Speaker Alec Shankman
Alec Shankman
SVP, Head of Alternative Programming, Digital Media, Licensing & Branding
Abrams Artists Agency
Abrams Artists Agency has upped Alec Shankman to senior VP of alternative programming, digital media, licensing and branding. In recent months, the agency has signed such digital stars as ThatSoJack, AndreasChoice, Brodie Smith, Ann Reardon, Jason Pinder and Jimmy DiResta. And Shankman's group has crafted licensing and branded-merchandise deals for such clients as Brandi Glanville and Mr. Kate, while also developing plans for the resurgence of the Grizzly Adams brand.
In alternative programming, Shankman has led his team to work with some of the highest-rated unscripted series on television, including Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures, National Geographic's Wicked Tuna, Discovery's Gold Rush and History Channel's Mountain Men and Swamp People.
Shankman began his entertainment-industry career in 2003 in the Los Angeles office of Abrams Artists Agency, where he launched the alternative programming and digital media department — an a division that he has been involved in for six years, representing and packaging producers, TV series, web series and on-camera talent.
In 2009, he became CEO of GotCast.com, an interactive casting site and social network for talent. He also launched MediaBlastr, which powered the campaigns of such top brands as Mercedes-Benz, Sony PlayStation, L'Oreal, Dove, Charles Schwab and Garnier Fructis.
In 2014, he returned to Abrams Artists Agency's Los Angeles office as head of the alternative programming and digital media group. He has also written two books: Moving to Los Angeles: The ABCs of Making Your Hollywood Dreams Come True, published in 2010; and Moving to Los Angeles: The ABCs of Getting an Agent, published in 2012.
Speaking at: Breakfast with Agents