Ari Emanuel Is Hollywood's New Boss

Rahm's brother set to become this century's first Hollywood mogul

(NEWSER) - Not only is super-agent Ari Emanuel one of the biggest players in Tinseltown, he’s changing the game, and could be the 21st century’s first Hollywood mogul, the Independent reports. The brother of President Obama’s chief of staff believes talent firms must become multi-faceted in order to survive—“essentially taking over much of the traditional role of the studio,” one writer says. More»

(NEWSER) - Hollywood's toughest power brokers—the big shot "10 percenters" of the top talent agencies—are no longer immune to the recession, reports the Independent. With the merger between former rival agencies William Morris and Endeavor officially approved, 100 top agents got the ax. Officials of the new entity hope the combined strength will help it weather the economic downturn, which has led to industry-wide salary cuts. More»

As star payouts dip, William Morris and Endeavor join forces

(NEWSER) - Two of Hollywood's top talent agencies agreed to merge today amid declining revenues in film and television, Variety reports. Pending government approval, the venerable William Morris Agency will share a new Beverly Hills office with 14-year-old Endeavor—and likely spark a flurry of clients and agents scurrying for new representation. More»

Rahm Emanuel's high-flying sib just got better connected

(NEWSER) - The president-elect's new chief of staff has a pair of high-flying brothers, the Los Angeles Times reports. Rahm Emanuel's younger brother, Ari, is a founding partner of top Hollywood talent agency Endeavor while older brother, Ezekiel, is a leading bioethicist. Ari, who shares Ramm's reputation for take-no-prisoners power plays, inspired the abrasive Ari Gold character in HBO's Entourage. More»

The eldest, Zeke, goes from bioethicist to administration guru

(NEWSER) - Zeke Emanuel may not get the press brothers Rahm and Ari do, but he’s a figure to watch as the health-care reform debate heats up, the New Republic reports. As head of the National Institute of Health’s bioethics division, Emanuel became one of the most influential bioethicists in the US. Now he’s working for the Office of Management and Budget in a nebulous “special adviser” position. More»