Wisevoter
Beverly Hills

Hollywood Reporter Hosts Annual Power Managers Breakfast

The event celebrated industry leaders and featured key discussions on business management in entertainment.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Financial Planning

Sunlight illuminates exotic flora in a minimalist vase on a polished marble table inside an airy Beverly Hills event space.
Financial advisor Michael Ullman was honored as a Business Manager Icon during The Hollywood Reporter's 16th annual Power Managers breakfast in Beverly Hills. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe consolidation in the entertainment industry is bad for independent filmmaking?

The Hollywood Reporter hosted its 16th annual Power Managers breakfast at Spago in Beverly Hills on October 21, 2026. The gathering honored top financial advisors, including Michael Ullman, who received the Business Manager Icon award.

Why it matters

The event serves as a platform to recognize the pivotal role financial advisors play in navigating the complex economic landscape of the entertainment industry.

Michael Ullman, CEO of Platinum Financial Management Inc., was honored for a career spanning 37 years. The event highlighted the ongoing importance of expert financial management for entertainment entities.

The players

Michael Ullman

He is the CEO of Platinum Financial Management Inc. and recipient of the Business Manager Icon award.

David Kramer

He serves as the CEO of United Talent Agency and provided a keynote address at the breakfast.

Lisa Callif

She is a founding partner at the law firm Donaldson Callif Perez.

The details

The program included a keynote conversation with United Talent Agency CEO David Kramer and a fireside chat with founding partner Lisa Callif of the law firm Donaldson Callif Perez. Discussions spanned industry challenges, including the integration of generative AI and the impact of corporate mergers.

Timeline

  1. 2003: Steven Shapiro began working as Michael Ullman's banker.

  2. 2025: Michael Ullman assisted clients during the Palisades Fire.

  3. October 2026: Paramount Skydance ended a project Lisa Callif was managing.

  4. October 21, 2026: The Hollywood Reporter held its Power Managers breakfast.

Market Dynamics

The U.S. Copyright Office requirement for human authorship remains a central hurdle for the widespread implementation of generative AI in Hollywood creative processes. This legal framework dictates how production companies incorporate new tools without risking the legal status of their intellectual property.

The focus on long-term management underscores the necessity for clients to maintain stable financial guidance amidst industry volatility. Investors should note how leadership at firms like Platinum Financial Management adapts to evolving corporate structures in media.

The takeaway

Financial stability remains a critical pillar for success in the high-stakes entertainment sector. Advisors and clients should continue to prioritize long-term strategic planning to mitigate risks associated with industry mergers and technological shifts.

Further reading

For more on industry wealth management, visit the Financial Planning section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Live Poll

Do you believe consolidation in the entertainment industry is bad for independent filmmaking?