The Changing Role of Agents in Hollywood
Alumni in Entertainment Panel Discussion
Location and Event Time
Online via Zoom
1-2pm PT/4-5pm ET
Event Description
The GW Los Angeles Alumni Network, the Alumni in Media & Communications Industry Network, and the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences invite you to join us for an entertainment industry discussion on the changing role of agents in Hollywood. The alumni panelists will discuss how talent representation has changed, and what's next for agents in Hollywood as the industry continues to evolve. This annual event is a unique opportunity to not only connect with fellow alumni professionals in the industry, as well as hear an inside perspective on a timely topic in the entertainment industry.
Speakers include:
- Dan Baime, CCAS BA '97, Partner/Agent at ICM Partners
- Chelsea Dern, CCAS BA ’15, TV Scripted Agent at WME
The discussion will be moderated by Richard Weitz, CCAS BA '91, Partner and Senior Leader at WME, and it will be followed by Q&A with participants.
This event is open to all GW alumni and current undergraduate and graduate students in the Class of 2021.
Panelists
 |
 |
 |
| Dan Baime, CCAS BA '97 |
Chelsea Dern, CCAS BA '15 |
Richard Weitz, CCAS BA '91 |
Dan Baime, CCAS BA '97, graduated from GW in 1997 with a degree in Radio TV Production. After joining ICM later that year, he was quickly promoted to coordinator in 1998, and in 2000 became an agent in the Motion Picture Production department. Dan became the co-head of the department in 2011, then earned a promotion to partner in 2013. He ran ICM’s agent trainee program from 2014 through 2016. Today Dan represents some of the most decorated production clients in the industry, including Academy Award winning cinematographers, editors, production designers, costume designers, producers, and more. He also represents the talented multi-hyphenate John Cena – a client for more than 17 years, whom Dan represents in all areas. Dan is also a board member for FitOps, a charitable organization that helps U.S. military veterans reacclimate to civilian life after service.
Chelsea Dern, CCAS BA '15, is an agent in WME’s Scripted TV department based out of Los Angeles, where she has worked since 2015. She represents writers, filmmakers, talent and, production companies and specializes in working with strong diverse voices both in front of and behind the camera. She is passionate about telling stories that can lead to change and amplify messages from different perspectives. Chelsea graduated from GW with a degree in Political Science and Journalism.
Moderator: Richard Weitz, CCAS BA '91, is a partner and Senior Leader at William Morris Endeavor (WME). His clients include creators, producers, showrunners and directors such as Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, Nahnatchka Khan, Ricky Gervais, Steve Molaro, Jake Kasdan, David Nutter, and Shawn Levy. Richard additionally works with actors Rob Lowe, Will Arnett, Johnny Galecki, Ted Danson and Ellie Kemper, as well as crossover musicians LL Cool J, John Legend, Josh Groban, Lizzo, and Garth Brooks. After joining Endeavor in 1997, Richard was promoted to partner in April 2002 and served as the head of the agency’s television packaging and literary department which he helped start. He began his entertainment industry career in 1991 in the mailroom of InterTalent Agency, eventually moving to International Creative Management. He was promoted to agent at ICM—where he worked with future Endeavor partners Rick Rosen and Ariel Emanuel—and served in that capacity for three years before joining Endeavor. Outside of work, Richard’s philanthropy includes President of the Saban Community Clinic (2014-present) and Co-Chair of the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball (2011-present), as well as recently Co-Chairing the Cedar Sinai’s Board of Governors and Los Angeles Centre Theatre Group Galas.
