Powerhouse agent Stuart Manashil leaves CAA for WME

In a move that sent shock waives through Hollywood, mega agent Stuart Manashil has left CAA for William Morris Endeavor (WME).

Manashil is known for representing top talent, directors and writers. He has helped guide the careers of Oliver Stone, Tommy Lee Jones, Lawrence Kasdan among other A-listers.

Many notable industry insiders were not surprised.

“What a score for WME, nobody has built a better reputation for closing film deals than Stuart,” said former General Counsel of Universal Barry Reiss, who knows Manashil. “I have not seen a work ethic like his since I worked with Clive Davis or back to my Lew Wasserman days. I still remember when Stuart took back to back red-eyes to show up for an inde film he was selling to Sony for seven figures.”

Manashil began his career at UTA and later moved to CAA. At WME, he will focus on talent and packaging as a full partner.

“There is no agent financiers trust more than Stuart Manashil,” says J. David Williams, former Managing Director of Credit Lyonais. “He brings a passion and intellect we do not find any more. In a town full of false promises, Stuart delivers, but keeps a low profile, and exemplifies that rare trait in Hollywood: humility.”

Manashil is a native of New Jersey and began an affinity for film while studying both film and international politics at UCLA. He is also involved in many charitable efforts, including those that help children with cancer.

“I’ve known Stuart for a long time. I’ve taken him to the White House, been with him on movie sets, the guy just gets it. I don’t know anyone who yields more power quietly than Stuart,” says Steven J. Brown, a film financier and political strategist who recommended Stuart for a recent Children’s Cancer Humanitarian Award. “The AFL-CIO Leadership in his native New Jersey went to him to support the Cesar Chavez film and Stuart jumped right in and helped. Bottom line, he just never forgot his roots or his love of great literature. He’s a real gem for WME.”