ICM Partners (merged with CAA)

ICM Partners traces its origins to 1975 when International Creative Management was formed through the merger of Creative Management Associates and International Famous Agency. For decades, ICM was a cornerstone of the Big 5 talent agencies, representing acclaimed actors, writers, and directors. The agency was known for its strong literary division and ability to punch above its weight. ICM went through various ownership changes, including rebranding to ICM Partners. In September 2022, CAA completed its acquisition of ICM Partners, ending nearly five decades of independence.

As of the 2022 merger, ICM Partners no longer exists as an independent entity, and all operations have been absorbed into CAA. Former ICM clients are represented under the CAA umbrella, with many key agent-client relationships maintained. The merger created the largest talent agency in entertainment. For actors and industry professionals, ICM is now a historical reference rather than an active agency to pursue.

Since ICM Partners merged with CAA in 2022, actors should direct interest to CAA directly. Former ICM agents within CAA may still be open to submissions through proper channels. The submission process follows CAA's standard procedures. Any references to ICM in directories should be understood as historical, with CAA as the current contact.

When active, ICM's departments included Motion Pictures, Television, Theater, Publishing, Music, and Concerts. The agency was known for literary packaging, attaching ICM writers, directors, and actors to book-based projects. ICM's theater department was among the most respected. All departments have been integrated into CAA's corresponding divisions. ICM's client management was characterized by an intimate, relationship-driven approach. Agents were known for being accessible and personally invested. The New York office was particularly strong for theater and publishing. ICM had meaningful international relationships, particularly in the UK, France, and Germany.

Historically, ICM represented actors across a wide range of career levels, emphasizing critically acclaimed performers and character actors. The agency championed actors with strong theater backgrounds. ICM clients were predominantly SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity members. Under CAA, former ICM clients have access to CAA's full resources, though some moved to other agencies during the transition. ICM represented a distinguished roster including numerous Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award winners. The agency was known for involvement in critically acclaimed, awards-season projects. ICM's literary division represented bestselling authors whose works became major adaptations. The agency's theater clients included celebrated Broadway and West End performers.

ICM operated on the standard 10% commission for theatrical work. Following the merger, all contracts transitioned to CAA's standard terms. Current representation through former ICM agents is governed by CAA's commission provisions. Since ICM no longer exists independently, the value analysis concerns CAA with former ICM resources. For new actors, the relevant question is whether CAA is the right fit. The combined entity offers more resources than ever, but the same career prerequisites apply.

Since ICM has merged with CAA, actors should evaluate whether CAA is the right fit. Those who valued ICM's personal approach may want to seek out former ICM agents within CAA who maintain that philosophy. Since ICM no longer exists independently, there is no separate entity to pursue or avoid. Focus on overall career development rather than historical agency affiliations of individual agents.

Research which former ICM agents have transitioned to CAA and maintain practices aligning with your career goals. Former ICM agents with strong theater and literary backgrounds may be receptive to actors with similar sensibilities. Having a manager who understands the post-merger landscape and can make targeted introductions is valuable. The ICM-CAA merger reflects broader consolidation in the agency industry. The practical takeaway is that CAA is now the destination for anyone who would have targeted ICM Partners. Building a career through smaller agencies remains the essential stepping stone toward the combined CAA entity.