among many others.
During her tenure in the PR business, Ross worked closely with Gersh senior management for more than two decades and says she’s “extremely excited” to be furthering that relationship. “With the agency business changing, this gives me an extraordinary opportunity to highlight a more intimate experience for clients and have Gersh continue to be an important voice in the Hollywood community,” said Ross in a statement.
For the first time in the agency’s history, Gersh now has an in-house communications executive.
Veteran publicist Cari Ross has joined Gersh to serve as senior vp of communications, working out of the Los Angeles office and overseeing all communications, social media, imaging and press relations, effective immediately. Ross segues to the post after more than a decade of running her own firm, Balance Public Relations, where she repped stars like Julianna Margulies, among many others.
During her tenure in the PR business, Ross worked closely with Gersh senior management for more than two decades and says she’s “extremely excited” to be furthering that relationship. “With the agency business changing, this gives me an extraordinary opportunity to highlight a more intimate experience for clients and have Gersh continue to be an important voice in the Hollywood community,” said Ross in a statement.
- 7/20/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Duncan Henderson, the unit production manager, assistant director and producer with credits including Dead Poets Society, Master and Commander, The Perfect Storm and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, has died. He was 72.
Henderson, who in addition to his production career served as a national board member at the DGA for 16 years, died Tuesday in Valencia, California, of pancreatic cancer, the guild announced.
“We will remember him for his strength of character and huge sense of adventure,” Henderson’s family said in a statement. “He was thoughtful and was a romantic. He always worked extremely hard to make his time with his family exceptional. He helped countless people and always did the right thing.”
Henderson’s agent, David Gersh, remembered him as “a gentleman in the truest sense of the word” who always asked about how other clients were doing when he called his agent.
Duncan Henderson, the unit production manager, assistant director and producer with credits including Dead Poets Society, Master and Commander, The Perfect Storm and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, has died. He was 72.
Henderson, who in addition to his production career served as a national board member at the DGA for 16 years, died Tuesday in Valencia, California, of pancreatic cancer, the guild announced.
“We will remember him for his strength of character and huge sense of adventure,” Henderson’s family said in a statement. “He was thoughtful and was a romantic. He always worked extremely hard to make his time with his family exceptional. He helped countless people and always did the right thing.”
Henderson’s agent, David Gersh, remembered him as “a gentleman in the truest sense of the word” who always asked about how other clients were doing when he called his agent.
- 6/23/2022
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Charlotte Colbert, the filmmaker and multimedia artist whose feature directorial debut She Will won the Locarno Film Festival’s Golden Leopard for Best First Feature, has signed with Gersh for representation, Co-President David Gersh announced today.
“Charlotte is a visionary writer/ director,” said Gersh, “and is one of the most original and exciting new filmmakers to emerge.”
Colbert’s Locarno thriller tells the story of Veronica Ghent (Alice Krige), who after a double mastectomy, goes to a healing retreat in rural Scotland with her young nurse Desi (Kota Eberhardt). She discovers that the process of such surgery opens up questions about her very existence, leading her to start to question and confront past traumas. The two then develop an unlikely bond as mysterious forces give Veronica the power to enact revenge within her dreams.
She Will has been acquired for domestic distribution by IFC Films and will be released this spring.
“Charlotte is a visionary writer/ director,” said Gersh, “and is one of the most original and exciting new filmmakers to emerge.”
Colbert’s Locarno thriller tells the story of Veronica Ghent (Alice Krige), who after a double mastectomy, goes to a healing retreat in rural Scotland with her young nurse Desi (Kota Eberhardt). She discovers that the process of such surgery opens up questions about her very existence, leading her to start to question and confront past traumas. The two then develop an unlikely bond as mysterious forces give Veronica the power to enact revenge within her dreams.
She Will has been acquired for domestic distribution by IFC Films and will be released this spring.
- 2/23/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
James Cullen Bressack (“Fortress”) is adapting the play “Murder, Anyone?” into a feature film, Variety can exclusively reveal.
“Muder, Anyone?” was originally written by Bressack’s father, Emmy Award-winning “Pinky and the Brain” writer Gordon Bressack. The play first premiered at the White Fire Theatre in Los Angeles in 2017.
Gordon Bressack, who worked on dozens of beloved animated shows including “Animaniacs” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” died in 2019.
Now his son will direct and produce a feature film adaptation, in part to “bring attention to his work,” Bressack tells Variety.
Spencer Breslin (“The Happening”) and Kristos Andrews (“The Bay”) are set to star in the film, a faithful adaptation of Bressack Sr.’s show about two playwrights tasked with creating a new “avant-garde, surrealistic, mind-bending neo-noire thriller” who find their story coming to life as they write.
Breslin and Andrews are joined by Galadriel Stineman (“The Is Us”), Maurice Lamarche (“Animaniacs”), Charles M.
“Muder, Anyone?” was originally written by Bressack’s father, Emmy Award-winning “Pinky and the Brain” writer Gordon Bressack. The play first premiered at the White Fire Theatre in Los Angeles in 2017.
Gordon Bressack, who worked on dozens of beloved animated shows including “Animaniacs” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” died in 2019.
Now his son will direct and produce a feature film adaptation, in part to “bring attention to his work,” Bressack tells Variety.
Spencer Breslin (“The Happening”) and Kristos Andrews (“The Bay”) are set to star in the film, a faithful adaptation of Bressack Sr.’s show about two playwrights tasked with creating a new “avant-garde, surrealistic, mind-bending neo-noire thriller” who find their story coming to life as they write.
Breslin and Andrews are joined by Galadriel Stineman (“The Is Us”), Maurice Lamarche (“Animaniacs”), Charles M.
- 2/21/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Gersh has made a number of promotions across the company, including upping Eric Garfinkel, who is co-head of Gersh’s Motion Picture Lit Department, to partner.
“Eric is a very effective leader in our Motion Picture Lit Department,” David Gersh said Thursday. “I have been very impressed with his positive energy and laser focus on what is practical and how we can work together as a team to accomplish our goals. He is incredibly efficient in working with our clients and putting their films together while building a great business and helping to mentor our newer agents.”
Gersh also promoted Emily Herrmann, Josh Brandis, Catherine Barnes, Rachel Mangione, Casey Larkin and Jessica Sabanos to agent. In addition, six assistants have been upped to coordinators: Jimmy Cheng (Feature Lit), Alana Duthie (Feature Lit), Walker Harris (Production), Nathan Howard (Talent), Sam Putzer (Comedy) and Danielle Szyperek (TV).
“The promotions we are...
“Eric is a very effective leader in our Motion Picture Lit Department,” David Gersh said Thursday. “I have been very impressed with his positive energy and laser focus on what is practical and how we can work together as a team to accomplish our goals. He is incredibly efficient in working with our clients and putting their films together while building a great business and helping to mentor our newer agents.”
Gersh also promoted Emily Herrmann, Josh Brandis, Catherine Barnes, Rachel Mangione, Casey Larkin and Jessica Sabanos to agent. In addition, six assistants have been upped to coordinators: Jimmy Cheng (Feature Lit), Alana Duthie (Feature Lit), Walker Harris (Production), Nathan Howard (Talent), Sam Putzer (Comedy) and Danielle Szyperek (TV).
“The promotions we are...
- 2/17/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jayson Council has joined Gersh in the position of Head of Culture. It is a new position, and representative of the talent agency’s commitment to inclusion, equity and belonging, the partners said. Council is a cross-industry social impact innovator veteran with 20 years of experience in leading equity driven education reform, social purpose philanthropy, community activation, and corporate social responsibility, Council will lead Gersh’s efforts in identifying new opportunities to advance the agency’s commitment to improving and enhancing its cultural competence, including belonging, inclusion, and equity among others.
In this new role, Council will report directly to agency founders Bob Gersh, David Gersh, and Leslie Siebert. As part of Council’s purview, he will oversee the Gersh Culture Leadership Committee, a newly created equity group. The agency had previously established its Diversity Task Force in 2020 as a call to action to address social injustices. Council’s leadership...
In this new role, Council will report directly to agency founders Bob Gersh, David Gersh, and Leslie Siebert. As part of Council’s purview, he will oversee the Gersh Culture Leadership Committee, a newly created equity group. The agency had previously established its Diversity Task Force in 2020 as a call to action to address social injustices. Council’s leadership...
- 2/1/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sylvee Legge has been promoted to Agent, Below-the-Line at Gersh.
Legge entered the agency via its mailroom in 2018 and swiftly climbed the ranks to Assistant, Coordinator, and Agent Trainee, prior to her latest promotion. She worked most recently under below the line agent Tara Kromer, and is the first Agent Trainee in Gersh history from the New York division of the department to be promoted internally.
“We are thrilled to announce Sylvee’s very well deserved promotion to agent. She has an unstoppable work ethic with great taste; and not only does she add value to our production department, but cross-departmentally to Gersh as a whole,” said David Gersh, who serves as Co-President of the agency. “We are excited for her future and proud to have her as an integral part of our expansion in New York.”
Legge has already cultivated an impressive roster of talent at Gersh, this...
Legge entered the agency via its mailroom in 2018 and swiftly climbed the ranks to Assistant, Coordinator, and Agent Trainee, prior to her latest promotion. She worked most recently under below the line agent Tara Kromer, and is the first Agent Trainee in Gersh history from the New York division of the department to be promoted internally.
“We are thrilled to announce Sylvee’s very well deserved promotion to agent. She has an unstoppable work ethic with great taste; and not only does she add value to our production department, but cross-departmentally to Gersh as a whole,” said David Gersh, who serves as Co-President of the agency. “We are excited for her future and proud to have her as an integral part of our expansion in New York.”
Legge has already cultivated an impressive roster of talent at Gersh, this...
- 12/3/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
He was super agent Phil Gersh’s signature client from the start of his acting career through his death in 1957, all through his heyday in the 1940s and 1950s in The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, The African Queen, Key Largo, Treasure of the Sierra Madre and The Caine Mutiny. Now, Humphrey Bogart is back with the Gersh Agency, which has signed the Humphrey Bogart Estate.
While estate business signings are usually mundane, this was an excuse for a trip down Hollywood’s memory lane for Bob and David Gersh, who took over the agency from their father. As boys, they grew up around Bogart, and the other stars from dad’s stable that included William Holden, David Niven, Kirk Douglas, Lee J. Cobb, and Fredric March. David Gersh recalled the dialogue between his storied agent father and the legendary Bogart, and it’s not what you might think. “Every time Bogey saw my father,...
While estate business signings are usually mundane, this was an excuse for a trip down Hollywood’s memory lane for Bob and David Gersh, who took over the agency from their father. As boys, they grew up around Bogart, and the other stars from dad’s stable that included William Holden, David Niven, Kirk Douglas, Lee J. Cobb, and Fredric March. David Gersh recalled the dialogue between his storied agent father and the legendary Bogart, and it’s not what you might think. “Every time Bogey saw my father,...
- 4/6/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Gersh Agency principal David Gersh voiced his support for CAA’s position on the role of talent managers in the agency’s larger fight with the Writers Guild of America.
In a declaration filed Friday in federal court in Los Angeles, David Gersh asserts that WGA West executive director David Young told him that the guild would continue to ask talent managers to help find jobs for writers in order to keep the pressure on CAA and WME, the two largest agencies that have not signed a new franchise agreement with the WGA. Talent managers under California law are not allowed to directly procure employment for clients.
Separately, CAA veteran Joe Cohen, head of scripted TV, offers an impassioned testimonial on the role that long-term agents play in the lives of creators of indelible Hollywood content. Cohen references 25-year and longer relationships with showrunner clients believed to be Ryan Murphy and Matt Weiner,...
In a declaration filed Friday in federal court in Los Angeles, David Gersh asserts that WGA West executive director David Young told him that the guild would continue to ask talent managers to help find jobs for writers in order to keep the pressure on CAA and WME, the two largest agencies that have not signed a new franchise agreement with the WGA. Talent managers under California law are not allowed to directly procure employment for clients.
Separately, CAA veteran Joe Cohen, head of scripted TV, offers an impassioned testimonial on the role that long-term agents play in the lives of creators of indelible Hollywood content. Cohen references 25-year and longer relationships with showrunner clients believed to be Ryan Murphy and Matt Weiner,...
- 12/11/2020
- by Gene Maddaus and Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Gersh Agency is adding veteran talent agent Daisy Wu to its partner ranks. It is one of several promotions at the talent agency which is expanding its talent department with five assistants being upped to coordinators on both coasts. The agency’s sole current talent coordinator, Gaby Cohen, has been promoted to an agent in the Los Angeles talent department. In total, six assistants have been elevated to coordinators, including one in the TV lit department. Gersh is among the agencies that have an agreement with the WGA to represent writers.
“We are excited about this next generation of leaders who continue to exhibit profound growth and innovation. The promotions serve as important milestones for our colleagues in their careers, as well as a testament to Gersh’s continued evolution across all departments,” said Gersh Co-Presidents Bob Gersh and David Gersh and Senior Managing Partner Leslie Siebert.
Wu...
“We are excited about this next generation of leaders who continue to exhibit profound growth and innovation. The promotions serve as important milestones for our colleagues in their careers, as well as a testament to Gersh’s continued evolution across all departments,” said Gersh Co-Presidents Bob Gersh and David Gersh and Senior Managing Partner Leslie Siebert.
Wu...
- 12/8/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Gersh Agency leaders Bob and David Gersh issued an internal missive to staff in which they pledged support for Black Out Tuesday, and plan to match donations made to Black Lives Matter causes. The brothers have also pledged to “begin a more proactive dialogue with studios and production companies…to develop projects and to release the stories of underrepresented persons and clients. See their letter below:
We want to thank everyone for their response to our earlier email and we want to reiterate our commitment to matching the outpouring of donations that have been made so far today. Just to clarify, please send your donation receipts to Gabrielle Reiner at jkullmann.asst@gersh.com.
We want to make clear again that the company is unequivocally standing with our black and brown colleagues and community. We are in full support that Black Lives Matter! Tomorrow we will be participating in “Black...
We want to thank everyone for their response to our earlier email and we want to reiterate our commitment to matching the outpouring of donations that have been made so far today. Just to clarify, please send your donation receipts to Gabrielle Reiner at jkullmann.asst@gersh.com.
We want to make clear again that the company is unequivocally standing with our black and brown colleagues and community. We are in full support that Black Lives Matter! Tomorrow we will be participating in “Black...
- 6/2/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Gersh has become the latest Hollywood talent agency to impose salary reductions in an effort to mitigate the devastating impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the entertainment business as the death toll worldwide continues to rise.
Like other companies that have resorted to pay cuts, Gersh Agency’s biggest earners will take the brunt of the reductions, said to go up to 45%, with Bob Gersh and David Gersh forgoing their salaries.
More from Deadline"Stay At Home" Or "You Could Kill Someone," Return of 'Real Time With Bill Maher' Told By La MayorPink Fully Recovered From Coronavirus, Donates $1M To Pandemic Relief Efforts"You Just Asked Your Question In A Very Nasty Tone": Donald Trump Lashes Out At CBS News Reporter's Query About Jared Kushner
The agency also has furloughed a group of mostly support staff, including assistants, with the idea of bringing them back when the business returns to normal.
Like other companies that have resorted to pay cuts, Gersh Agency’s biggest earners will take the brunt of the reductions, said to go up to 45%, with Bob Gersh and David Gersh forgoing their salaries.
More from Deadline"Stay At Home" Or "You Could Kill Someone," Return of 'Real Time With Bill Maher' Told By La MayorPink Fully Recovered From Coronavirus, Donates $1M To Pandemic Relief Efforts"You Just Asked Your Question In A Very Nasty Tone": Donald Trump Lashes Out At CBS News Reporter's Query About Jared Kushner
The agency also has furloughed a group of mostly support staff, including assistants, with the idea of bringing them back when the business returns to normal.
- 4/3/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Gersh has reached an agreement with the Writers Guild of America on representing members of the guild, ending a nine-month standoff.
“Writers are vital to our industry, and Gersh has a long and proud history representing them,” co-presidents David Gersh and Bob Gersh said in a statement. “We are deeply committed to our writers and their interests, and appreciate their patience. We enthusiastically look forward to resuming our work on their behalf.”
WGA members were told in April to fire their agents if the agents had not agreed to bans on packaging fees and affiliate production. Gersh is joining more than 70 agencies allowed to represent WGA members.
A Gersh spokesperson refused to disclose details of its agreement with the WGA, which was announced Friday. The WGA had no comment about the announcement.
In a message to its clients, David and Bob Gersh said, “Thank you for your patience. Gersh has represented writers for over 70 years,...
“Writers are vital to our industry, and Gersh has a long and proud history representing them,” co-presidents David Gersh and Bob Gersh said in a statement. “We are deeply committed to our writers and their interests, and appreciate their patience. We enthusiastically look forward to resuming our work on their behalf.”
WGA members were told in April to fire their agents if the agents had not agreed to bans on packaging fees and affiliate production. Gersh is joining more than 70 agencies allowed to represent WGA members.
A Gersh spokesperson refused to disclose details of its agreement with the WGA, which was announced Friday. The WGA had no comment about the announcement.
In a message to its clients, David and Bob Gersh said, “Thank you for your patience. Gersh has represented writers for over 70 years,...
- 1/17/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Gersh has reached an agreement with the Writers Guild of America, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The agency is the largest full-service firm to date — its clients include Adam Driver and Patricia Arquette — to come to terms with the union, joining a growing list of agencies that includes Verve, Kaplan Stahler, Culture Creative Entertainment, Buchwald, Abrams and Rothman Brecher. With the pact, Gersh will resume representing WGA members, effective immediately.
"Writers are vital to our industry, and Gersh has a long and proud history representing them," co-presidents David Gersh and Bob Gersh said in a statement. "We are deeply committed to ...
The agency is the largest full-service firm to date — its clients include Adam Driver and Patricia Arquette — to come to terms with the union, joining a growing list of agencies that includes Verve, Kaplan Stahler, Culture Creative Entertainment, Buchwald, Abrams and Rothman Brecher. With the pact, Gersh will resume representing WGA members, effective immediately.
"Writers are vital to our industry, and Gersh has a long and proud history representing them," co-presidents David Gersh and Bob Gersh said in a statement. "We are deeply committed to ...
- 1/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Now that Verve has signed the WGA’s Agency Code of Conduct, speculation has begun about which mid-size agency will be next to sign.
On Thursday, David Gersh, co-president of The Gersh Agency, denied rumors that his company might be next. “The agency has not engaged in any conversations with the WGA and continues to be represented by the Ata,” he told Deadline. And now Adam Bold, the new chairman and co-owner of the Abrams Artists Agency, says he won’t sign the Code either.
“Will I sign the Code? No,” Bold said in an interview. “The WGA would love to make a big deal of Verve, but it actually is a company-specific situation. Their expense structure is kind of out of whack. They took a calculated bet on just being a lit agency. At Abrams Artists Agency, we’re doing Ok because we don’t have any debt and we have a diversified business.
On Thursday, David Gersh, co-president of The Gersh Agency, denied rumors that his company might be next. “The agency has not engaged in any conversations with the WGA and continues to be represented by the Ata,” he told Deadline. And now Adam Bold, the new chairman and co-owner of the Abrams Artists Agency, says he won’t sign the Code either.
“Will I sign the Code? No,” Bold said in an interview. “The WGA would love to make a big deal of Verve, but it actually is a company-specific situation. Their expense structure is kind of out of whack. They took a calculated bet on just being a lit agency. At Abrams Artists Agency, we’re doing Ok because we don’t have any debt and we have a diversified business.
- 5/17/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with ATA response: Verve has signed the WGA’s new Code of Conduct, the biggest win yet in the guild’s campaign to “divide and conquer” the agency business. Verve is not a member of the Association of Talent Agents, but its signing makes it the biggest lit agency to sign the code so far.
It also allows hundreds of Verve’s clients who fired their agents last month to return to the agency; at last count, more than 7,000 writers have fired their agents who have refused to sign. The signing announced Thursdsay also opens the door to other mid-level agencies to follow suit. Sources say several other mid-sized agencies have been in talks with the guild, including at least one that is a member of the Ata.
Verve’s signing makes it the 70th agency to sign the code, only one of which, Pantheon, is an Ata member.
It also allows hundreds of Verve’s clients who fired their agents last month to return to the agency; at last count, more than 7,000 writers have fired their agents who have refused to sign. The signing announced Thursdsay also opens the door to other mid-level agencies to follow suit. Sources say several other mid-sized agencies have been in talks with the guild, including at least one that is a member of the Ata.
Verve’s signing makes it the 70th agency to sign the code, only one of which, Pantheon, is an Ata member.
- 5/16/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
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