The entertainment industry was left in shock recently when A3 Artists Agency, an agency that has been operating since 1977, announced its sudden closure. Just a month after finalizing the sale of its digital and alternative divisions to Gersh, A3 Artists Agency sent an email to its staff stating that it would be ceasing operations. This unexpected move came as a surprise to everyone and marks the end of a long-standing agency that had a significant presence in the industry.
According to sources, the decision to close A3 Artists Agency was made unilaterally by the COO, Todd Quinn, catching everyone off guard. The email sent to the staff mentioned “careful consideration and evaluation” of their circumstances, ultimately leading to the regrettable conclusion that the agency was unable to continue operating in a sustainable manner. This sudden closure has left agents and clients in a state of uncertainty and raises questions about the future of their professional relationships.
A3 Artists Agency had a long and storied history in the entertainment industry. Originally established as Abrams Artists Agency in 1977, the agency went through various changes and rebranding efforts over the years. In 2018, Adam Bold took over as Chairman, and the agency underwent another transformation, becoming A3 Artists Agency. However, this rebranding and change in leadership were not enough to secure a stable future for the company. The closure of A3 Artists Agency marks the end of an era and leaves behind a once-great company that struggled to adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment business.
The closure of A3 Artists Agency comes shortly after the sale of its digital and alternative divisions to Gersh. The deal, which was first reported by Deadline in September 2023, was a significant development for Gersh and marked its first acquisition following a private equity firm’s investment in the agency. As part of the deal, 25 A3 agents and approximately 45 additional staff members were expected to transition to Gersh. This transition left around 100 people still employed at A3, albeit for a brief period.
In addition to the challenges caused by the sale of divisions and subsequent transition, A3 Artists Agency also faced legal troubles. In December, a bombshell lawsuit was filed against Adam Bold, A3, and Superbrands Capital by A3 partners Robert Atterman and Brian Cho. The lawsuit accused Bold of orchestrating “a campaign of chaos” within the agency and making decisions that led to bankruptcy. The suit also alleged Bold’s involvement in creating a toxic and hostile workplace through sexual harassment and accused him of being a cocaine addict. These serious allegations further contributed to the declining reputation and uncertain future of A3 Artists Agency.
Despite the closure of A3 Artists Agency, there are efforts underway to launch a new company that will bring together the remaining agents and clients. It is a challenging task, given the suddenness of the closure and the need to rebuild trust and relationships. However, the determination to continue working in the industry and serve the clients is evident in these endeavors.
The closure of A3 Artists Agency represents a significant loss in the entertainment industry. The agency, which had a rich history spanning several decades, ultimately succumbed to internal challenges and an inability to adapt to changing market conditions. The closure not only affects the agents and clients associated with A3 but also leaves a void in the industry. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the entertainment business and the need for constant innovation and adaptation to survive and thrive.