UTA - United Talent Agency

United Talent Agency was founded in 1991 through a merger of several smaller agencies, including Bauer Benedek Agency and Leading Artists Agency. Under leaders like Jim Berkus, Jeremy Zimmer, and Peter Benedek, UTA grew rapidly by signing talent that larger agencies overlooked. The agency made headlines by aggressively expanding into digital media, podcasting, and non-scripted content. Key milestones include their expansion to London, their acquisition of the N.S. Bienstock broadcasting agency, and their investment in MediaLink. UTA positioned itself as perhaps the most forward-thinking of the major agencies.

Today, UTA is firmly established as one of the Big 4 talent agencies, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, and London. The agency represents diverse talent including actors, writers, directors, producers, musicians, digital creators, and podcasters. UTA has been particularly aggressive in the streaming era. The agency is known for championing diverse voices and independent projects alongside major studio work. Their client base spans traditional Hollywood stars and a growing roster of digital-first creators.

UTA looks for actors with a strong track record, emerging talent generating significant buzz, or individuals with unique platforms and audiences. A referral from a manager, attorney, or industry insider is the most effective way to get a meeting. The agency scouts at festivals, theater productions, and digital platforms. UTA's digital talent division provides an alternative pathway for actors with significant online audiences.

UTA operates through departments including Motion Pictures, Television, Digital Talent, Music, Podcast, Comedy, Books, and Broadcasting. The agency's dealmaking spans traditional negotiations as well as innovative digital and podcast agreements. UTA has been particularly adept at structuring streaming-era deals. Their podcast division has grown into a major revenue center. Internal collaboration ensures cross-departmental opportunities for clients. UTA's client management approach emphasizes collaboration and accessibility. The cross-departmental structure means a client's primary agent can tap into expertise from digital, podcast, music, or literary departments. UTA's London office gives them strong European presence.

UTA represents actors across a broad range of career levels and genres. The agency is notable for its willingness to sign talent at earlier stages, particularly with unique platforms or diverse backgrounds. SAG-AFTRA membership is expected for acting clients. UTA's digital talent division represents creators transitioning into acting. The agency has been proactive in representing diverse talent. UTA's client roster includes major film and television stars, acclaimed independent filmmakers, and some of the most successful digital creators in the world. The agency has been behind landmark streaming deals and award-winning independent productions. UTA's podcast clients host some of the most popular shows in the medium.

UTA charges the standard 10% commission on theatrical work. For digital, podcast, and non-traditional deals, commission structures may vary. The agency is SAG-AFTRA franchised with no upfront fees. Contract terms are standard for the industry. UTA works collaboratively with managers and attorneys to ensure comprehensive coverage. UTA offers an excellent balance of major agency resources and a culture that is more accessible and innovative than its largest competitors. The agency's strength in digital and podcasting creates additional revenue streams. For actors with unique platforms or diverse backgrounds, UTA may be a better fit than CAA or WME.

UTA is ideal for established actors seeking major agency representation who also value innovation and accessibility. The agency is particularly well-suited for actors with multi-platform audiences. Diverse actors will find UTA's culture welcoming. Actors transitioning from digital fame to traditional entertainment should strongly consider UTA. Actors at the very beginning of their careers should not target UTA yet. If your career is exclusively focused on traditional prestige film with no interest in digital or podcasting, UTA's specific strengths may be less relevant. Actors seeking extremely hands-on boutique attention should consider smaller agencies.

To attract UTA's attention, develop a unique brand or niche. A strong social media presence or viral project can catch their eye through the digital talent division. Having a manager with UTA relationships is highly beneficial. Festival performances and breakout streaming roles are effective. UTA agents attend comedy showcases and diverse talent events. UTA can be appropriate slightly earlier in a career than CAA or WME, particularly for actors with non-traditional paths such as digital fame or diverse backgrounds. The agency's digital and podcast divisions offer alternative entry points. The ideal time to approach is when you have a clear, differentiated value proposition.