--- title: "Power Managers Breakfast Honors Excellence in Financial Management" url: https://noti.group/power-managers-breakfast-honors-excellence-in-financial-management/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Entertainment" published: 2026-10-22T18:13:04.000Z updated: 2026-10-22T19:43:56.741Z id: f6e95ce8-60bd-4cb9-956d-417d0f6bb13a source: "The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hollywood-lawyer-indie-projects-paramount-warner-bros-merger-1236736884/" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/power-managers-breakfast-honors-excellence-in-financial-management/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Power Managers Breakfast Honors Excellence in Financial Management The annual Power Managers breakfast honored outstanding business managers who oversee the financial ventures and fortunes of top talent. The annual Power Managers breakfast in Beverly Hills brought together some of the entertainment industry's most influential financial experts to celebrate excellence in managing high-profile creatives' finances. This year's event, presented by City National Bank and sponsored by Venable LLP, recognized outstanding business managers who oversee the financial ventures and fortunes of top talent. The occasion also marked the publication of THR's annual Business Managers Power List, which honors exceptional professionals in this often underappreciated field. The breakfast ceremony saw Platinum Financial Management Inc. CEO Michael Ullman receive the prestigious Business Manager Icon award. Other notable speakers included United Talent Agency CEO David Kramer and Lisa Callif, founding partner at Donaldson Callif Perez, who engaged in a fireside chat with attendees. Lori O'Connor, THR's executive vp and publisher, opened the event with welcoming remarks before handing over to editor-in-chief Maer Roshan. Roshan was joined on stage by UTA's Kramer for a keynote conversation that touched on recent developments in Hollywood. The discussion encompassed Netflix's mass layoffs of top executives as well as the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, which has been making waves in the industry. Kramer emphasized UTA's commitment to innovation and change, reflecting the agency's diverse portfolio spanning film, television, sports, music, publishing, and more. The recent consolidation of major studios has had far-reaching effects on the entertainment industry, and UTA is no exception. Kramer acknowledged that some projects will likely be impacted by the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal, but he also highlighted a potential silver lining: the merged company may greenlight new stories. This shift in the business landscape can make it more challenging for representatives like Kramer to find work for their clients. However, he emphasized that what's needed is not fewer buyers, but rather healthy ones who are eager to take on new projects. This balance is crucial for maintaining a thriving market. Top stars have become increasingly diverse in their pursuits, making them less reliant on specific companies. As a result, they're more likely to explore various opportunities and push the boundaries of what's possible. Kramer noted that this trend has led to clients being as ambitious as ever, eager to try new things and expand their creative horizons. The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger has sparked concern among independent content creators, with some viewing it as a threat to their work. Specialist Callif expressed her reservations about the deal during a recent conversation: she believes that while it may open up opportunities for other entities, it's not necessarily beneficial for indie filmmaking. The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. has left some industry professionals skeptical about its potential benefits for indie filmmaking. One of these skeptics is a top Hollywood lawyer who advises clients not to bank on getting deals with the merged company. According to this expert, even projects that were initially considered promising may no longer be viable in the new landscape. A recent example cited involves a film that was initially "bullish about moving full steam ahead" but whose prospects at the company died just two weeks ago. This lawyer also has insight into how documentary creators are using generative AI in their work. Currently, the technology is mainly used as a tool in postproduction to help with tasks such as enhancing graphics. However, when generative AI is employed more extensively, the issue of ownership becomes increasingly complex. The U.S. Copyright Office requires human authorship, and navigating this requirement can be a challenging process. To achieve protection for their work, creators must be transparent and detailed in their dealings with the office. This involves explaining exactly what they are doing with generative AI and how it is being used to create content. Meanwhile, City National Bank senior vp entertainment Steven Shapiro was honoring Ullman at an event by presenting him with the Business Manager Icon award. Shapiro has been Ullman's banker since 2003 and recalled his initial interview with the manager in Beverly Hills. This interview left a lasting impression on Shapiro as he remembered being "interrogated by Ullman until late into the evening. What struck him most, however, was Ullman's dedication to his clients, which was evident even under intense scrutiny. Michael Ullman's dedication to his clients is a testament to his character and work ethic. A personal anecdote shared by Sugar Ray Leonard highlighted Ullman's willingness to go above and beyond for those in need. During the 2025 Palisades Fire, Ullman secured Leonard a hotel using his own credit card, demonstrating his ability to act swiftly and selflessly. This display of kindness was echoed by other clients who also shared stories about Ullman's exceptional service. Brooke Shields praised him as a trusted adviser" and "loyal friend, while Miles Teller jokingly referred to him as the second true love of his life, outside his wife. Even Linda Cardellini sent in a video tribute to her manager. Ullman himself shared a heartwarming story about how he started his career. Answering a classified ad in the Los Angeles Times for a business management firm in Encino led him down a path he never could have anticipated. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into, he said, reflecting on his humble beginnings. As Ullman looked back on his 37-year career, he expressed gratitude to those who helped him along the way. His late mother, his father Al, and his partner were all acknowledged for their support. He also thanked his colleagues at Platinum Financial Management Inc., recognizing that it's the people who have made his success possible. Ullman's humility was on full display as he accepted praise from his clients and peers. Despite being honored with an icon status, he expressed a desire to return to his normal self, unencumbered by accolades. I don't take any of this for granted," he said, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded. In conclusion, Michael Ullman's dedication to his clients and his career is a shining example of what it means to be a true professional. His commitment to serving others has earned him the respect and admiration of those around him, making him an icon in the industry. --- Source: [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hollywood-lawyer-indie-projects-paramount-warner-bros-merger-1236736884/) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/power-managers-breakfast-honors-excellence-in-financial-management/