Tenpercenter Mike Jelline has been tapped to succeed Leigh Brillstein as head of ICM’s TV talent department.
Under the restructure, Brillstein will continue as senior VP at the agency but focus on her client roster. Also, as part of the change, Jelline will report to both Ted Chervin, ICM’s head of worldwide television, and Toni Howard, exec VP and head of motion picture talent.
ICM prexy Chris Silbermann said the decision to add a reporting line to Howard came out of recognition that the worlds of film and TV continue to blur. (Brillstein reported only to Chervin.)
“This allows more fluidity between the two sides,” Silbermann said, pointing to the increased number of clients who have jumped back and forth between the two realms.
According to ICM, which announced the changeover Tuesday morning, Jelline was handpicked by Brillstein — along with Chervin and Silbermann — to take over the top TV talent job.
Brillstein is completing her second tour of duty as ICM’s head of TV talent, a role she’s filled since 2002. She’s been with the agency since 1988 and reps clients including Sam Waterston and Noah Wyle.
“Leigh is a vital player on our team and has served as a mentor to Mike and many other talent agents at ICM,” Silbermann said. “(Mike’s) approach to doing business both internally and externally has helped to create remarkable opportunities for his clients and made him a natural leader.”
Jelline joined ICM in 1997. The agent’s roster includes 13 series regulars on the air, such as Ali Larter (“Heroes”) and Jason O’Mara (“Life on Mars”).
Agent takes over a department that boasts 68 thesps in primetime series roles and 38 more in pilots.
Move comes several weeks after Greg Lipstone took over as head of international TV and media, although the agency said the two announcements were unrelated.
