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Jul 25, 2020 · 21m · how-i-built-this

How I Built Resilience: Jeremy Zimmer of United Talent Agency

Jeremy Zimmer · 13m spoken Guy Raz · 6m spoken
0:00 / 0:00

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In this episode of How I Built This: Resilience Edition, host Guy Raz speaks with United Talent Agency CEO Jeremy Zimmer about navigating Hollywood shutdowns, pivoting to digital entertainment formats, advancing industry diversity, and leading with empathy during global disruption.

How this conversation actually went

Every chapter scored 0–10 on four independent dynamics. Hover any point for the reasoning behind the score. Guy holds 33% of the talking time here. How this is scored →

Guy as informed peer 3.6 Guest teaching 2.7 Guest disagreement 0.6 Guy pushing back 0.7
05100:0010:0020:000:47–6:28 · Guy as informed peer 5/10 Initial Pandemic Realizations and Agency Survival Strategies Guy Raz demonstrates strong industry context by referencing specific release delays like Tenet and experimental direct-to-streaming releases like Trolls. Zimmer educates the host on how theatrical backlogs differ substantially from the immediate supply pipeline issues in broadcast and streaming television.6:29–8:30 · Guy as informed peer 3/10 Exploring Alternative Client Ventures and Creative Livestreams The conversation is highly collaborative as Guy asks how UTA generates revenue during live performance shutdowns. Zimmer provides examples of creative adaptations, such as Kaskade's livestream at the Grand Canyon.8:30–10:35 · Guy as informed peer 3/10 Guiding Agents Remotely and Embracing Historic Resilience Guy asks how Zimmer coaches 900+ remote agents who rely on in-person networking. Zimmer shares actionable strategies like reviving shelved scripts and draws a historical comparison to navigating post-9/11 disruptions.10:36–13:18 · Guy as informed peer 4/10 Mid-Show Break and Audience Q&A Preview Guy brings in audience questions focusing on diversity within Hollywood and talent agency ranks. Zimmer candidly discusses hiring division heads of color and prioritizing representation both on-screen and behind the scenes.13:19–16:03 · Guy as informed peer 5/10 Resolving the Writers Guild Dispute and TV Demand Guy probes the controversial Writers Guild dispute and UTA's decision to break ranks and reach a deal, noting it was viewed as a writers' victory. Zimmer reframes the packaging narrative, rejecting the idea of agency wrongdoing while explaining why reaching a compromise was vital.16:03–18:56 · Guy as informed peer 3/10 The Future of Live Touring and Virtual Concerts Guy relays audience questions about virtual touring economics and hiring criteria for agents. Zimmer explains emerging concepts like geofenced streams and emphasizes the need for deep passion for storytelling over mere dealmaking.18:56–20:39 · Guy as informed peer 2/10 Evolving Crisis Leadership and Cultivating Deeper Empathy Guy invites Zimmer to reflect on long-term leadership lessons from the crisis. Zimmer delivers a humble personal reflection on moving past early dismissal of the pandemic toward empathy and balanced leadership.0:47–6:28 · Guest teaching 4/10 Initial Pandemic Realizations and Agency Survival Strategies Guy Raz demonstrates strong industry context by referencing specific release delays like Tenet and experimental direct-to-streaming releases like Trolls. Zimmer educates the host on how theatrical backlogs differ substantially from the immediate supply pipeline issues in broadcast and streaming television.6:29–8:30 · Guest teaching 2/10 Exploring Alternative Client Ventures and Creative Livestreams The conversation is highly collaborative as Guy asks how UTA generates revenue during live performance shutdowns. Zimmer provides examples of creative adaptations, such as Kaskade's livestream at the Grand Canyon.8:30–10:35 · Guest teaching 3/10 Guiding Agents Remotely and Embracing Historic Resilience Guy asks how Zimmer coaches 900+ remote agents who rely on in-person networking. Zimmer shares actionable strategies like reviving shelved scripts and draws a historical comparison to navigating post-9/11 disruptions.10:36–13:18 · Guest teaching 2/10 Mid-Show Break and Audience Q&A Preview Guy brings in audience questions focusing on diversity within Hollywood and talent agency ranks. Zimmer candidly discusses hiring division heads of color and prioritizing representation both on-screen and behind the scenes.13:19–16:03 · Guest teaching 4/10 Resolving the Writers Guild Dispute and TV Demand Guy probes the controversial Writers Guild dispute and UTA's decision to break ranks and reach a deal, noting it was viewed as a writers' victory. Zimmer reframes the packaging narrative, rejecting the idea of agency wrongdoing while explaining why reaching a compromise was vital.16:03–18:56 · Guest teaching 3/10 The Future of Live Touring and Virtual Concerts Guy relays audience questions about virtual touring economics and hiring criteria for agents. Zimmer explains emerging concepts like geofenced streams and emphasizes the need for deep passion for storytelling over mere dealmaking.18:56–20:39 · Guest teaching 1/10 Evolving Crisis Leadership and Cultivating Deeper Empathy Guy invites Zimmer to reflect on long-term leadership lessons from the crisis. Zimmer delivers a humble personal reflection on moving past early dismissal of the pandemic toward empathy and balanced leadership.0:47–6:28 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Initial Pandemic Realizations and Agency Survival Strategies Guy Raz demonstrates strong industry context by referencing specific release delays like Tenet and experimental direct-to-streaming releases like Trolls. Zimmer educates the host on how theatrical backlogs differ substantially from the immediate supply pipeline issues in broadcast and streaming television.6:29–8:30 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Exploring Alternative Client Ventures and Creative Livestreams The conversation is highly collaborative as Guy asks how UTA generates revenue during live performance shutdowns. Zimmer provides examples of creative adaptations, such as Kaskade's livestream at the Grand Canyon.8:30–10:35 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Guiding Agents Remotely and Embracing Historic Resilience Guy asks how Zimmer coaches 900+ remote agents who rely on in-person networking. Zimmer shares actionable strategies like reviving shelved scripts and draws a historical comparison to navigating post-9/11 disruptions.10:36–13:18 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Mid-Show Break and Audience Q&A Preview Guy brings in audience questions focusing on diversity within Hollywood and talent agency ranks. Zimmer candidly discusses hiring division heads of color and prioritizing representation both on-screen and behind the scenes.13:19–16:03 · Guest disagreement 2/10 Resolving the Writers Guild Dispute and TV Demand Guy probes the controversial Writers Guild dispute and UTA's decision to break ranks and reach a deal, noting it was viewed as a writers' victory. Zimmer reframes the packaging narrative, rejecting the idea of agency wrongdoing while explaining why reaching a compromise was vital.16:03–18:56 · Guest disagreement 1/10 The Future of Live Touring and Virtual Concerts Guy relays audience questions about virtual touring economics and hiring criteria for agents. Zimmer explains emerging concepts like geofenced streams and emphasizes the need for deep passion for storytelling over mere dealmaking.18:56–20:39 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Evolving Crisis Leadership and Cultivating Deeper Empathy Guy invites Zimmer to reflect on long-term leadership lessons from the crisis. Zimmer delivers a humble personal reflection on moving past early dismissal of the pandemic toward empathy and balanced leadership.0:47–6:28 · Guy pushing back 1/10 Initial Pandemic Realizations and Agency Survival Strategies Guy Raz demonstrates strong industry context by referencing specific release delays like Tenet and experimental direct-to-streaming releases like Trolls. Zimmer educates the host on how theatrical backlogs differ substantially from the immediate supply pipeline issues in broadcast and streaming television.6:29–8:30 · Guy pushing back 0/10 Exploring Alternative Client Ventures and Creative Livestreams The conversation is highly collaborative as Guy asks how UTA generates revenue during live performance shutdowns. Zimmer provides examples of creative adaptations, such as Kaskade's livestream at the Grand Canyon.8:30–10:35 · Guy pushing back 0/10 Guiding Agents Remotely and Embracing Historic Resilience Guy asks how Zimmer coaches 900+ remote agents who rely on in-person networking. Zimmer shares actionable strategies like reviving shelved scripts and draws a historical comparison to navigating post-9/11 disruptions.10:36–13:18 · Guy pushing back 1/10 Mid-Show Break and Audience Q&A Preview Guy brings in audience questions focusing on diversity within Hollywood and talent agency ranks. Zimmer candidly discusses hiring division heads of color and prioritizing representation both on-screen and behind the scenes.13:19–16:03 · Guy pushing back 2/10 Resolving the Writers Guild Dispute and TV Demand Guy probes the controversial Writers Guild dispute and UTA's decision to break ranks and reach a deal, noting it was viewed as a writers' victory. Zimmer reframes the packaging narrative, rejecting the idea of agency wrongdoing while explaining why reaching a compromise was vital.16:03–18:56 · Guy pushing back 1/10 The Future of Live Touring and Virtual Concerts Guy relays audience questions about virtual touring economics and hiring criteria for agents. Zimmer explains emerging concepts like geofenced streams and emphasizes the need for deep passion for storytelling over mere dealmaking.18:56–20:39 · Guy pushing back 0/10 Evolving Crisis Leadership and Cultivating Deeper Empathy Guy invites Zimmer to reflect on long-term leadership lessons from the crisis. Zimmer delivers a humble personal reflection on moving past early dismissal of the pandemic toward empathy and balanced leadership.

speaking balance: gold is Guy, purple is the guest (3 minute bins)

0:00 · Guy 47.7% · guest 52.3%0:00 · Guy 47.7% · guest 52.3%3:00 · Guy 32.1% · guest 67.9%3:00 · Guy 32.1% · guest 67.9%6:00 · Guy 31.6% · guest 68.4%6:00 · Guy 31.6% · guest 68.4%9:00 · Guy 27.6% · guest 72.4%9:00 · Guy 27.6% · guest 72.4%12:00 · Guy 32.4% · guest 67.6%12:00 · Guy 32.4% · guest 67.6%15:00 · Guy 21.6% · guest 78.4%15:00 · Guy 21.6% · guest 78.4%18:00 · Guy 28% · guest 72%18:00 · Guy 28% · guest 72%21:00 · Guy 100% · guest 0%21:00 · Guy 100% · guest 0%
Sharpest disagreement ▶ 14:04 Zimmer pushes back on packaging dispute portrayal

Zimmer directly challenges the framing that agencies acted improperly regarding packaging fees, defending agency transparency while explaining the nuanced dispute.

 Hardest push from Guy ▶ 13:19 Guy confronts Zimmer on the WGA settlement

Guy presses Zimmer on whether settling the high-profile WGA dispute was simply an unavoidable concession accelerated by pandemic pressures.

 Biggest teaching moment ▶ 3:40 Zimmer differentiates film release backlogs from TV pipelines

Zimmer breaks down the operational mechanics of the entertainment pipeline, showing why TV content shortages will hit faster and harder than theatrical movies.

 Guy holds their own ▶ 4:19 Guy drills into streaming monetization models

Guy cites the delay of Tenet and direct-to-digital releases like Trolls to critically question whether streaming economics can realistically recoup massive production budgets.
the scores for every segment, with the reasoning behind each
ChapterTopicGuy as informed peerGuest teachingGuest disagreementGuy pushing backWhy
Initial Pandemic Realizations and Agency Survival Strategies 5411 Guy Raz demonstrates strong industry context by referencing specific release delays like Tenet and experimental direct-to-streaming releases like Trolls. Zimmer educates the host on how theatrical backlogs differ substantially from the immediate supply pipeline issues in broadcast and streaming television.
Exploring Alternative Client Ventures and Creative Livestreams 3200 The conversation is highly collaborative as Guy asks how UTA generates revenue during live performance shutdowns. Zimmer provides examples of creative adaptations, such as Kaskade's livestream at the Grand Canyon.
Guiding Agents Remotely and Embracing Historic Resilience 3300 Guy asks how Zimmer coaches 900+ remote agents who rely on in-person networking. Zimmer shares actionable strategies like reviving shelved scripts and draws a historical comparison to navigating post-9/11 disruptions.
Mid-Show Break and Audience Q&A Preview 4201 Guy brings in audience questions focusing on diversity within Hollywood and talent agency ranks. Zimmer candidly discusses hiring division heads of color and prioritizing representation both on-screen and behind the scenes.
Resolving the Writers Guild Dispute and TV Demand 5422 Guy probes the controversial Writers Guild dispute and UTA's decision to break ranks and reach a deal, noting it was viewed as a writers' victory. Zimmer reframes the packaging narrative, rejecting the idea of agency wrongdoing while explaining why reaching a compromise was vital.
The Future of Live Touring and Virtual Concerts 3311 Guy relays audience questions about virtual touring economics and hiring criteria for agents. Zimmer explains emerging concepts like geofenced streams and emphasizes the need for deep passion for storytelling over mere dealmaking.
Evolving Crisis Leadership and Cultivating Deeper Empathy 2100 Guy invites Zimmer to reflect on long-term leadership lessons from the crisis. Zimmer delivers a humble personal reflection on moving past early dismissal of the pandemic toward empathy and balanced leadership.

Statements from this episode (8)

Disclosure
Zimmer: Every UTA employee took a pandemic salary reduction
“First of all, everybody in the company participated in a salary reduction of some form or another.”
Jeremy Zimmer Jul 25, 2020 ▶ 1:37
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Zimmer: Streamers are airing top content immediately, not hoarding it
“I don't think streamers or networks are sitting on their best stuff waiting for another time. I think they're throwing whatever they can out at the audience.”
Jeremy Zimmer Jul 25, 2020 ▶ 6:15
Insight
Zimmer: Virtual formats cannot replace traditional Hollywood and touring revenue
“But it's not going to replace the day-to-day revenue that comes from actors starring in TV shows and movies, writers and directors and producers creating television. And, you know, musicians being out playing you know, a full tour or athletes playing a full se…”
Jeremy Zimmer Jul 25, 2020 ▶ 7:13
Assertion Supported
UTA arranged Kaskade's livestreamed concert at the Grand Canyon
“I mean, we did an incredible thing with our client Cascade. Where we, he did a show on the overlook in the Grand Canyon. So we were able to, you know, he was able to secure that as a place and we were able to help him arrange for a live stream of a full show s…”
Jeremy Zimmer Jul 25, 2020 ▶ 7:52
Disclosure
Zimmer: UTA is mining dormant scripts to revive past viable projects
“In some cases we're going backwards, particularly with writers where, you know, so many writers have written really good scripts and really good projects that somehow didn't come together. And in the hustle bustle of daily life, you've got to move on to the ne…”
Jeremy Zimmer Jul 25, 2020 ▶ 9:14
Assertion Supported
Zimmer: UTA hired three Black division heads in the past year
“In the last year, we've actually hired three African-American division heads at the company.”
Jeremy Zimmer Jul 25, 2020 ▶ 11:45
Opinion
Zimmer: Agency packaging offered benefits to writers and wasn't illegal
“Do I believe that there were a lot of benefits to writers in packaging? I really do. Do I believe that we were doing something illegal or scandalous or anything like that? I don't. It was, we were incredibly transparent.”
Jeremy Zimmer Jul 25, 2020 ▶ 14:38
Prediction Not checkable as stated
Zimmer: Geofencing virtual concerts will help musical artists earn livings
“I don't know that they'll make up the same revenue from those events, but I think they will be able to earn a living Doing live events, especially if we can figure out the right ways to sort of geofence a live event.”
Jeremy Zimmer Jul 25, 2020 ▶ 16:23
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