Nuciforo Talks UTA Signings

With the recent upheavals in the comedy departments at Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency, it may seem a bit difficult to tell the artists involved without a scorecard. Pollstar has confirmed a list of comedians and comic actors that have left CAA and transitioned to UTA in the recent shift of touring, film and TV agents.

Some, like Will Ferrell, are primarily associated with film work, as Seth Meyers is with TV. The list also includes multiplatform artists like Sarah Silverman, Chris Hardwick, Flight of the Conchords, Jeff Foxworthy, George Lopez and Garry Shandling. Just don’t call it a roster.

“We don’t look at our business in terms of a roster,” UTA comedy division chief Nick Nuciforo told Pollstar. “We are constantly in the process of discovery – identifying great talent that we can support, help grow and introduce to audiences.

The focus is on how can UTA be the best place for artists to build their careers, so we are always growing and expanding.” The signing of Nuciforo to lead the sudden acquisition of 45 comedy artists could be expected to change the culture of UTA’s comedy division. Nuciforo says the emphasis at UTA will be to unlock all opportunities, in addition to touring, for its clients.

“Even though we have a comedy touring department, the emphasis at UTA is to ask, ‘What are the other opportunities that can build a particular artist’s career?’ So our clients are really represented across the board within the agency, not just in the touring department.” Nuciforo stressed that while he can’t reveal specific plans or projects for his new division going forward, UTA will be a good comedy home for its new artists.

“UTA is known for having a great understanding of the comedy world, and that knowledge and insight really helps us find the best opportunities. UTA has a very client-centric attitude, and I think that benefits the artists we represent.”

Here is the list of UTA’s new comedy clientele:

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