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Dattner Dispoto and Associates (DDA Talent) and Worldwide Production Agency are merging operations. The merger aims to create a new global agency dedicated to the film, television, commercial and digital media spaces,
and their most sought-after artisans, department heads, directors and producers. The merger will combine industry expertise and international reach to create a widespread roster of cinematographers, production and costume designers, editors, visual effects artists, directors and producers under a single banner. The newly combined agency, which has yet to be officially named, will operate from offices in Los Angeles and London, supported by partnerships throughout Europe, Canada, South America and Australasia. “This announcement follows months of strategic planning between our agencies as we prepared a unified expansion strategy focusing on serving creative talent globally,” said Bill Dispoto, President of DDA Talent, and Steve Jacob, Co-CEO of WPA, in a joint statement. The combined roster includes Academy Award-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt, ASC (“Mank”); two-time Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, ASC (“The Social Network”); Malik Sayeed (“Clockers,” “Belly,” “After the Hunt”); producer Ralph Winter (“X-Men” franchise); editor Ian S. Tan, ACE (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”); production designer Danny Vermette, ADG (“Backrooms”); John Mathieson, BSC (“Gladiator”); cinematographer Larry Fong, ASC (“Watchmen”); cinematographer Mihai Mălaimare Jr. (“The Master,” “Jojo Rabbit”); and cinematographer Maryse Alberti (“Creed”). “Our agencies have always shared the same philosophy: exceptional representation begins with putting artists first. We have each built our businesses by championing creative excellence, personal service and long-term career development,” said Juanita Tiangco, Vice President of DDA Talent. Frank Balkin, Co-CEO of WPA, added, “The entertainment industry is evolving rapidly and the demand for world-class creative talent has never been greater. This merger creates one of the largest independent agencies dedicated to below-the-line talent. It positions us to better serve our clients across film, television, streaming, advertising and emerging media while continuing to advocate for the artists who bring stories to life.”
