Description

Why Talent Agencies Are More Powerful Than Ever

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

In this episode:

• How agencies adapted by expanding into gaming, sports, and branded content
• Why the core conflict of misaligned incentives remains
• How agencies now control access to talent ecosystems across multiple verticals
• Why the streaming era actually increased agency leverage
• What this means for talent deals and studio negotiations

Key takeaway: "The headline missed the incentive—agencies didn't lose, they diversified."

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

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