Variety’s iconic column, “Tenpercenteries,” is back, offering an inside look at the deals, drama, and day-to-day workings of Hollywood’s top talent agencies and management firms. This column originally ran from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s and has been revived with a fresh focus on the inner workings of the entertainment industry’s power players. In this edition, we dive into the buzzworthy news that’s got everyone in Hollywood talking.
One of the biggest stories to emerge in recent weeks is the uproar at United Talent Agency (UTA) over the sudden end of its free lunch program. For years, UTA had been providing complimentary meals to its staff, a perk that began as a post-pandemic incentive to lure employees back into the office. The program, which lasted until 2025, featured dishes from Leora, a Beverly Hills restaurant located near the agency’s offices. While the menu items, such as a $15 turkey club sandwich and a $22 sesame ginger salad, were modestly priced by Los Angeles standards, the meals were a beloved benefit for UTA’s team. The program even persisted through a period of industrywide cost-cutting measures that continue to this day. However, the abrupt announcement that the free lunches would be discontinued left many of the younger, more budget-conscious staff members in an uproar. The decision sparked a wave of frustration, with some assistants even questioning whether they would be compensated for the loss of this perk, which had become a significant part of their workplace culture.
The concept of free office meals is not new to Hollywood, as it was popularized by Silicon Valley tech giants like Facebook, which once featured elaborate food courts to keep employees satisfied and engaged. Netflix, for instance, still offers a wide range of complimentary dining options at its Sunset Boulevard headquarters. However, UTA’s main competitors, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and William Morris Endeavor (WME), never adopted this practice, and even if they did, they certainly don’t now. As UTA navigates this change, the agency is exploring alternative perks, such as meal coupons, to soften the blow. While these gestures are a step in the right direction, they may not fully replace the convenience and camaraderie that the free lunches provided.
In other news, the talent agency world has been abuzz with major signings that highlight the ongoing shifts in the entertainment industry. Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, has rejoined CAA for representation, focusing on speaking engagements and publishing opportunities. Harris had previously been represented by CAA before her tenure as Vice President began in 2021. This move underscores the agency’s ability to attract high-profile clients and navigate the intersection of politics and entertainment. Similarly, former President Joe Biden, who was represented by CAA from 2017 to 2020, has also signed back with the agency, further cementing CAA’s reputation as a powerhouse in the industry.
UTA has also made headlines with its own signings, including a deal with the seven-time Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste for representation in all areas. Additionally, UTA has signed digital media company Jubilee Media and its founder, Jason Y. Lee, expanding its reach into the digital content space. Jubilee Media, known for popular YouTube series like “Surrounded,” “Middle Ground,” and “30 vs 1,” brings a fresh perspective to UTA’s roster. Meanwhile, Gersh has signed several notable talents, including Constance Wu, known for her roles in “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Hustlers,” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” as well as Quvenzhané Wallis, the youngest Oscar nominee for Best Actress for her role in “Beasts of the Southern Wild.”
The signings don’t stop there. Almost Friday Media, a digital content network born out of the popular Instagram meme account Friday Beers, has signed with Range Media Partners. This deal comes as Almost Friday Media collaborates with Danny McBride’s Rough House Pictures on a TV pilot, showcasing the growing influence of social media-driven content in traditional entertainment. Writer, director, and executive producer Matt Hastings has also joined Gersh, continuing his existing representation with attorney Bob Getman and The Gotham Group. Hastings’ latest series, “Fallen,” recently premiered on Sundance Now and AMC+. These deals reflect the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, where talent agencies are increasingly looking to diversify their rosters and tapping into digital and emerging platforms.
As the entertainment industry continues to navigate the challenges of a post-pandemic world, the decisions made by top talent agencies like UTA, CAA, and Gersh provide a glimpse into the broader shifts in Hollywood’s priorities. Whether it’s adjusting to cost-cutting measures, attracting high-profile clients, or expanding into new content areas, these agencies are adapting to the changing times while maintaining their influence in the industry. With the return of “Tenpercenteries,” Variety remains at the forefront of covering these developments, offering insider insights that keep readers informed and entertained. Stay tuned for more updates on the inner workings of Hollywood’s power players and the deals that shape the entertainment landscape.
