The Ankler Podcast Tales From the ’90s: Ron Meyer’s 'Miracle' Hollywood Career
Dec 23, 2024
Ron Meyer, a legendary figure in Hollywood who co-founded CAA and led Universal Studios, shares his incredible journey. He dives into his bold transition from talent agent to studio head and the fierce competition he faced in the agency world. Meyer discusses his split from Mike Ovitz and his strategic tug-of-war with Barry Diller. He also reflects on the films he’s proudest of and emphasizes why he remains optimistic about the evolving entertainment landscape amidst the rise of streaming services.
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First Paycheck
- Ron Meyer and CAA's founders initially received no salary for their work.
- Their first paychecks of $25,000 each marked a significant milestone and celebration.
Early Competition
- William Morris, a competing agency, was fiercely competitive with CAA after its founding.
- CAA's initial client list wasn't high-paying, and many were still under contract with William Morris.
Path to Hollywood
- Ron Meyer, a high school dropout, joined the Marines and later worked as a driver for a theatrical agent.
- Reading a book about the entertainment industry while in the Marines sparked his interest in Hollywood.