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Who Is Michael Ovitz? cover art

Who Is Michael Ovitz?

By: Michael Ovitz
Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris
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Summary

Random House presents the audiobook edition of Who Is Michael Ovitz? by Michael Ovits, read by Dennis Boutsikaris.

If you're going to listen to one audiobook about Hollywood, this is the one.

As co-founder of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Michael Ovitz earned a reputation for ruthless negotiation, brilliant strategy and fierce loyalty to his clients. He reinvented the role of the agent and helped shape the careers of hundreds of A-list stars and directors, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep, Sean Connery, Steven Seagal, Bill Murray, Robin Williams and David Letterman. 

But this personal history is much more than celebrity friendships and bare-knuckled deal-making. It's an underdog's story: how did a kid with no connections work his way into the William Morris mailroom, and become the most powerful person in Hollywood? How did a superagent also become a power in producing, advertising, mergers & acquisitions and modern art? And what were the personal consequences of all those deals? 

After decades of near-silence in the face of intense controversy, Michael Ovitz is finally telling his whole story in this blistering, unforgettable memoir. 

©2018 Michael Ovitz (P)2018 Random House Audiobooks

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Real life Terminator

Good book, its for people who like to listen to peoples stories (especially those who rose to the top of their industries and what it took to get there). Take what lessons you can. The rest you'll learn along the way

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A great story about the inside of Hollywood

A fantastic view of how Hollywood works from the man that ruled Tinseltown in the 80s and 90s. It’s amazing how low key his profile initially was but this book is a warts and all encounter of how it was back then. Highly recommended along with the book on CAA called Powerhouse by James Andrew Miller.

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Great read

I thought this very well written and narrated. Ovitz is particularly introspective and candid at times, which is often rare in a businessman's memoir. Of course the story is from his perspective alone and I'm sure those that know him might have something to say about how some of it went down. Overall though, I took from this book some important and valuable lessons in life, friendships, communication, business and Hollywood!

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excellent insights

while controversial, Michael Ovitz is an extremely smart and driven individual.
many valuable insights.
highly recommended.

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speeding the plough

this was my first audio book and i loved it. well written well spoken with a great narrative I listened to it in 2 days... best book on insider hollywood I've read in years. highly recommend








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Book about a very talented person.

I surprisingly liked this book a lot. Michael Ovtiz is indeed had a successful and curious life. Hopefully i will learn a lot in terms of hard work and people skills.
Dennis Boutsikaris narration was excellent.

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Candid profile of an inspiring character

Ovitz profiles his career and personal life in detail. He is willing to go beyond most biographies in both his teachings and in detailing his learnings.

Any entrepreneur can learn from his masterful sales skills, approach to gifting, or character development.

Aside from the learnings it is a fantastic read about the golden era of content creation, with a guy who was instrumental in it.

Highly recommend

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A fascinating insight into agency life.

I have been a theatrical agent only for a few years in my early 20's. I felt the emotional toll Michael was putting on himself I was jealous and wished I had his genius. really interesting view into the top of this profession.

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Fascinating read

Fascinating read about a fascinating man in a fascinating industry who transitioned to a even bigger and more exciting industry.

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Fascinating

Very interesting with plenty famous names mentioned.
It's all a big game in Hollywood and Michael was a master when he was at the top. He is eventually self deprecating and admits he could have worked twenty per cent less for similar rewards and spent more time with his family.

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