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Why Talent Agency UTA Is Going Big on NFTs
Christian Hetrick
Christian Hetrick is dot.LA's Entertainment Tech Reporter. He was formerly a business reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer and reported on New Jersey politics for the Observer and the Press of Atlantic City.
If you need more proof that NFTs have officially invaded Hollywood, look no further than United Talent Agency’s client roster.
The Beverly Hills-based talent agency recently signed Deadfellaz, an NFT collection of 10,000 zombie portraits. UTA counts Larva Labs, the creators behind the CryptoPunks NFT project, as a client, too. Even Coinbase, the publicly traded cryptocurrency exchange, is now part of UTA’s portfolio.
The agency’s foray into the crypto world shouldn’t come as a big surprise. Digital artists are selling NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, for sky-high prices. NFT exchanges like NBA Top Shot have attracted large fan bases willing to shell out money for digital collectibles. And entertainment companies in the music, film and gaming industries have been quick to venture into NFTs—even if there’s still plenty of skepticism about the digital assets.
“At first, my instinct was that this would be disruptive of things like art,” Lesley Silverman, UTA’s head of Web3 and a former fine art agent, told dot.LA. “We as an agency quickly realized that there would be similar innovation around the way we think about the broader media landscape, and that NFTs, and Web3 more broadly, would impact all of them.”
Silverman was the first full-time digital assets agent at UTA, which claims to be the first major talent agency to launch a dedicated Web3 practice. Other Hollywood talent agencies have since entered the fray—including rival WME, which recently signed a pair of Bored Ape NFTs.
Lesley Silverman, UTA’s head of Web3.
Provided by UTA
Initially, UTA aimed to help its existing clients navigate the Web3 world and launch NFT projects, such as a collaboration between Oscar-winning film score composer Hans Zimmer and NFT artist ThankYouX. But the agency soon realized that crypto is blooding a new generation of creators, founders and influencers who could use representation, Silverman said. Her team now helps clients like Deadfellaz secure brand partnerships, merchandising deals and live events—just like how UTA helps build the careers of actors, musicians and other entertainers.
“Our role is really to sit at the intersection of our clients and the things that may seem out of reach,” she said. “Their big ideas, their exciting plans—and the folks who they want to be connected to in order to carry those plans out.”
UTA has four people across the agency who work closely within the Web3 space, with plans to grow the Web3 group in the coming months. The group has facilitated more than 30 NFT drops, partnerships and other initiatives since launching in early 2021, according to the agency. The division has also worked to build a diverse talent roster, adding female-led projects and creators of color, Silverman said.
With the Web3 landscape constantly evolving, UTA will “remain nimble” when it comes to its NFT strategy, Silverman noted. One approach that’s currently resonating with fans is tying digital assets to real-world goods and experiences; indeed, the agency brokered a deal last month that will let Deadfellaz NFT holders create custom Gilson skis or snowboards depicting their own NFT artwork.
“It’s measurable that consumers want those things, and we are certainly not going to take that information lightly,” Silverman said. “Those are two areas that we will definitely look to expand and advise our clients to pursue.”
UTA recently commissioned a survey which found that while only 6% of U.S. consumers aged 16-to-54 have owned an NFT, about 38% want to own one in the future. Though the study’s results were bullish about the Web3 space overall, they did identify some obstacles; for instance, many consumers remain concerned about crypto scams and market volatility, or simply don’t know how to buy an NFT or what to do with one.
If the crypto industry can reduce those friction points, Silverman believes more consumers will flock to digital assets.
“All of that will lead to just more and more consumers entering into the space and equating digital ownership with how they interact socially, how they participate in communities and how they participate in fandom,” she said.
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Christian Hetrick
Christian Hetrick is dot.LA's Entertainment Tech Reporter. He was formerly a business reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer and reported on New Jersey politics for the Observer and the Press of Atlantic City.
💪 Sweat Equity: Top LA Workout Classes Favored by Entrepreneurs
03:32 PM | July 03, 2024
Photo by Risen Wang on Unsplash
🇺🇸 Happy (almost) Fourth of July Angelinos!
Whether you're a health and wellness die-hard who follows every Huberman protocol out there or a complete newbie, Los Angeles offers a workout class tailored just for you. From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to hip-hop dance classes, each studio provides a unique space to prepare for or sweat away the tensions of the workday and find renewed energy amidst the urban hustle.BÜNDA
Image Source: Bünda
Neighborhood: West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Mid-City, Encino, Woodland Hills & Studio City
Class Details: The Bünda workout class is designed by two trainers. It focuses on lower body strength, particularly targeting the glutes and legs. It combines high-intensity interval training with resistance exercises to tone and sculpt the lower body. Half of the class is on the stairclimber and the other half is strength training on the floor. This kick as* (pun fully intended) workout is best to avoid if you have any knee issues.
LEKfit
Image Source: LEKfit
Neighborhood: Mid-City
Class Details: LEKfit is a high-energy fitness studio founded by celebrity trainer Lauren Kleban. The workouts blend cardio, strength, and flexibility training, often using trampolines and resistance bands. Not sure if you caught that, but this class features trampolines! It hardly feels like a workout except for the fact that your legs genuinely feel like they are on fire (in a good way).BoxUnion
Image Source: Hollywood Reporter
Neighborhood: Santa Monica, West Hollywood & Sherman Oaks
Class Details: BoxUnion offers dynamic boxing-inspired workouts that combine shadowboxing, heavy bag work, and high-intensity interval training. The classes focus on building strength, endurance, and mental clarity, all set to upbeat music. Known for its inclusive community and supportive atmosphere, BoxUnion provides a full-body workout that's both challenging and empowering. Punch your stress in the face (I really feel like there's an opportunity for a Liquid Death collab).
AIR Aerial Fitness
Image Source: AIR Aerial Fitness
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Class Details: AIR Aerial Fitness offers unique aerial fitness classes that use silk hammocks to provide a full-body workout. The classes combine elements of strength training, flexibility, and aerial acrobatics to build core strength and improve overall fitness. Known for its innovative approach and supportive instructors, AIR Aerial Fitness provides a fun and challenging workout experience suitable for all fitness levels.
Playground LA
Image Source: Playground LA
Neighborhood: Melrose
Class Details: Playground LA is a renowned dance studio offering a variety of high-energy dance classes led by top industry choreographers. The classes cater to all skill levels, providing a fun and supportive environment for learning all types of dance styles. Playground LA teaches hip-hop choreography, heels classes, and even ballroom. This is the go-to spot if you want to have some fun and are looking for something outside the normal fitness classes!
Barry’s Bootcamp
Image Source: Concrete Playground
Neighborhood: Hollywood, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Studio City, Brentwood, Venice, El Segundo, Santa Monica & Long Beach
Class Details: Barry’s Bootcamp, a global fitness phenomenon, is especially beloved in LA where it began with its first location in West Hollywood. As the original HIIT workout, it pushes you to your limits with high-intensity cardio and weight sessions, targeting specific muscle groups in each class. First-timers can expect a mix of running, lifting, and recovery circuits, with instructors who motivate you to perform your best. After class, head to Barry’s Fuel Bar for custom protein shakes tailored to your post-workout needs.Training Mate
Image Source: Classpass
Neighborhood: Glendale, Studio City, West Hollywood, Culver City, Santa Monica & Redondo Beach
Class Details: Training Mate offers HIIT classes infused with a lively, Australian-inspired atmosphere. Founded by former rugby player Luke Milton, the studio combines functional fitness with a sense of community and humor, making workouts both challenging and enjoyable. Known for its supportive and friendly vibe, Training Mate uniquely emphasizes camaraderie and fun, ensuring every session is a positive experience.
Mighty Pilates
Image Source: Mighty Pilates
Neighborhood: Santa Monica & Westwood
Class Details: Mighty Pilates incorporates the foundations of Classical Pilates, while upping the intensity factor for an invigorating workout. The studio focuses on building core strength, flexibility, and overall body tone through personalized instruction and small group sessions. They offer a huge schedule of classes – from Foundations classes for beginners to Power classes for the more advanced pilates enthusiasts.
The Studio (MDR)
Image Source: The Studio (MDR)
Neighborhood: Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Culver City & Playa Vista
Class Details: The Studio (MDR) offers a full-body workout, blending Pilates with the Lagree Method developed by fitness expert Sebastien Lagree that will have you shaking from head to toe. Suitable for all fitness levels, their classes focus on strengthening, tightening, and toning the entire body through innovative, safe training techniques. The program integrates traditional lengthening and stretching methods to enhance flexibility and achieve comprehensive fitness goals.Read moreShow less
Big Wins: Dodgers Take the Title ⚾, ChatGPT Levels Up🚀
06:54 AM | November 01, 2024
🔦 Spotlight
Happy Friday, LA! It’s been a week of big wins, on and off the field. 🎉
⚾️ First up, let’s talk Dodgers. With a thrilling 7-6 comeback victory over the Yankees in Game 5, the Dodgers clinched their eighth World Series title, their first since 2020. The city is buzzing, and fans are ready to celebrate! A parade kicks off this morning at 11 a.m., starting at City Hall and winding down to Flower Street, with a ticketed celebration at Dodger Stadium for those wanting to keep the festivities going.
Image Source: Dodgers
💻 Meanwhile, in the tech, OpenAI just rolled out a game-changing update for ChatGPT. Plus and Enterprise users can now access real-time internet search, powered by Microsoft Bing, bringing ChatGPT's responses fully up-to-date. This means users can now ask about the latest news, hotspots, or recent LA startup announcements, and ChatGPT will pull in fresh, relevant answers directly from the web. Previously limited to information up to 2021, ChatGPT’s new browsing capabilities make it a valuable digital assistant for anyone needing real-time insights in fast-paced industries like tech and entertainment.
Image Source: ChatGPT
🔍 The real-time search feature also includes “Browse with Bing,” allowing ChatGPT to source information from multiple sites for detailed answers to complex questions. Whether you’re exploring the latest venture capital trends in LA or curious about the best local spots, ChatGPT’s new browsing power helps you stay ahead with the latest info. This leap forward in AI functionality makes ChatGPT even more versatile and powerful for everyone, from business owners to everyday users.
From the Dodgers’ World Series win to OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT update, there’s a lot to celebrate in LA this week. Here’s to champions, innovation, and a city that’s always pushing boundaries. 🌆✨
🤝 Venture Deals
LA Companies
- Final Boss Sour, a Los Angeles-based gaming-themed snack company specializing in healthier sour snacks, has raised a $3M Seed funding round led by Science Inc. to expand its product offerings and operational capabilities. - learn more
LA Venture Funds
- Smash Capital led a $50M Series B round for Read AI, a productivity-focused AI company, bringing its total funding to $81M. The company offers a platform that enhances meeting efficiency through features like note-taking, summarization, and transcription. Additionally, Read AI introduced "Read AI for Gmail," a free Chrome extension that integrates information from various applications, reducing the need to switch between apps. The funds will be used to increase the company's headcount in engineering, data science, and business teams. - learn more
- Distributed Global participated in a $25M funding round for Nillion, a company that provides decentralized privacy solutions designed to secure sensitive data using advanced technologies like secure multi-party computation. - learn more
- Alexandria Venture Investments and Tachyon Ventures participated in a $115M Series A funding round for Axonis Therapeutics, a Boston-based biotechnology company developing innovative medicines targeting KCC2, a key mediator of brain inhibition, to treat neurological disorders. - learn more
- Act One Ventures participated in a $5M Seed funding round for Latii, a construction materials supply chain startup, to enhance its platform that connects contractors with suppliers, aiming to streamline procurement processes and reduce costs in the construction industry. - learn more
- F4 Fund participated in a $3M Seed funding round for Final Boss Sour, a Los Angeles-based gaming-themed snack company specializing in healthier sour snacks. - learn more
- SmartGateVC participated in a pre-seed funding round for Ritual Dental, a company revolutionizing dental care by integrating advanced technology and microbiome science to provide personalized, preventive treatments. - learn more
Read moreShow less
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