In a significant move within the talent agency landscape, Ryan Bartlett has decided to leave Hyperion, the boutique agency he founded seven years ago, to join Independent Artist Group (IAG). This transition marks a reunion with Andrew Rogers, with whom Bartlett previously worked at Paradigm. Rogers, who heads the Motion Picture Talent department at IAG, will now have Bartlett reporting to him.
The agreement for Bartlett’s move was finalized over the weekend, and he is expected to bring several of his long-standing clients to IAG. Among these clients are notable names such as Xochitl Gomez, Ashton Sanders, and Natasha Behnam. This shift is poised to strengthen IAG’s talent roster significantly.
Hyperion, which Bartlett has led since its inception in June 2017, will continue its operations under the leadership of agents Austin Leshay and Will Atlas. The agency has built a reputation for its boutique approach and personalized client management, and it remains to be seen how Bartlett’s departure will impact its future trajectory.
IAG itself is a relatively new entity, formed just a year ago through the merger of the Agency for the Performing Arts and music touring agency Artist Group International. Since its formation, IAG has been on a hiring spree, adding more than two dozen agents to its ranks. The agency has also secured a slew of high-profile signings, including Regina Hall, Sonequa Martin-Green, William H. Macy, Sharon Stone, Ken Jeong, Troy Kotsur, Rosa Salazar, Hayden Christensen, Pamela Anderson, Maria Bello, Marc Maron, and Russel Hornsby.
Bartlett’s career in Hollywood began at 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 2000. He later transitioned to the role of an agent at Paradigm, where he quickly rose through the ranks. In 2015, he joined UTA before eventually founding Hyperion in 2017. His extensive experience and industry connections are expected to be valuable assets to IAG.
The move comes at a time when the talent agency industry is undergoing significant changes. The merger that created IAG is just one example of the consolidation and strategic realignments taking place. Bartlett’s decision to join IAG is likely influenced by the agency’s aggressive expansion and its ability to attract top-tier talent.
For Bartlett, this move represents a new chapter in his career, one that promises new opportunities and challenges. His clients, who have followed him through various stages of his career, are likely to benefit from the resources and reach that IAG offers. The agency’s focus on both performing arts and music touring provides a broader platform for talent development and career growth.
As Bartlett transitions to his new role at IAG, the industry will be watching closely to see how this move impacts both his career and the agency’s standing in the competitive talent management landscape. With Bartlett’s proven track record and IAG’s ambitious growth plans, the partnership is poised to make significant waves in Hollywood.
In the meantime, Hyperion will continue to operate under the guidance of Leshay and Atlas. The agency’s ability to maintain its client base and attract new talent will be crucial in determining its future success. Bartlett’s departure is undoubtedly a significant change, but it also opens up new possibilities for both Hyperion and IAG.
Overall, Ryan Bartlett’s exit from Hyperion to join Independent Artist Group is a noteworthy development in the talent agency world. It underscores the dynamic nature of the industry and the constant evolution of talent management strategies. As Bartlett embarks on this new journey, the industry will be keen to see how his expertise and vision contribute to IAG’s continued growth and success.
