Topic
6 facts from 4 episodes, in date order. These are what speakers said on the shows, each linked to the moment it was said. They aren't independently verified.
1970s-1980s
Michael Ovitz's agency CAA packaged talent and projects together and sold them to studios, shifting power from studios to talent.
“One, they package projects and talent together, and then they sell whole packages to studios and say, we'll sell the rights to you.”
1975
Michael Ovitz says Creative Artists Agency started with $100,000 and paid off its debt in six months.
“And we started our business on $100,000. And we never went into debt beyond that, paid that debt off in six months”
1979
Michael Ovitz says he began CAA's movie business in 1979 while the other partners stayed in television.
“So we made a decision that I would start the movie business in 79, and the rest of the guys would stay in television.”
1990s
Michael Ovitz lasted only 14 months as Disney's number two before leaving.
“So Ovitz only lasts 14 months at the company and leaves after 14 months.”
Undated
Michael Ovitz, founder of Creative Artists Agency and briefly president of Disney, sat on LoudCloud's board.
“Of course, we're talking about super Hollywood agent, founder of creative artist agency, Michael Ovitz, later erstwhile COO and president of Disney under Eisner.”
Undated
A host says his research found that Ovitz sold CAA to the next generation for $200 million, paid out of future profits.
“at least my research found that you sold all of CAA to the next generation for $200 million, which, of course, they didn't have in cash.”
Episodes