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
Longtime Writers Guild member Dan Gordon is resigning over the union’s lack of public support for Israel.
“I am resigning my membership in the WGA West and electing financial core status because I no longer wish to be a fellow traveler with those who hide behind the fetid veil of a morally bankrupt wokeism and stand silent in the face of a fanatical ideology no less explicit in its genocidal intent toward the Jewish people than that of Nazi Germany,” The Hurricane screenwriter said Tuesday.
In a letter sent to WGA West brass Patrick Cannon and Ellen Stutzman, the Israeli-American writer and former Idf member added: “The failure of the Guild’s leadership to issue even the mildest condemnation of the worst massacre of a religious minority in the Middle East since Isis carried out similar atrocities against the Yezidis is appalling. It is corrosive to me as a...
“I am resigning my membership in the WGA West and electing financial core status because I no longer wish to be a fellow traveler with those who hide behind the fetid veil of a morally bankrupt wokeism and stand silent in the face of a fanatical ideology no less explicit in its genocidal intent toward the Jewish people than that of Nazi Germany,” The Hurricane screenwriter said Tuesday.
In a letter sent to WGA West brass Patrick Cannon and Ellen Stutzman, the Israeli-American writer and former Idf member added: “The failure of the Guild’s leadership to issue even the mildest condemnation of the worst massacre of a religious minority in the Middle East since Isis carried out similar atrocities against the Yezidis is appalling. It is corrosive to me as a...
- 10/24/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Some of Hollywood’s biggest names have commended US President Joe Biden for his “unshakable moral conviction” and helping to get home some of the hostages taken by Hamas in their terror attack on Israel.
A letter to Biden posted on the website NoHostageLeftBehind has signatures from Amy Schumer, Bob Odenkirk, Gal Gadot, Chris Rock, Bradley Cooper, Madonna, Greg Berlanti, Constance Wu, Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Paramount Global boss Shari Redstone, Taika Waititi, Olivia Wilde, Jason Blum, WME’s Ari Greenburg, Gersh’s Leslie Siebert, Zoe Saldana. Seth Meyers, Sean “Puffy” Combs and many more, reports Deadline.
The letter reads: “Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorised by Hamas since the group’s founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorised, oppressed, and victimised by Hamas for the last 17 years that...
A letter to Biden posted on the website NoHostageLeftBehind has signatures from Amy Schumer, Bob Odenkirk, Gal Gadot, Chris Rock, Bradley Cooper, Madonna, Greg Berlanti, Constance Wu, Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Paramount Global boss Shari Redstone, Taika Waititi, Olivia Wilde, Jason Blum, WME’s Ari Greenburg, Gersh’s Leslie Siebert, Zoe Saldana. Seth Meyers, Sean “Puffy” Combs and many more, reports Deadline.
The letter reads: “Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorised by Hamas since the group’s founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorised, oppressed, and victimised by Hamas for the last 17 years that...
- 10/24/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Some of Hollywood’s biggest names have commended US President Joe Biden for his “unshakable moral conviction” and helping to get home some of the hostages taken by Hamas in their terror attack on Israel.
A letter to Biden posted on the website NoHostageLeftBehind has signatures from Amy Schumer, Bob Odenkirk, Gal Gadot, Chris Rock, Bradley Cooper, Madonna, Greg Berlanti, Constance Wu, Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Paramount Global boss Shari Redstone, Taika Waititi, Olivia Wilde, Jason Blum, WME’s Ari Greenburg, Gersh’s Leslie Siebert, Zoe Saldana. Seth Meyers, Sean “Puffy” Combs and many more, reports Deadline.
The letter reads: “Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorised by Hamas since the group’s founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorised, oppressed, and victimised by Hamas for the last 17 years that...
A letter to Biden posted on the website NoHostageLeftBehind has signatures from Amy Schumer, Bob Odenkirk, Gal Gadot, Chris Rock, Bradley Cooper, Madonna, Greg Berlanti, Constance Wu, Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Paramount Global boss Shari Redstone, Taika Waititi, Olivia Wilde, Jason Blum, WME’s Ari Greenburg, Gersh’s Leslie Siebert, Zoe Saldana. Seth Meyers, Sean “Puffy” Combs and many more, reports Deadline.
The letter reads: “Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorised by Hamas since the group’s founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorised, oppressed, and victimised by Hamas for the last 17 years that...
- 10/24/2023
- by Agency News Desk
A massive collection of some of Hollywood’s biggest names have commended President Joe Biden for his “unshakable moral conviction” and helping to get home some of the hostages taken by Hamas in their terror attack against Israel.
A letter to Biden posted Monday on the website NoHostageLeftBehind has signatures from Amy Schumer, Bob Odenkirk, Gal Gadot, Chris Rock, Bradley Cooper, Madonna, Greg Berlanti, Constance Wu, Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Paramount Global boss Shari Redstone, Taika Waititi, Olivia Wilde, Jason Blum, WME’s Ari Greenburg, Gersh’s Leslie Siebert, Zoe Saldana. Seth Meyers, Sean “Puffy” Combs and many more.
Read the full letter below.
“Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorized by Hamas since the group’s founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorized, oppressed, and victimized by Hamas for...
A letter to Biden posted Monday on the website NoHostageLeftBehind has signatures from Amy Schumer, Bob Odenkirk, Gal Gadot, Chris Rock, Bradley Cooper, Madonna, Greg Berlanti, Constance Wu, Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Paramount Global boss Shari Redstone, Taika Waititi, Olivia Wilde, Jason Blum, WME’s Ari Greenburg, Gersh’s Leslie Siebert, Zoe Saldana. Seth Meyers, Sean “Puffy” Combs and many more.
Read the full letter below.
“Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorized by Hamas since the group’s founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorized, oppressed, and victimized by Hamas for...
- 10/23/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Charlie Jennings has joined The Gersh Agency‘s talent department as a senior agent. Jennings comes to Gersh from CAA and will begin at the agency effective immediately.
“We have long admired Charlie and his business,” said Gersh Co-President Leslie Siebert. “He is respected within the industry and we are thrilled for him to be joining our team.”
Jennings had been with CAA since 2007 and after being promoted to agent in 2012 began building an impressive roster of clients across film and television.
“I’m beyond excited for this next chapter at Gersh,” Jennings said. “I’ve long respected the agents working there and what they stand for and look forward to joining the team.”
The hire comes after Gersh announced in April that it had sold a minority stake to New York-based financier Crestview Partners for an undisclosed sum and is continuing to make expansions on various business opportunities across the board.
“We have long admired Charlie and his business,” said Gersh Co-President Leslie Siebert. “He is respected within the industry and we are thrilled for him to be joining our team.”
Jennings had been with CAA since 2007 and after being promoted to agent in 2012 began building an impressive roster of clients across film and television.
“I’m beyond excited for this next chapter at Gersh,” Jennings said. “I’ve long respected the agents working there and what they stand for and look forward to joining the team.”
The hire comes after Gersh announced in April that it had sold a minority stake to New York-based financier Crestview Partners for an undisclosed sum and is continuing to make expansions on various business opportunities across the board.
- 8/29/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
On May 1, the Gersh agency took on an equity partner for the first time since its founding in 1949, selling a 45 percent stake to a New York-based financier, Crestview Partners, for an undisclosed sum. Now it’s figuring out what to do with that cash. Up first? Trying to buy a rival.
The Beverly Hills-based talent firm, run by co-presidents David and Bob Gersh and Leslie Siebert, is said to have approached literary agency Verve with an overture to talk, but was rebuffed, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. Gersh insiders say that no meetings were had, or offers made, to Verve. A rep for Verve stated: “Gersh reached out a month ago to get together which we politely declined and there has been no further interaction or communication.”
Verve, led by CEO Bill Weinstein since his promotion early this year, has looked to reach beyond its roots as a boutique literary agency.
The Beverly Hills-based talent firm, run by co-presidents David and Bob Gersh and Leslie Siebert, is said to have approached literary agency Verve with an overture to talk, but was rebuffed, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. Gersh insiders say that no meetings were had, or offers made, to Verve. A rep for Verve stated: “Gersh reached out a month ago to get together which we politely declined and there has been no further interaction or communication.”
Verve, led by CEO Bill Weinstein since his promotion early this year, has looked to reach beyond its roots as a boutique literary agency.
- 7/25/2023
- by Borys Kit and Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cari Ross, the veteran marketing and publicity executive who joined Gersh last year to lead its communications efforts, died Wednesday, the talent agency’s co-president Leslie Siebert told staff members. She was 59.
She died in Los Angeles, and a heart condition was cited as the cause of death.
Ross joined the Beverly Hills-based firm in July 2022 as its first in-house communications executive and as senior vp led efforts to promote Gersh’s corporate announcements, media relations and industry initiatives.
Before joining the agency, run by co-presidents David and Bob Gersh and Siebert, Ross ran her own company, Balance Public Relations, and worked on marketing campaigns for awards season in the Oscars, Emmys, SAG Awards, Tony Awards and Golden Globes space. She also coordinated fundraisers and media events for talent.
Ross also worked for years at public relations giant ID PR in New York, serving as senior vp, and at the firm Baker Winokur Ryder.
She died in Los Angeles, and a heart condition was cited as the cause of death.
Ross joined the Beverly Hills-based firm in July 2022 as its first in-house communications executive and as senior vp led efforts to promote Gersh’s corporate announcements, media relations and industry initiatives.
Before joining the agency, run by co-presidents David and Bob Gersh and Siebert, Ross ran her own company, Balance Public Relations, and worked on marketing campaigns for awards season in the Oscars, Emmys, SAG Awards, Tony Awards and Golden Globes space. She also coordinated fundraisers and media events for talent.
Ross also worked for years at public relations giant ID PR in New York, serving as senior vp, and at the firm Baker Winokur Ryder.
- 7/20/2023
- by Borys Kit and Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cari Ross, a veteran publicist and SVP Communications at Gersh, died July 19 of complications from a heart condition, the agency announced. She was 59.
Ross, who previously had run her own company, Balance Public Relations, since 2011, joined Gersh on July 20, 2022. Based in the agency’s Los Angeles office, she oversaw all communications, social media, imaging and press relations.
Prior to Gersh, Ross represented talent, nonprofits, productions and events at her Balance PR, as well as SVP of ID and being part of the management team at Baker Winokur Ryder. She also created successful awards campaigns for the Oscars, Emmys and the Tony Awards.
“I am deeply saddened to learn and inform you of the passing of our friend and colleague Cari Ross,” said Gersh Co-President Leslie Siebert in a statement to Deadline. “On behalf of Gersh , we send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Her dedication, passion and commitment...
Ross, who previously had run her own company, Balance Public Relations, since 2011, joined Gersh on July 20, 2022. Based in the agency’s Los Angeles office, she oversaw all communications, social media, imaging and press relations.
Prior to Gersh, Ross represented talent, nonprofits, productions and events at her Balance PR, as well as SVP of ID and being part of the management team at Baker Winokur Ryder. She also created successful awards campaigns for the Oscars, Emmys and the Tony Awards.
“I am deeply saddened to learn and inform you of the passing of our friend and colleague Cari Ross,” said Gersh Co-President Leslie Siebert in a statement to Deadline. “On behalf of Gersh , we send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Her dedication, passion and commitment...
- 7/20/2023
- by Denise Petski
- 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
“Morehouse Man” Spike Lee is paying it forward at his alma mater.
The director, who graduated from the college in 1979, is teaming with his agency, Gersh, for the Spike Fellows Program, which kicks off this month and will support students from Morehouse, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University, which together form the Atlanta University Center Consortium.
“I know firsthand the education one receives at a Historically Black College and University,” Lee said in a statement. “I am who I am because of my grandmother [Zimmie Jackson] and my mother [Jacquelyn Shelton Lee] who both graduated from Spelman College. I am who I am because of my grandfather [Richard Jackson Shelton] and my father [William Lee] who both graduated from Morehouse. It’s on the campuses of Spelman and Morehouse where they met, fell in love and got married. As my elders often told me, ‘Deeds not words’.”
Those deeds will include student loan debt relief, entertainment industry mentorship,...
The director, who graduated from the college in 1979, is teaming with his agency, Gersh, for the Spike Fellows Program, which kicks off this month and will support students from Morehouse, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University, which together form the Atlanta University Center Consortium.
“I know firsthand the education one receives at a Historically Black College and University,” Lee said in a statement. “I am who I am because of my grandmother [Zimmie Jackson] and my mother [Jacquelyn Shelton Lee] who both graduated from Spelman College. I am who I am because of my grandfather [Richard Jackson Shelton] and my father [William Lee] who both graduated from Morehouse. It’s on the campuses of Spelman and Morehouse where they met, fell in love and got married. As my elders often told me, ‘Deeds not words’.”
Those deeds will include student loan debt relief, entertainment industry mentorship,...
- 1/12/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Filmmaker Spike Lee has partnered with The Gersh Agency to create the Spike Fellows Program, a fellowship to support students at the Atlanta University Center Consortium which consists of three Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University.
The Spike Fellows Program is based on the principle that access plus exposure will create opportunities. Its inaugural class will consist of five graduating students from Aucc — selected by a panel including Lee, the Aucc community and Gersh management — who will receive academic debt relief, industry mentorship, post graduate internships and full-time employment, all provided by Gersh.
Gersh’s Head of Culture Jayson Council will lead the program, to which Lee and the agency have made a multi-year commitment. Its first cycle kicks off this month.
“It is with great honor, privilege, and excitement to announce the Spike Fellows in association with my partners The Gersh Agency and the Aucc,...
The Spike Fellows Program is based on the principle that access plus exposure will create opportunities. Its inaugural class will consist of five graduating students from Aucc — selected by a panel including Lee, the Aucc community and Gersh management — who will receive academic debt relief, industry mentorship, post graduate internships and full-time employment, all provided by Gersh.
Gersh’s Head of Culture Jayson Council will lead the program, to which Lee and the agency have made a multi-year commitment. Its first cycle kicks off this month.
“It is with great honor, privilege, and excitement to announce the Spike Fellows in association with my partners The Gersh Agency and the Aucc,...
- 1/12/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Gersh Agency has promoted literary agent Sandra Lucchesi and talent agent Matt Vioral to partners, expanding its total leadership to 28 people.
Gersh, which ranks as the lone privately-owned full service agency, makes the move amid consolidation and rapid ground-shifting in the representation landscape. A spokesperson told Variety the elevations serve to “highlight the strength and history of our resources while taking advance of our business around multi-hyphenate clients.”
Agency co-presidents David and Bob Gersh, along with managing partner Leslie Siebert, said they were “very proud of the leadership Sandra and Matt have brought to the agency and their respective departments and how well respected they are by their industry peers. We are thrilled to promote them both to partner.”
Lucchesi has been involved with award winning films, representing notable writers and writer-directors such as Andrea Arnold, Oscar winner Kevin Willmott (“BlacKkKlansman”), Richie Mehta (“Amal”), Anna Konkle (“Plus One”), Vera Herbert...
Gersh, which ranks as the lone privately-owned full service agency, makes the move amid consolidation and rapid ground-shifting in the representation landscape. A spokesperson told Variety the elevations serve to “highlight the strength and history of our resources while taking advance of our business around multi-hyphenate clients.”
Agency co-presidents David and Bob Gersh, along with managing partner Leslie Siebert, said they were “very proud of the leadership Sandra and Matt have brought to the agency and their respective departments and how well respected they are by their industry peers. We are thrilled to promote them both to partner.”
Lucchesi has been involved with award winning films, representing notable writers and writer-directors such as Andrea Arnold, Oscar winner Kevin Willmott (“BlacKkKlansman”), Richie Mehta (“Amal”), Anna Konkle (“Plus One”), Vera Herbert...
- 9/30/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Gersh is expanding the ranks of its partner class with the promotion of two agents.
The Beverly Hills-based talent firm upped literary agent Sandra Lucchesi and talent agent Matt Vioral to partners, the company said Thursday. The promotions bring Gersh’s partners to 28, out of the 150 agents in its ranks across Los Angeles and New York locations.
“We are very proud of the leadership Sandra and Matt have brought to the agency and their respective departments and how well respected they are by their industry peers. We are thrilled to promote them both to partner,” said co-presidents David and Bob Gersh and managing partner Leslie Siebert in a joint statement.
Vioral started as an exec assistant at Gersh in 2006, became an agent four years later and was named to The Hollywood Reporter‘s “Next Gen” executive list in 2018. This June, he was part...
Gersh is expanding the ranks of its partner class with the promotion of two agents.
The Beverly Hills-based talent firm upped literary agent Sandra Lucchesi and talent agent Matt Vioral to partners, the company said Thursday. The promotions bring Gersh’s partners to 28, out of the 150 agents in its ranks across Los Angeles and New York locations.
“We are very proud of the leadership Sandra and Matt have brought to the agency and their respective departments and how well respected they are by their industry peers. We are thrilled to promote them both to partner,” said co-presidents David and Bob Gersh and managing partner Leslie Siebert in a joint statement.
Vioral started as an exec assistant at Gersh in 2006, became an agent four years later and was named to The Hollywood Reporter‘s “Next Gen” executive list in 2018. This June, he was part...
- 9/29/2022
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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
The completion of CAA’s acquisition of ICM Partners last month set Hollywood buzzing about the future of the agency world, as the mega consolidation turned the Big Four into the Big Three.
The deal’s 10-month delayed close was immediately followed by news that more than 100 ICM staffers would not make the move over to CAA. While questions about how the integration will continue to impact the internal team remain top of mind, the entertainment industry is also looking for indications about how CAA’s 750 million purchase of ICM will impact everyone else, as well.
Speaking with Variety over email, Gersh Agency senior managing partner Leslie Siebert detailed how she thinks the deal will ultimately benefit mid-sized agencies like her own.
What does the merger between CAA and ICM mean for the industry at large?
Leslie Siebert: Congratulations to CAA and ICM for their merger. It is a new day in the agency business,...
The deal’s 10-month delayed close was immediately followed by news that more than 100 ICM staffers would not make the move over to CAA. While questions about how the integration will continue to impact the internal team remain top of mind, the entertainment industry is also looking for indications about how CAA’s 750 million purchase of ICM will impact everyone else, as well.
Speaking with Variety over email, Gersh Agency senior managing partner Leslie Siebert detailed how she thinks the deal will ultimately benefit mid-sized agencies like her own.
What does the merger between CAA and ICM mean for the industry at large?
Leslie Siebert: Congratulations to CAA and ICM for their merger. It is a new day in the agency business,...
- 7/6/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- 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: Oscar winner Anna Paquin and International Emmy winner Ray Winstone are leading the cast of A Bit of Light, the sophomore feature from director Stephen Moyer, who is best known for playing vampire Bill Compton in HBO series True Blood.
Pippa Bennett-Warner (Gangs of London) and BAFTA nominee Youssef Kerkour (Home) are also starring in the movie, which is now shooting in the UK. Deadline can reveal a first image from the set above.
The film was written by Rebecca Callard, based on her own stage play. It follows Ella (Paquin), now living with her father Alan (Winstone) and newly sober having temporarily given up custody of her young daughters to her ex-husband Joseph (Kerkour) and his new partner Bethan (Bennett-Warner). She strikes up an unlikely friendship with a mysterious teenage boy (newcomer Luca Hogan) whose belief in her as a mother helps her rediscover her self-worth.
Moyer, who...
Pippa Bennett-Warner (Gangs of London) and BAFTA nominee Youssef Kerkour (Home) are also starring in the movie, which is now shooting in the UK. Deadline can reveal a first image from the set above.
The film was written by Rebecca Callard, based on her own stage play. It follows Ella (Paquin), now living with her father Alan (Winstone) and newly sober having temporarily given up custody of her young daughters to her ex-husband Joseph (Kerkour) and his new partner Bethan (Bennett-Warner). She strikes up an unlikely friendship with a mysterious teenage boy (newcomer Luca Hogan) whose belief in her as a mother helps her rediscover her self-worth.
Moyer, who...
- 10/12/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline 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
Earlier today Deadline reported that Transparent actor Jeffrey Tambor was being investigated by Amazon Studios, after Tambor's former assistant Van Barnes allegedly accused the 73-year-old actor in a private Facebook post of being inappropriate. However, the Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG-winning actor has come out to say that all and any allegations are "baseless." "I am aware that a former disgruntled assistant of mine has made a private post implying that I had acted in an improper manner toward her," said the actor in a statement given by his rep, Leslie Siebert, to Knbc. The statement continued, "I adamantly and vehemently reject and deny any and all implication and allegation...
- 11/9/2017
- E! Online
As we enter the final week before the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, here again is Deadline’s list of parties for Tuesday-Sunday of Emmy week. The biggest change this year is the absence of NBCUniversal from the list as a long pre-Emmy party staple — first at Spago and more recently at Boa — with the company taking a break. Other tweaks include Comedy Central switching from a post-Emmy to a pre-Emmy bash and Gersh’s Leslie Siebert taking over pre-Emmy party hosting duties…...
- 9/13/2016
- Deadline TV
David Schwimmer hasn’t been a regular presence in our living room since his lengthy run as Ross Geller. That changes Feb. 2, when the former Friends actor takes a starring role as O.J. Simpson attorney and pal Robert Kardashian on the first installment of FX’s anthology series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. When he got the call from his agent, Gersh’s Leslie Siebert, about the part, he was struck not only by the subject matter but also by the project’s pedigree, which includes Ryan Murphy, of whom Schwimmer is "a huge fan," Nina Jacobson, whom he
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- 1/6/2016
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
These changes have been recently submitted to IMDbPro and confirmed.
Heather Graham has left Paradigm for Gersh's Leslie Siebert. She is managed by Risa Shapiro.
David Morse has signed with UTA. He continues to be managed by Perri Kipperman.
Izabella Miko, who recently played the goddess Athena, has left UTA and signed with Fortitude. She'll still be managed by Affirmative.
Carol Kane has signed on with Liebman Entertainment in New York for management.
After taking a turn on Private Practice last spring, Monica Keena has signed with Fortitude. She remains with Sager Management.
Lauren Holly has signed with Innovative Artists. She continues to be managed by Gilbertson Entertainment.
Heather Graham has left Paradigm for Gersh's Leslie Siebert. She is managed by Risa Shapiro.
David Morse has signed with UTA. He continues to be managed by Perri Kipperman.
Izabella Miko, who recently played the goddess Athena, has left UTA and signed with Fortitude. She'll still be managed by Affirmative.
Carol Kane has signed on with Liebman Entertainment in New York for management.
After taking a turn on Private Practice last spring, Monica Keena has signed with Fortitude. She remains with Sager Management.
Lauren Holly has signed with Innovative Artists. She continues to be managed by Gilbertson Entertainment.
- 8/10/2010
- by - Matt Hayes
- IMDbPro News
In the largest expansion in its 56-year history, the Gersh Agency has elevated longtime partner Leslie Siebert to the post of senior managing partner while also promoting another 10 agents to partner status. The expansion comes as Gersh prepares to build a new 40,000-square-foot headquarters in Beverly Hills and boost its presence in New York. All told, Gersh employs about 65 agents on both coasts under the direction of co-presidents David Gersh and Bob Gersh, the sons of agency founder Phil Gersh, who died last year at age 92. Gersh has long been known for the strength of its roster of actors and below-the-line production staffers, but in recent years the company has made a concerted effort to expand in the arenas of film and TV writers and directors, independent filmmakers, stand-up comedians, playwrights and book publishing.
- 7/19/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Gersh Agency has launched a book division in its New York City office and tapped former production executive Sarah Self to work as an agent in the new unit. Agency partners David Gersh, Bob Gersh and Leslie Siebert made the announcement Thursday. Self will focus on repping the film and TV rights to books and literary material, while also repping screenwriters and directors. She will work closely with LA-based book agent Amy Schiffman. "We are thrilled to announce that Sarah will expand our book department to the East Coast," said David Gersh. "She is the perfect addition to our literary team: she has great taste, a strong understanding of the marketplace and an impressive personality." Self was most recently vp of development and production at Universal-based Mostow/Lieberman. Prior to that, she served as the book department coordinator at CAA.
- 10/8/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spider-Man star Tobey Maguire has dropped his agent Leslie Siebert. The star believes he needs a fresh start despite earning $17 million for the Spider-Man sequel. Siebert says, "It's an unfortunate end to a very successful seven-year relationship." Maguire says Siebert "is a fantastic agent. But I felt I needed a change and am exploring other options."...
- 4/10/2003
- WENN
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