WME New York

William Morris Endeavor traces its origins back to 1898 when William Morris founded the William Morris Agency, making it one of the oldest talent agencies in American entertainment history. The agency evolved through more than a century of industry shifts, from vaudeville to silent film to the golden age of television. In 2009, the Endeavor agency, led by Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell, merged with William Morris to form WME, creating a global entertainment juggernaut. The New York office has been a cornerstone of the agency's operations since the very beginning, serving as the primary hub for theater and East Coast media. Key milestones include representing some of the most iconic performers of the 20th century and pioneering the concept of talent packaging for Broadway and television.

Today, WME is one of the largest and most influential talent agencies in the world, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, London, and beyond. The New York office functions as a major hub for theater, television, literary, and film talent, maintaining deep relationships with Broadway producers, network executives, and top casting directors across the city. WME represents A-list actors, directors, writers, comedians, and musicians, and their market position is consistently at or near the top of the industry. The agency also operates within the broader Endeavor ecosystem, which includes UFC, IMG, and other major entertainment properties.

Getting signed with WME typically requires an established career, significant industry referrals, or standout showcases that catch an agent's eye. The agency rarely accepts unsolicited submissions, so building relationships through industry events, workshops, and mutual contacts is the most reliable path in. Actors who have booked series regular roles, starred in well-reviewed independent films, or landed leading Broadway roles are the most likely candidates to attract WME attention. Having an entertainment attorney or manager who has existing relationships with WME agents can also facilitate introductions. Cold submissions without referrals are almost never reviewed.

WME operates across numerous departments including theatrical (film and TV), theater, literary, comedy touring, music, endorsements, and digital media. Their New York theater department is one of the most powerful in the industry, working closely with every major Broadway producing office. The television department actively packages series for networks and streamers, while the film department connects clients with studio and independent projects. Each department has specialized agents who focus on specific areas, and cross-departmental collaboration means clients benefit from the full breadth of the agency's resources. WME's cross-coast representation is one of their defining strengths. Actors signed to the New York office automatically benefit from the agency's Los Angeles infrastructure, meaning they can be submitted for West Coast pilot season castings, studio films, and streaming content without needing separate representation. The agency also has a significant international presence through offices in London, Sydney, and partnerships across Europe and Asia. This global reach means WME clients have access to international co-productions, foreign film opportunities, and worldwide commercial campaigns.

WME represents actors at the highest levels of the profession, from Tony Award winners to Emmy and Oscar nominees. The vast majority of their clients are SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity members with substantial professional credits. The agency generally does not sign emerging or early-career actors unless they have an extraordinarily compelling project or profile. WME's client list reads like a who's who of entertainment, though specific names change frequently due to the competitive nature of the agency business. The agency has historically represented actors who have won Academy Awards, Tony Awards, and Emmy Awards across multiple categories. Their theater clients have originated roles in some of the most successful Broadway productions of the past several decades. WME's reputation in the industry is one of unparalleled power and reach. Casting directors, producers, and studio executives take WME submissions seriously because they know the agency only represents proven talent.

WME operates on a standard commission model, typically taking 10% of earnings from acting bookings they negotiate on behalf of their clients. As a SAG-AFTRA franchised agency, their commission rates comply with union guidelines for regulated projects. There are no upfront fees, monthly retainers, or administrative charges to be represented. For commercial work, the commission may be up to 20% depending on the contract structure. Actors represented by WME can realistically expect to be submitted for the highest-profile projects in the industry, including studio films, premium television series, and major Broadway productions. However, being signed to WME does not guarantee bookings, and competition among the agency's own clients can be fierce. Actors should understand that WME's attention tends to flow toward clients who are actively generating revenue, so maintaining career momentum is essential. New WME signees should set realistic expectations about how quickly the agency's resources will translate into tangible bookings.

WME is best suited for established actors who have substantial credits in film, television, or theater and are ready for elite-level representation. Actors who have reached the limits of what their current mid-tier agency can offer and need the leverage of a major agency to break through to the next level are ideal candidates. Performers who work across multiple mediums and want an agency that can coordinate a complex career across film, TV, theater, endorsements, and digital content will benefit most from WME's infrastructure. Actors who are already earning significant income and need sophisticated deal negotiation should seriously consider WME. WME is not the right fit for early-career actors who are still building their resumes and need hands-on developmental support. Actors who value a close, personal relationship with their agent where they can call anytime and receive immediate attention may find WME's structure frustrating. Performers who work primarily in regional theater, student films, or local markets will not benefit from WME's capabilities and are unlikely to be signed. Actors who need an agent to help them figure out their type, refine their brand, or develop their audition technique should seek out boutique agencies that specialize in artist development.

The most effective way to get noticed by WME is to build a career that speaks for itself through booking increasingly significant roles and generating industry buzz. Cultivating relationships with WME clients, assistants, and junior agents at industry events and screenings can create organic pathways to representation meetings. Many actors sign with WME after their managers or entertainment attorneys make targeted introductions based on existing relationships. Performing in high-profile showcases, acclaimed off-Broadway productions, or breakout television roles are common triggers for WME interest. The ideal time to approach WME is when you have clear, demonstrable career momentum that signals you are ready for major agency representation. This typically means you have booked multiple significant credits, have strong industry relationships, and are generating enough income to justify the agency's investment in your career. Approaching WME too early, before you have the credits and relationships to sustain their attention, can actually harm your prospects because agents remember premature approaches. A strong strategy is to build your career with a respected mid-tier agency, accumulate meaningful credits, and then leverage your track record to attract WME interest organically.