Exclusive: UTA’s unscripted television department is getting a new agent.
Joe Labracio, who was most recently Co-President of Love Productions USA, the U.S. arm of The Great British Bake Off producer, is joining.
Based in LA, he will report to Partners & Co-Heads of Unscripted Television, David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson.
Labracio was recently responsible for the revival of The Great American Baking Show for Roku. He previously spent six years as EVP, Nonfiction Television and Documentaries at Condé Nast Entertainment, where he developed and sold projects such as Last Chance U to Netflix.
He returns to UTA, where he previously worked in its unscripted department and helped build its international format, broadcast, and cable television businesses
He has also served as an agent at CAA and an unscripted development and production executive at CBS, after beginning his career working for Ted Koppel at ABC News’ Nightline.
“Joe’s expansive production and development experience,...
Joe Labracio, who was most recently Co-President of Love Productions USA, the U.S. arm of The Great British Bake Off producer, is joining.
Based in LA, he will report to Partners & Co-Heads of Unscripted Television, David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson.
Labracio was recently responsible for the revival of The Great American Baking Show for Roku. He previously spent six years as EVP, Nonfiction Television and Documentaries at Condé Nast Entertainment, where he developed and sold projects such as Last Chance U to Netflix.
He returns to UTA, where he previously worked in its unscripted department and helped build its international format, broadcast, and cable television businesses
He has also served as an agent at CAA and an unscripted development and production executive at CBS, after beginning his career working for Ted Koppel at ABC News’ Nightline.
“Joe’s expansive production and development experience,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Brett Hansen, who has spent 22 years at UTA, is moving to Paradigm Talent Agency.
Hansen, who was a partner at UTA, becomes a senior content agent at Paradigm. He will join he agency’s senior leadership group working across both unscripted and scripted television.
During his time at UTA, where he started in the mailroom, he has represented clients including SallyAnn Salsano’s 495 Productions, Propagate Content, Bunim/Murray Productions, Elizabeth Banks, Bryan Cranston and Sean Combs.
He was formerly head of UTA’s Alternative TV division but moved to a different role in October 2020 after David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson were named co-heads of the agency’s unscripted television department.
After graduating UTA’s Agent Training Program, Hansen worked as an assistant on the desks of television literary department head Sue Naegle and UTA co-founder Peter Benedek. He was promoted to television lit agent in 2001 and switched his focus...
Hansen, who was a partner at UTA, becomes a senior content agent at Paradigm. He will join he agency’s senior leadership group working across both unscripted and scripted television.
During his time at UTA, where he started in the mailroom, he has represented clients including SallyAnn Salsano’s 495 Productions, Propagate Content, Bunim/Murray Productions, Elizabeth Banks, Bryan Cranston and Sean Combs.
He was formerly head of UTA’s Alternative TV division but moved to a different role in October 2020 after David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson were named co-heads of the agency’s unscripted television department.
After graduating UTA’s Agent Training Program, Hansen worked as an assistant on the desks of television literary department head Sue Naegle and UTA co-founder Peter Benedek. He was promoted to television lit agent in 2001 and switched his focus...
- 9/12/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Senior UTA talent and packaging agent Rob Lee is segueing to the talent management side of the business. Lee is joining Mainstay Entertainment’s founding partners, Norman Aladjem, Ray Moheet, Derek Van Pelt and Sanaz Yamin, as a partner. Lee already shares several clients with Mainstay including creator Dan Patterson and eight-time Grammy winner Philip Lawrence (Come Dance With Me).
During his career Lee has represented many prominent names in the industry, most recently Tyra Banks, Eugenio Derbez, and Jon Taffer, among others. He also represents several U.S. and international production companies, documentary filmmakers and showrunners.
Lee recently initiated and packaged the HBO hit series House Of Ho, the new CBS primetime series House Calls with Dr. Phil, and the international hit series De Viaje Con Los Derbez among others. Lee, a seasoned television executive is also an award-winning producer whose credits include Enslaved with Sam Jackson, Americas Best Dance Crew, Millionaire Matchmaker, the feature film Crossroads starring Britney Spears and the miniseries Dean Koontz’s Mr. Murder.
Said Lee, “After many productive and wonderful years wearing various hats in this business, including my most recent and rewarding experience at UTA, I can honestly say that joining Mainstay feels like coming home. I can continue to represent great talent and also make a more significant creative contribution. I’m honored to be joining such an expert and dedicated group who are working with some of the industry’s most talented and respected artists”.
Mainstay CEO Norman Aladjem stated, “Rob and I have been good friends forever and I’ve always admired his passion, creative spirit, and expertise across the entire entertainment landscape. Not only will Rob help augment both our management business and our production arm, but as a human being he’s a perfect fit for our company culture.”
David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson, UTA Partners and Co-Heads of Unscripted Television, said “Rob has played an integral role on our team at UTA, and we value everything he has contributed to help grow our department. We look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
Mainstay Entertainment represents clients including Lupita Nyong’o, Trevor Noah, Katherine Heigl, Aaron McGruder, Jennette McCurdy, Maz Jobrani, Roy Wood, Jr., and Emmy nominated director David Paul Meyer.
On the feature film production side, Mainstay most recently produced the independent feature film Before I Go written and directed by Eric Schaeffer and starring Annabella Sciorra and Robert Klein, currently in release, as well as A Simple Wedding, starring Tara Grammy, Rita Wilson and Academy Award nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Among the Mainstay features in development are the film adaptation at Paramount of Trevor Noah’s bestselling memoir Born a Crime with Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o set to star in and produce and Liesl Tommy attached to direct, and the vampire Western Sun Always Sets in the West with Danny McBride and Rough House Pictures at Lionsgate.
On the television side, Mainstay most recently produced the Emmy nominated Kid of the Year for Nickelodeon and Time Studios, and a number of comedy specials for Trevor Noah, Roy Wood Jr., Maz Jobrani and Josh Johnson. Mainstay also produced Black Jesus from creator Aaron McGruder and is currently in production on the reboot of The Boondocks.
During his career Lee has represented many prominent names in the industry, most recently Tyra Banks, Eugenio Derbez, and Jon Taffer, among others. He also represents several U.S. and international production companies, documentary filmmakers and showrunners.
Lee recently initiated and packaged the HBO hit series House Of Ho, the new CBS primetime series House Calls with Dr. Phil, and the international hit series De Viaje Con Los Derbez among others. Lee, a seasoned television executive is also an award-winning producer whose credits include Enslaved with Sam Jackson, Americas Best Dance Crew, Millionaire Matchmaker, the feature film Crossroads starring Britney Spears and the miniseries Dean Koontz’s Mr. Murder.
Said Lee, “After many productive and wonderful years wearing various hats in this business, including my most recent and rewarding experience at UTA, I can honestly say that joining Mainstay feels like coming home. I can continue to represent great talent and also make a more significant creative contribution. I’m honored to be joining such an expert and dedicated group who are working with some of the industry’s most talented and respected artists”.
Mainstay CEO Norman Aladjem stated, “Rob and I have been good friends forever and I’ve always admired his passion, creative spirit, and expertise across the entire entertainment landscape. Not only will Rob help augment both our management business and our production arm, but as a human being he’s a perfect fit for our company culture.”
David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson, UTA Partners and Co-Heads of Unscripted Television, said “Rob has played an integral role on our team at UTA, and we value everything he has contributed to help grow our department. We look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
Mainstay Entertainment represents clients including Lupita Nyong’o, Trevor Noah, Katherine Heigl, Aaron McGruder, Jennette McCurdy, Maz Jobrani, Roy Wood, Jr., and Emmy nominated director David Paul Meyer.
On the feature film production side, Mainstay most recently produced the independent feature film Before I Go written and directed by Eric Schaeffer and starring Annabella Sciorra and Robert Klein, currently in release, as well as A Simple Wedding, starring Tara Grammy, Rita Wilson and Academy Award nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Among the Mainstay features in development are the film adaptation at Paramount of Trevor Noah’s bestselling memoir Born a Crime with Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o set to star in and produce and Liesl Tommy attached to direct, and the vampire Western Sun Always Sets in the West with Danny McBride and Rough House Pictures at Lionsgate.
On the television side, Mainstay most recently produced the Emmy nominated Kid of the Year for Nickelodeon and Time Studios, and a number of comedy specials for Trevor Noah, Roy Wood Jr., Maz Jobrani and Josh Johnson. Mainstay also produced Black Jesus from creator Aaron McGruder and is currently in production on the reboot of The Boondocks.
- 8/19/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
United Talent Agency (UTA) announced Thursday that agent Brianna Shebby is joining the agency in its unscripted television division.
Over the course of her career, Shebby has worked with production companies and talent across film, television, music and sports, including Nobody’s Hero, NASCAR, Lizzo, Pilgrim Studios, Lilly Singh, Love Productions, 44 Blue, Nneka Onuorah, Travis Kelce, Reba McEntire and Stephen Curry’s production banner Unanimous Media. Prior to joining UTA, Shebby was an agent in WME’s non-scripted television department.
“The UTA unscripted team is an industry force and I look forward to joining their innovative group at a time of great momentum,” Shebby said in a statement announcing her new position. “I deeply admire the work they’ve accomplished over the years and I’m excited to bring a diverse skillset to service our collective roster.”
Shebby will be based in Los Angeles. She will report to David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson,...
Over the course of her career, Shebby has worked with production companies and talent across film, television, music and sports, including Nobody’s Hero, NASCAR, Lizzo, Pilgrim Studios, Lilly Singh, Love Productions, 44 Blue, Nneka Onuorah, Travis Kelce, Reba McEntire and Stephen Curry’s production banner Unanimous Media. Prior to joining UTA, Shebby was an agent in WME’s non-scripted television department.
“The UTA unscripted team is an industry force and I look forward to joining their innovative group at a time of great momentum,” Shebby said in a statement announcing her new position. “I deeply admire the work they’ve accomplished over the years and I’m excited to bring a diverse skillset to service our collective roster.”
Shebby will be based in Los Angeles. She will report to David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson,...
- 5/6/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Brianna Shebby is moving from WME to UTA.
Shebby, who was an agent in WME’s Non-Scripted Television department, is joining UTA as an agent in its unscripted television department.
It comes after the agency restructured the division last October with the appointment of David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson as co-heads of the agency’s unscripted television department. She will report to the pair and is based in LA.
Earlier this week, UTA promoted more than 100 employees across 30 divisions.
During her tenure at WME, where she has been since 2011, Shebby has worked with production companies including Pilgrim Studios, Nobody’s Hero, Love Productions, 44 Blue and talent such as Lizzo, Lilly Singh, Nneka Onuorah, Travis Kelce, Reba McEntire, and Stephen Curry and his production banner Unanimous Media.
“The UTA unscripted team is an industry force and I look forward to joining their innovative group at a time of great momentum,” said Shebby.
Shebby, who was an agent in WME’s Non-Scripted Television department, is joining UTA as an agent in its unscripted television department.
It comes after the agency restructured the division last October with the appointment of David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson as co-heads of the agency’s unscripted television department. She will report to the pair and is based in LA.
Earlier this week, UTA promoted more than 100 employees across 30 divisions.
During her tenure at WME, where she has been since 2011, Shebby has worked with production companies including Pilgrim Studios, Nobody’s Hero, Love Productions, 44 Blue and talent such as Lizzo, Lilly Singh, Nneka Onuorah, Travis Kelce, Reba McEntire, and Stephen Curry and his production banner Unanimous Media.
“The UTA unscripted team is an industry force and I look forward to joining their innovative group at a time of great momentum,” said Shebby.
- 5/6/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
UTA agents and recently elevated partners David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson have been appointed as co-heads of the agency’s unscripted television department as part of a restructure of its alternative division.
The move will see partner and agent Brett Hansen, who was previously head of Alternative TV, “remain in a focused senior role working with some of the department’s most important clients”.
It also comes after UTA announced a new partner class last week that saw 19 agents and executives, including Kirsch and Suddleson, elevated into partnership.
They will manage a team and roster that includes domestic and international production companies, showrunners and talent. Kirsch and Suddleson represent production companies including Michael Davies’ Embassy Row, Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw and Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner’s Hazy Mills.
Kirsch has been at UTA since 2008 and Suddleson joined the company in 2004.
“David and Geoff are terrific colleagues and leaders who...
The move will see partner and agent Brett Hansen, who was previously head of Alternative TV, “remain in a focused senior role working with some of the department’s most important clients”.
It also comes after UTA announced a new partner class last week that saw 19 agents and executives, including Kirsch and Suddleson, elevated into partnership.
They will manage a team and roster that includes domestic and international production companies, showrunners and talent. Kirsch and Suddleson represent production companies including Michael Davies’ Embassy Row, Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw and Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner’s Hazy Mills.
Kirsch has been at UTA since 2008 and Suddleson joined the company in 2004.
“David and Geoff are terrific colleagues and leaders who...
- 10/21/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
United Talent Agency (UTA) has named David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson as Co-Heads of UTA’s Unscripted Television Department, the agency announced on Wednesday.
Kirsch has been at UTA since 2008, and Suddleson joined the company in 2004.
“David and Geoff are terrific colleagues and leaders who have played a significant role in shaping the culture of our Unscripted Television Department,” said Matt Rice, UTA’s Head of Television in a statement to TheWrap. Over their many years at UTA, they have worked to expand the breadth and scope of the opportunities we provide our clients, capitalizing on the ever-evolving nature of the television industry. I am excited to see their hard work and achievement recognized and look forward to watching them shape the future of this area of our business.”
As Co-Heads of Unscripted Television, formerly known as UTA’s Alternative TV Department, Kirsch and Suddleson will oversee a roster that...
Kirsch has been at UTA since 2008, and Suddleson joined the company in 2004.
“David and Geoff are terrific colleagues and leaders who have played a significant role in shaping the culture of our Unscripted Television Department,” said Matt Rice, UTA’s Head of Television in a statement to TheWrap. Over their many years at UTA, they have worked to expand the breadth and scope of the opportunities we provide our clients, capitalizing on the ever-evolving nature of the television industry. I am excited to see their hard work and achievement recognized and look forward to watching them shape the future of this area of our business.”
As Co-Heads of Unscripted Television, formerly known as UTA’s Alternative TV Department, Kirsch and Suddleson will oversee a roster that...
- 10/21/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson have been tapped to become co-heads of UTA’s unscripted television department.
Both are longtime UTA execs. Kirsch has been with the agency since 2008, while Suddleson joined in 2004. Together, they’ll manage the agency division formerly known as the alternative TV department and oversee a roster of U.S. and international production companies, showrunners and TV personalities.
“David and Geoff are terrific colleagues and leaders who have played a significant role in shaping the culture of our Unscripted Television Department,” said Matt Rice, UTA’s head of television. Over their many years at UTA, they have worked to expand the breadth and scope of the opportunities we provide our clients, capitalizing on the ever-evolving nature of the television industry. I am excited to see their hard work and achievement recognized and look forward to watching them shape the future of this area of our business.
Both are longtime UTA execs. Kirsch has been with the agency since 2008, while Suddleson joined in 2004. Together, they’ll manage the agency division formerly known as the alternative TV department and oversee a roster of U.S. and international production companies, showrunners and TV personalities.
“David and Geoff are terrific colleagues and leaders who have played a significant role in shaping the culture of our Unscripted Television Department,” said Matt Rice, UTA’s head of television. Over their many years at UTA, they have worked to expand the breadth and scope of the opportunities we provide our clients, capitalizing on the ever-evolving nature of the television industry. I am excited to see their hard work and achievement recognized and look forward to watching them shape the future of this area of our business.
- 10/21/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
United Talent Agency (UTA) elevated 19 agents and executives to partner status, making it the largest partner class in the agency’s 30-year history.
The company’s last partner class was announced in January 2019.
The new partners come from 14 divisions including UTA’s motion pictures and TV talent and lit groups, podcasting and emerging platforms, news and broadcasting, digital talent, endorsements and voiceover, fine arts, culture and leadership and alternative TV. The new partner group also includes senior corporate executives in the legal, corporate communications and finance departments.
“These are leaders across our business making substantial contributions to the growth, evolution and resilience of our company,” UTA Co-President David Kramer said in a statement. “In their talent and leadership, we see the expanding reach of UTA’s work on behalf of world-class creators and cultural voices. These individuals are influential leaders not just at UTA but in their fields, and our...
The company’s last partner class was announced in January 2019.
The new partners come from 14 divisions including UTA’s motion pictures and TV talent and lit groups, podcasting and emerging platforms, news and broadcasting, digital talent, endorsements and voiceover, fine arts, culture and leadership and alternative TV. The new partner group also includes senior corporate executives in the legal, corporate communications and finance departments.
“These are leaders across our business making substantial contributions to the growth, evolution and resilience of our company,” UTA Co-President David Kramer said in a statement. “In their talent and leadership, we see the expanding reach of UTA’s work on behalf of world-class creators and cultural voices. These individuals are influential leaders not just at UTA but in their fields, and our...
- 10/15/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
United Talent Agency has elevated 19 agents and executives to partner, the largest partnership class in the company’s history.
The promotions come from numerous divisions, including television literature, news and broadcast, podcasts, endorsements and voiceover.
“These are leaders across our business making substantial contributions to the growth, evolution and resilience of our company,” UTA Co-President David Kramer said in a statement. “In their talent and leadership, we see the expanding reach of UTA’s work on behalf of world-class creators and cultural voices. These individuals are influential leaders not just at UTA but in their fields, and our company as a whole will benefit from having their unique and diverse expertise, innovation, and perspectives at the partner table.”
The new partner group also includes senior corporate executives in legal, corporate communications and finance. The agency estimates that more than half of the partner group now consists of women and people of color,...
The promotions come from numerous divisions, including television literature, news and broadcast, podcasts, endorsements and voiceover.
“These are leaders across our business making substantial contributions to the growth, evolution and resilience of our company,” UTA Co-President David Kramer said in a statement. “In their talent and leadership, we see the expanding reach of UTA’s work on behalf of world-class creators and cultural voices. These individuals are influential leaders not just at UTA but in their fields, and our company as a whole will benefit from having their unique and diverse expertise, innovation, and perspectives at the partner table.”
The new partner group also includes senior corporate executives in legal, corporate communications and finance. The agency estimates that more than half of the partner group now consists of women and people of color,...
- 10/15/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
United Talent Agency today named its largest partner class in its 30-year history with 19 agents and executives across 14 divisions promoted into the partnership.
With the recent appointment of Samantha Kirby Yoh as Co-Head of UTA Music, UTA has named a total of 22 new partners this year—more than half of whom are women and people of color.
Included among the new partners are agents from several divisions including motion pictures, TV talent, lit group, podcasting and emerging platforms, news and broadcasting, digital talent, endorsements and voiceover, fine arts, culture and leadership, and alternative TV.
The group also includes senior corporate executives in legal, corp comm, and finance.
UTA’s last partner class was announced in January 2019.
“These are leaders across our business making substantial contributions to the growth, evolution and resilience of our company,” said UTA Co-President David Kramer. “In their talent and leadership, we see the expanding reach of...
With the recent appointment of Samantha Kirby Yoh as Co-Head of UTA Music, UTA has named a total of 22 new partners this year—more than half of whom are women and people of color.
Included among the new partners are agents from several divisions including motion pictures, TV talent, lit group, podcasting and emerging platforms, news and broadcasting, digital talent, endorsements and voiceover, fine arts, culture and leadership, and alternative TV.
The group also includes senior corporate executives in legal, corp comm, and finance.
UTA’s last partner class was announced in January 2019.
“These are leaders across our business making substantial contributions to the growth, evolution and resilience of our company,” said UTA Co-President David Kramer. “In their talent and leadership, we see the expanding reach of...
- 10/15/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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