ENDEAVOR LAYS OFF 250, ISSUES PAY CUTS

Following similar recent cuts by Paradigm and UTA, Endeavor has laid off approximately 250 employees across its businesses, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt the entertainment industry. Pay cuts are being evaluated for all remaining staff, said CEO Ari Emanuel in a 3/25 memo.

Most of the staff cuts have reportedly hit Florida's IMG Academy, a sports-education facility, and support staff at businesses including WME. The cuts are said to primarily affect facilities workers and mailroom employees who cannot fulfill their duties from home.

“We will be implementing a number of additional measures beginning this week and through April that will affect compensation and some jobs across the company. As part of this, Patrick and I will not be taking a salary for the remainder of 2020,” Emanuel wrote, referring to his WME Co-CEO Patrick Whitesell.

Endeavor is the third Hollywood agency to institute such cuts since the pandemic stopped film and TV production, and social distancing caused nearly everyone to work from home. Earlier this week, Paradigm laid off around 250 staffers, including senior agents, and UTA instituted companywide salary cuts in an effort to avoid layoffs.

Here's the full memo from Emanuel:

I don’t think any of us could have imagined we’d be in the place we are today.

As we all focus inward to protect our personal health and safeguard our families, every company around the world is simultaneously faced with safeguarding the health and future of its business. We are no different. All parts of our company are feeling the effects.

With that in mind, we are in the process of assessing our operations globally to develop a plan that will protect the business while limiting the impact on as many employees as possible. In addition to the cost-cutting efforts outlined a few weeks ago, we will be implementing a number of additional measures beginning this week and through April that will affect compensation and some jobs across the company. The effects on each business will vary, and you will receive more specifics from your respective leaders, to the extent any of these decisions may impact you. As part of this, Patrick and I will not be taking a salary for the remainder of 2020.

These decisions are not being made lightly, knowing the impact they may have on you and your families during these uncertain times.

We appreciate the strength and compassion that you continue to show for one another as we navigate this challenging situation.

AE