CHAPTER SEVEN:
DAVE'S LUCKY CHARM - MIKE OVITZ
David Letterman had to
hire another Manager. Rollins was a fine Manager, but
Letterman had to find someone that would be able to sort
out this whole fiasco with the Tonight Show.
Ovitz was already famous for his high powered Hollywood
deals throughout the entertainment industry. His
"claim to fame" so to speak, was to provide
Hollywood Producer's and Director's with an entire Film
or Television Show staff. This type of deal made the
Producer's/Director's life a lot easier - and won Ovitz a
good reputation in Hollywood.
Ovitz was employed by the William Morris Agency before he
continued on his career as an agent for CAA - another
high-powered Hollywood Agency. Soon, Ovitz opened his own
Agency.
Now his firm enjoyed a good reputation among the
Hollywood crowd. Ovitz's most famous Hollywood deal was a
merger between Sony and Columbia Pictures (worth several
Billion dollars).
Peter Lassally and David Letterman were convinced that
Michael Ovitz was their man! They met with Ovitz in his
prestigious - upscale office building located in Beverly
Hills, California.
Michael was impressed with David's work. This says a lot
about Dave. Ovitz had handled all of the top Hollywood
names in the business. He was particular about who he
represented.
Michael wanted Dave to "shop around". Ok, now
don't get excited! I didn't say sleep around - I said
shop around! Ha -Ha! (A really cheap shot at a joke - I
confess!)
Michael said that - before he was through with Dave - all
of the Networks would realize what Michael Ovitz already
knew. David Letterman - because of his brilliant comic
abilities - was the true King of Late Night
Television. Peter Lassally would climb the corporate
ladder with Dave. Ovitz must have really believed in Dave
- or he would have had a hard time representing him.
David was impressed and he began to trust Michael Ovitz.
Michael Ovitz had the job! And now NBC's negotiations
over the Tonight Show were about to sizzle!
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