David A. Unger
Born (1971-12-30) December 30, 1971
London, England
OccupationEntertainment executive

David A. Unger (born December 30, 1971) is CEO of Artist International Group, a global talent management, branding and content production company representing clients in the fields of film, television and media advisory. Born in London, Unger has served as a talent and literary agent for over 20 years.[1][2][3]

Artist International Group

In 2017, Unger founded Artist International Group which focuses on identifying and nurturing talent, developing IP and sourcing diversified media and entertainment opportunities, all with a global insight. The company represents actors, writers, directors, musicians and models and specializes in media finance, brand advisory and international business development. AIG has offices in Los Angeles, New York and London and joint ventures in the UK, France, Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, Spain and Brazil.[4][3][5]

Unger represents several Academy Award, Golden Globe, Grammy and BAFTA winning clients and leading international artists including Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh,[6][7] Jonathan Rhys Meyers,[8] Mickey Rourke,[9] Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu,[10] Tom Welling,[11] Til Schweiger,[12] Gong Li,[13] Leehom Wang, Sasha Luss,[14] Anil Kapoor,[15] Mallika Sherawat,[16] Darko Peric,[17] Kev Adams,[18] Christopher Lambert, Patrick Bruel,[11] Elsa Zylberstein,[11] Rossy de Palma,[19] Lee Min-ho,[20] Rafael Cebrian,[21] Siwon Choi,[2] Hanee Lee,[22] Nastassja Kinski,[23] Raline Shah,[24] and Natalia Vodianova[25] as well as directors Vadim Perelman,[26] Ludovic Bernard,[27] Michael Haussman,[28] Samuel Bayer, Andrew Douglas, Henrik Hansen, Francesco Carrozzini,[2] Umut Aral,[29] Antony Hoffman,[30] Alexei Sidorov[31] and Tony Kaye.[32]

Early career

Unger began his career at Propaganda Films,[33] a division of PolyGram, where he nurtured the careers of directors David Fincher, Michael Bay, Antoine Fuqua, and Mark Romanek among others. He developed award-winning commercial projects for Coca-Cola, Levi's and Nike as well as music videos for artists such as Madonna, The Rolling Stones and U2.

At the age of 27 Unger was chosen for The Hollywood Reporter's Annual "Next Gen" special issue,[34] which lists "the city's best and brightest individuals – 35 men and women, age 35 and under, poised to become the entertainment industry's future leaders." He was recognized by Fade In magazine as one of their "Top 100 People in Hollywood You Need to Know."[13]

Unger was a vice-president and talent agent at International Creative Management for 15 years.[35] At ICM, he represented actors, directors and writers as well as advised the agency's branding and film financing groups.[36][37] In October 2012, ICM became ICM Partners and in January 2013. Unger became the first ICM agent to join former ICM Chairman Jeff Berg at Berg's newly-founded agency, Resolution. Unger served as talent and literary agent at Resolution and he was a member of Resolution's Media Finance Group for two years.[38]

In February 2015 Unger, as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Partner, formed Three Six Zero Entertainment,[39] a full service management company that represented actors, directors and writers in the film, television, and digital industries.[40] The company offered branding and financial services to clients[41] and operated in partnership with Jay-Z's Roc Nation.[42][43]

Film production

Unger is known for representing international talent, often successfully transforming local language stars into global stars.[44] Unger steered the career of Michelle Yeoh in winning dozens of Best Actor awards for her performance in 2022’s Everthing Everywhere All At Once including the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and the Academy Award Oscar. He is credited with resurrecting the career of Mickey Rourke,[45][46][47][48] who thanked Unger in his Best Actor-winning speeches[49] for his role in The Wrestler at the BAFTA Awards[50] and the Golden Globe Awards.[51]

Unger regularly attends and is often asked to lecture at the major international motion picture and television festivals and markets such as the Moscow Business Square at the Moscow International Film Festival,[25] Asian Film Summit at the Toronto International Film Festival,[36][52] and Busan International Film Festival[22]

Unger is an executive producer of the films Wetlands, Habit, Ambush and Edge of the World, both starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers; Mother Tongue, starring Josie Ho; Promises, directed by Amanda Sthers, as well as the documentaries Sheroes, Bonnie, and Josie Ho & The Hong Kong Sound. He has also been involved in such award-winning film and television projects as Crazy Rich Asians, Slumdog Millionaire, Training Day, The Wrestler, Sin City, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Star Trek: Discovery.[4]

Other activities

Unger is an advisor to the immersive theme park company KidZania and to the education technology company MasterClass. He is a member of the Board of Advisors of Big Life Foundation which contributes to efforts in protecting wildlife habitats in East Africa.[53]

Background

Unger was born in London and raised in London, Madrid, Paris, and Los Angeles.[49] He is a graduate of Boston University[34] and has lectured at Harvard Business School, UCLA Anderson School of Management and USC School of Cinematic Arts. He speaks English, Spanish, Italian, and French; he holds US and European passports.[13]

Unger comes from a long line of successful entertainment industry executives. His father, Anthony B. Unger, produced numerous motion pictures including the highly acclaimed[54][55] Don't Look Now, starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie. His grandfather, Oliver A. Unger, was an award-winning film producer, distributor and exhibitor. His uncle, Stephen A. Unger, is a leading executive recruiter for the entertainment and media industries.

References

  1. ↑ "Un Café with David Unger, global talent agent and CEO of Artist International Group". Le Dispatch. July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022. Meet the Hollywood superagent who has become a bridge between Hollywood and the global stage and is rewriting the rules of international film and series talent deals and pioneering a new era of a borderless global entertainment industry.
  2. 1 2 3 Frater, Patrick (May 13, 2019). "Cannes: David Unger Formally Launches Artist International Group". Variety. Retrieved January 30, 2021. ...global talent management, branding, and content production company, Artist International Group... AIG is based in Los Angeles. Satellite offices in New York, London, Paris and Hong Kong...
  3. 1 2 Faughnder, Ryan (April 2, 2018). "Hollywood rolls out the red carpet for Saudi Arabia's crown prince, hoping to cash in on a new market". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
  4. 1 2 Kay, Jeremy (May 13, 2019). "Former talent agent David Unger launches Artist International Group". ScreenDaily.com. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  5. ↑ Leffler, Rebecca. ""The rules are being rewritten": Artist International Group's David Unger on dismantling borders, AI and the strikes". Screen. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  6. ↑ Miller, Daniel (April 2, 2013). "Village Roadshow hits jackpot with Chinese-language films". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  7. ↑ Miller, Daniel (March 4, 2014). "Resolution talent agency lands Chinese investor". Hartford Courant. Retrieved January 30, 2021. David Unger, who represents Michelle Yeoh, star of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," the most successful Chinese-American co-production of all time, will coordinate Resolution's business in China.
  8. ↑ Grater, Tom (December 22, 2020). "Jonathan Rhys Meyers & John Malkovich Starring In Pandemic Thriller 'The Survivalist'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  9. ↑ Lyman, Rick (April 13, 2003). "FILM; Mickey Rourke Is Sorry. Very, Very, Very Sorry". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  10. ↑ Grobar, Matt (December 14, 2022). "'Emily In Paris' Star Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu Inks With Artist International Group For Management". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  11. 1 2 3 Fleming, Mike Jr. (May 13, 2019). "David Unger Launches Artist International Group – Cannes". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  12. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 21, 2023). "Artist International Group Expands, Hires Kimberly Hines As Partner & Ian Stack As Manager". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  13. 1 2 3 "Mojo Rising: The Top 100 People in Hollywood You Need to Know". Fade In. Fall 2005. p. 97.
  14. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 3, 2019). "Luc Besson 'Anna' Star Sasha Luss Inks With ICM Partners". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  15. ↑ Bhushan, Nyay (December 7, 2011). "'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol's' Anil Kapoor on Balancing Bollywood and Hollywood (Q&A)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  16. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (November 18, 2019). "Artist International Group, Korea-Based Saram Entertainment Form Joint Venture". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  17. ↑ Grobar, Matt (July 26, 2022). "'Money Heist's Darko Perić Signs With Artist International Group For Management". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  18. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 16, 2023). "French Actor Kev Adams Signs With Artist International Group". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  19. ↑ Frater, Patrick (May 17, 2019). "AIG and AS Talents Announce Agency Tie-Up (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  20. ↑ Otterson, Joe (October 22, 2020). "Lee Min Ho Among Six Cast in 'Pachinko' Series at Apple". Variety. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  21. ↑ Grobar, Matt (November 21, 2022). "Aleksey Ageyev Joins Artist International Group As Partner". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  22. 1 2 Noh, Jean (October 5, 2019). "Mike Figgis boards Saram's Korean omnibus project 'Shame'". ScreenDaily.com. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  23. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 7, 2019). "Veteran Manager Chris Prapha Joins Artist International Group As Partner". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  24. ↑ "Three Pesona Wanita Cantik Indonesia Di Red Carpet Cannes Film Festival, Raline Shah Tampil Proud Dengan Kebaya". VOI - Waktunya Merevolusi Pemberitaan. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  25. 1 2 Holdsworth, Nick (June 26, 2012). "Hollywood eyes Russian opportunities: Paula Wagner, David Unger see room for growth". Variety. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  26. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (May 13, 2022). "'House Of Sand And Fog' Filmmaker Vadim Perelman Signs With Artist International Group". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  27. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (May 22, 2022). "David Unger Creates Artist International Group To Rep Talent From Foreign Shores — Deadline Disruputors". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  28. ↑ Lyons, Charles (October 23, 2000). "Vid helmer up for 'Down'". Variety. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  29. ↑ Grobar, Matt (June 22, 2023). "Artist International Group Signs Umut Aral, Director Of Chart-Topping Turkish Netflix Series 'Who Were We Running From?'". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  30. ↑ Jaafar, Ali (March 17, 2015). "Fox International Productions Acquires Hot Commercials Director Anthony Hoffman's 'Fox Hunt' Project". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  31. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 15, 2021). "Sharon Stone Signs With Artist International Group". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  32. ↑ Simon, Lizzie (May 13, 1998). "David Unger Creates Stars". L.A. Confidential. p. 67. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Talent Agent David Unger: Creative Management". BNET. March 18, 2008. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
  34. 1 2 "Hollywood Reporter 6th Annual Next Generation Special Issue". The Hollywood Reporter. November 2, 1999. p. S-21.
  35. ↑ Harris, Kathryn (October 2002). "LA Home". Los Angeles Magazine. pp. 110–112.
  36. 1 2 Knegt, Peter (August 13, 2012). "TIFF Announces Program For Asian Film Summit". IndieWire. Retrieved January 30, 2021. The Summit's programming will include... a global talent panel featuring ICM's David Unger...
  37. ↑ "2012 U.S.-China Film Summit". Asia Society. October 30, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2021. This panel will focus on how the new paradigm of US-China co-production is affecting the management of talent.
  38. ↑ Kay, Jeremy (February 21, 2013). "David Unger becomes first ICM agent to join Resolution". Screen Daily. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
  39. ↑ Fleming, Mike (February 12, 2015). "Vet Talent Agent David Unger Launches Three Six Zero; Foray Into Film/TV Rep Biz". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  40. ↑ Kay, Jeremy (February 12, 2015). "David Unger forms Three Six Zero Entertainment". Screen Daily. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  41. ↑ Flanagan, Andrew (February 12, 2015). "Jay Z's Roc Nation and Three Six Zero Partner to Launch Film and Television Management Arm". Billboard. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  42. ↑ Donnelly, Matt (February 12, 2015). "David Unger Joins Three Six Zero Group, Agency to Partner With Jay-Z's Roc Nation". The Wrap. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  43. ↑ Sun, Rebecca (February 12, 2015). "Former Resolution Agent David Unger Partners With Roc Nation For Three Six Zero Entertainment". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  44. ↑ Bhushan, Nyay (December 7, 2011). "'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol's' Anil Kapoor on Balancing Bollywood and Hollywood (Q&A)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 26, 2015. ...it was my agent David Unger, who made a conscious decision to pitch me as an international star and not an Indian star.
  45. ↑ O'Mahony, Olivier (November 26, 2011). "Mickey Rourke Rugit Encore". Paris Match. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  46. ↑ Breznican, Anthony (February 19, 2009). "How Mickey Rourke's Agent Wrestled His Comeback". USA Today. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  47. ↑ Goldstein, Patrick (September 11, 2008). "Rourke is back in the ring". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  48. ↑ Lyman, Rick (April 13, 2003). "FILM; Mickey Rourke Is Sorry. Very, Very, Very Sorry". The New York Times. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  49. 1 2 Janofsky, Michael (January 21, 2009). "Rourke's Agent Rehabilitates Bad-Boy Actor into Oscar Contender". Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  50. ↑ "Rourke gives salty BAFTA speech". UPI. February 9, 2009. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  51. ↑ Finn, Natalie (January 12, 2009). "Golden Globes Span Slumdog, Kate (Twice!), Mickey, Heath & Tina". E! Online. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  52. ↑ David Unger at Asia Society
  53. ↑ David Unger at Big Life Foundation website
  54. ↑ Singh, Anita (2011). "The 100 best British films". Time Out London. Archived from the original on January 6, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  55. ↑ "Don't Look Now: best British film of all time?". The Daily Telegraph. February 9, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
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