I’ve learned the fates of the following agents (refresh for continous updates). And let’s not forget all the assistants, floaters, and other support staff who also lost their jobs. Meanwhile, no wholesale firings at Endeavor — yet:
WMA LAYOFF – John Mass (Corporate Consulting), Erwin More (TV), Renee Kurtz (TV Lit), Alan Gasmer (MP Lit), Aaron Hart (MP Lit), Ben Rowe (MP Lit), Diego Arialdi (Talent, recently promoted), Todd Maginn (Talent, recently promoted), Mike Palank (Talent, recently promoted), Roya Weiner (Talent), Joanne Wiles (Talent), Sara Bottfeld (MP Lit), Wayne Kabak (Admin, TV, Books) Brian Dubin (Commercials), Jason Fox (TV), Fred Hashigan (TV), Betsy Berg (Lectures), David Hiller (Business Affairs) Susan Brooks (Business Affairs), Neil Strum (Business Affairs), Aron Baumel (Business Affairs), Cody Alexander (head of Videogames), Derek Douglas (Videogames), Ashley Josephson (Talent), Bruce Gersh (Intellectual Property), John Reding (Research), Steven Selikoff (TV), Peter Franklin (head of Theater), Elana Barry (TV Lit), Evan Levy (Sports), Lon Rosen (Sports), Ava Greenfield (MP Lit).
WMA SAFE – Cori Wellins (TV Lit), Blake Fronstin (TV Lit), Mike Simpson (MP Lit), George Freeman (Talent), Danny Greenberg (MP Lit), Kim Bialek (MP Lit), Gaby Morgerman (Talent), Thor Bradwell (Talent), Esther Chang (Talent), Michael Cooper (Talent), Brian de Persia (Talent), Philip Grenz (Talent), Brad Slater (Talent), Phil Sun (Talent), Troy Zien (Talent), Bonnie Liedtke (Talent), Craig Kestel (MP Lit), David Lubliner (MP Lit), Cara Stein (TV), Ed Limato (Talent), Jeff Gorin (MP Lit), Cliff Roberts (MP Lit), Mike Eisner (MP Lit), Scott Henderson (Talent), Jill Smoller (Commercials, Sports), Mike Esola (MP Lit), Rob Carlson (MP Lit), most of Book Department, most of Music Department, most of Personal Appearances, most of London Office, most of Nashville Office.
(FYI: I am posting names because 1) it is news, and 2) I’ve been told repeatedly that it helps those who’ve been laid off get jobs much quicker because prospective employers know who’s out there looking for work.)
UPDATE: The reason today’s layoff announcements could take place is because William Morris and Endeavor heard from the U.S. government there would be no holdup of their merger. I’m told that news came through on Friday, but the Federal Trade Commission put out the notice today. John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable is reporting that the FTC granted early termination. He explains, “The deal was required to be submitted for Justice and FTC approval per a Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust review for potential anti-competitive harms. There is a set waiting period before the transaction can proceed, but the parties can request that the waiting period be terminated early. The FTC’s granting of that request signals that neither it nor Justice plans to take any antitrust enforcement action against the sale.”
10:15 AM: I’m hearing that the William Morris Agency told 100 people they will be let go, primarily in Los Angeles and New York, even though WMA and Endeavor have not yet received government approvals to merge into WME Entertainment. The firings represent less than 15% of the worldwide William Morris Agency’s personnel. I don’t have names yet because it’s still in the process. I’m assured it’s all being done in person, and everyone is getting outplacement services and “above-average” severances, and they can use their office and assistants through May 31st.
Editor-in-Chief Nikki Finke - tip her here.


Hope I don’t need to call over there today. Yikes.
Sorry to hear that, but sounds like they are being treated better than most with the improved severance and services. How does that compare with how many let go from Endeavor?
So, if they’re jumping the gun, either the government is in their pocket and the “approval process” is window dressing (as usual), or they’re using the merger as an excuse to fire people they’ve been wanting to fire.
sad
Any predictions for the Endeavor side?
Think of the assistants, people. Kids probably busted their asses for the recently ousted.
Government approval is just a formality, no danger of this not going through. Too bad for those that are getting the axe, unfortunately most will be support and administrative personnel whose severance packages won’t be very generous, but who cares right Ari? The rich get richer…
It sounds all lovely – and I have no info to suggest otherwise. But “above average” is such a vague and nebulous term that suggests there is an “average” severance package for agents and/or support staff.
But is there really? And if so, what is it? Is it 2 months’ salary? 3 months’? Or is it just more than security walking them out the door?
I’d love to see some specific numbers befoere committing to the idea that everything’s hunky-dory.
I hope my boy still has a job………
WOW! I certainly hope that all those who will be let go due to downsizing/reduction in force will be able to secure employment or that the WMA will find them a slot with another reputable agency. Happy to hear that they have severance and services to provide them to help out in any way that they can.
WMA’s New York theater (legit) office is being decimated. Drop in the bucket, tho.
Why would they ever get rid of Gasmer. He’s the best agent they have.
Well, at least they have the good sense to keep Liedtke and Bradwell. Best thing they ever did was bring those two in!
Gasmer? I’m stunned!
What about Endeavor firings? Will there be any or will Ari protect his troops?
Working internally, I understand some choices being made here, but what is incomprehensible is that Kimberly Bialek and Gaby Morgerman are still safe. Kim, who is probably one of the most incompetent people to deal with, had previously been given notice and was safed. There are other people, who are way more competent and actually really care about clients than either of those two agents. Sad times!
Let go a great people in New York who are not listed
Gasmer???
what about the support staff like valets and janitors?
Who’s gone on the NY side?
i hope these people didn’t hear about it here. there are no jobs in town. and none of us have marketable skills. so i wish all of these people good luck and the support of friends. this is a reminder to us all that it’s a business nothing else.
Gasmer is a gentleman, loyal and a damn great agent. They don’t get any smarter or more considerate. Wherever he lands, he’ll kick ass for his clients. A terrific combination of great agent and great guy. Endeavor is stupid for letting him go – and someone else will be very fortunate to have him.
Nikki,
Are there more firings coming, or is this it?
diego was/ is a rising star and will be great wherever he lands.
Good for DePersia! I had been routing for him to be safe… the guy is the last of the good agents, in my book. Really a perfect transition agent for the new WME image.
The people in NY let go are ALL very very good people. It is such a sign that those people who are doing the firings are the most despicable, hateful bunch. Even worse, the people who have remained (in ny) are laughable… truly laughable… This is so much worse than the AOL / TW merger… I don’t think we will see 5 years from now what a mess this is- we will see it 5 months from now.