Michael Ovitz

Michael Ovitz is an American businessman and talent agent who co-founded Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 1975, transforming it into one of Hollywood's most powerful entertainment and talent agencies. During his tenure as chairman of CAA from 1975 to 1995, he revolutionized the talent representation business and became one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry. At CAA, Ovitz pioneered the practice of "packaging" talent for television and film projects, bringing together directors, actors, and writers from the agency's client roster. He represented major Hollywood figures including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Tom Cruise, and Dustin Hoffman, while expanding CAA's influence into advertising, investment banking, and corporate consulting. Following his departure from CAA, Ovitz briefly served as President of The Walt Disney Company in 1995-1996. He later founded Artists Management Group (AMG) and became an investor in Silicon Valley ventures, though neither achieved the same level of success as his work at CAA. His memoir "Who Is Michael Ovitz?" was published in 2018, providing an insider's account of Hollywood deal-making and the entertainment industry's evolution from the 1970s through the 1990s. Ovitz remains a significant figure in discussions about entertainment industry power structures and the role of talent agencies in Hollywood.

Readers view Michael Ovitz as both brilliant and ruthless based on his memoir "Who Is Michael Ovitz?" Many describe him as the most powerful agent in Hollywood history while acknowledging his controversial reputation. Readers appreciated: - Behind-the-scenes details of major Hollywood deals - Candid stories about working with stars like Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg - Clear explanations of complex entertainment industry dynamics - Personal revelations about his rise from mailroom to CAA founder Common criticisms: - Self-serving tone and lack of accountability - Defensive explanations of business failures - Limited insight into his personal life - Selective memory about conflicts and rivalries Ratings: Amazon: 4.4/5 from 498 reviews Goodreads: 3.9/5 from 2,431 ratings "Fascinating but frustratingly one-sided" notes a top Goodreads review. An Amazon reviewer writes "Great business insights but he portrays himself as always right." Several readers mention wanting more vulnerability and fewer justifications for past actions.

Who Is Michael Ovitz? (2018) Autobiography detailing Ovitz's journey from the William Morris Agency mailroom to co-founding Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and his later role as President of the Walt Disney Company.