Mgmt Entertainment Bolsters Ranks with Sugar23 Talent: A Shift in Hollywood’s Management Landscape
Mgmt Entertainment has significantly expanded its team with the addition of Josh Kesselman, Amy Zvi, and Katrina Escudero, all formerly of Sugar23. Kesselman and Zvi have been named partners, signaling a strategic move for Mgmt as it focuses on growth in literary, comedy, and production across various platforms.
Sugar23’s Reorganization Fuels Talent Movement
The influx of talent to Mgmt Entertainment follows a recent reorganization at Sugar23, which is now prioritizing its brand studio and scaling branded entertainment. This shift led to some staffers taking on new roles and others, like Kesselman, Zvi, and Escudero, seeking opportunities elsewhere. The move highlights a broader trend in the entertainment industry: a growing emphasis on integrated brand storytelling and the need for managers to adapt to evolving media landscapes.
Key Players and Their Expertise
Josh Kesselman, a Golden Globe-nominated producer for his work on Hulu’s The Great, brings over 27 years of experience and a diverse client list including Giancarlo Esposito and Destry Allyn Spielberg. His recent producing credits include AMC’s Parish and Please Don’t Feed the Children. Amy Zvi, an Emmy-nominated producer, specializes in comedy and represents talents like Sarah Silverman and Jeff Ross. She’s a key figure behind Netflix’s Greatest Roast of All Time franchise and Silverman’s Netflix special, Post Mortem. Katrina Escudero focuses on literary clients, including New York Times bestselling authors Tessa Bailey and Candace Bushnell, and played a role in securing a seven-way studio bidding war for Jaime Oliveira’s short story, “High Side,” which landed at Paramount.
The Rise of Branded Entertainment and its Impact on Management
Sugar23’s pivot towards a next-generation branded entertainment studio underscores a significant industry trend. Companies are increasingly seeking to integrate brands directly into creative content, requiring managers to possess a broader skillset encompassing both talent representation and brand strategy. This demand for versatile managers is likely to continue as the lines between traditional entertainment and advertising blur.
Mgmt Entertainment’s Growth Strategy
Mgmt Entertainment’s owner/partners, Christian Donatelli, Courtney Kivowitz, and David Schiff, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, emphasizing their experience, taste, and ability to integrate into the company’s collaborative culture. This suggests Mgmt is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality content across multiple platforms.
What This Means for the Future of Talent Management
The movement of Kesselman, Zvi, and Escudero signals a potential shift in how talent is managed, and developed. Managers are increasingly expected to be producers, strategists, and brand builders, not just advocates for their clients. This requires a deeper understanding of the entertainment ecosystem and the ability to navigate complex partnerships between creators and brands.
Pro Tip
For emerging writers and producers, building relationships with managers who understand the branded entertainment space is crucial. Focus on developing projects that seamlessly integrate brand messaging without sacrificing creative integrity.
FAQ
- What is branded entertainment? Branded entertainment is a form of marketing where brands create or sponsor content (like films, TV shows, or web series) to connect with audiences in a more engaging way.
- What is Sugar23’s new focus? Sugar23 is now prioritizing scaling its brand studio and focusing on branded entertainment.
- Who are the key people joining Mgmt Entertainment? Josh Kesselman, Amy Zvi, and Katrina Escudero have joined Mgmt Entertainment.
- What kind of clients does Amy Zvi represent? Amy Zvi primarily represents comedic talent, including Sarah Silverman and Jeff Ross.
Did you know? The branded entertainment market is projected to continue its rapid growth, offering significant opportunities for both creators and brands.
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