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Who Is Michael Ovitz?
384 pages, 2018
biographies & memoirs
997 books
business & management
1082 booksWho is Michael Ovitz? He’s a striver who talked his way into the famous mailroom of the William Morris Agency without any connections, then worked his way out of the mailroom in record time.
He’s an entrepreneur who left a safe job to launch Creative Artists Agency, growing it from five guys in a rundown office to the most powerful agency in the world.
He’s a friend and confidant to megastars such as Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, David Letterman, Sean Connery, Bill Murray, Paul Newman, and Martin Scorsese.
He’s a pioneer who reinvented the role of the agent in packaging actors, directors, writers, and producers, which made CAA the essential hub of countless movies and television shows.
He’s a master negotiator who drove historic deals for many of his clients and the acquisitions of two major studios by Sony and Matsushita.
He’s a self-taught connoisseur of art and architecture, a generous philanthropist, and a devoted father... And to his detractors, he’s a world-class jerk and a ruthless manipulator who double-crossed his friends, crushed his enemies, and let nothing stand in his way, ever.
After decades of near silence in the face of relentless controversy, Ovitz finally tells his whole story in this memoir with remarkable candor and insight. If you’re going to read just one book about how show business works, this is the one.
In 'Who Is Michael Ovitz?', Ovitz shares his journey of relentless determination and hard work. He started from the bottom and climbed his way to the top of the entertainment industry. His story is a reminder that success doesn't come overnight, but with persistence, you can achieve your goals.
Ovitz emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships in the business world. He believes that strong relationships are the backbone of any successful business. So, take a look at your own network and see how you can strengthen your connections.
One of the key lessons from the book is to embrace change. Ovitz himself had to adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. He encourages readers to be open to new ideas and opportunities, and not to fear change.
Ovitz is known for his negotiation skills. In 'Who Is Michael Ovitz?', he shares his strategies and techniques, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills. Check out his tips and see how you can apply them in your own life.
Ovitz is candid about his failures and mistakes. He believes that these experiences are just as valuable as successes, if not more so. He encourages readers to learn from their mistakes and to use them as stepping stones towards success.
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A riveting, brutally honest, and raw account of the rise and fall of a titan. It's a tale that left me both inspired and shocked.
Ben Horowitz - Entrepreneur, AuthorMichael Ovitz changed the landscape of our industry. His book is a deeply personal and honest look at his time at the top.
Ari Emanuel - Talent AgentMichael's story is a fiercely candid and brilliantly written self-reflection of triumph and failure. Told with intensity and passion, it's a story only he could tell.
Ron Meyer - Entertainment ExecutiveWho Is Michael Ovitz? paints a vivid and accurate picture of the high-pressure world of talent representation. It's an authentic and insightful read.
Robert Iger - Businessman, Author
