[Updated: Dan Aloni joins WME ] Christopher Nolan leaves CAA; where he will land next?

As I was surfing the net last night, I came across an article regarding the shocking news and current top gossip of the town; Mr. Christopher Nolan whose credit includes, Memento, Batman begins, The Dark Knight, Inception and the upcoming, The Dark Knight Rises has decided to shut the doors of CAA office behind him on Wednesday evening of 2/29/12 after learning that his long time agent, Dan Aloni was fired from the agency.

Few years back, Mr. Aloni opened the doors of CAA office and introduced the talented film-maker to the agency; he brought Mr. Nolan from UTA to CAA in 2005. Then after that under Nolan’s talented name, CAA’s name was labeled alongside Nolan’s successful films. And, if it wouldn’t be because of Mr. Aloni, CAA would never share the glory. CAA also represents another top name currently, who is Jim Carrey. And, a former agent told THEWRAP that everybody in town is going to be going after Jim Carrey. It will go to a full scramble.

Now, where is this going to take CAA business wise? – It won’t hurt them much, but they are regretting the fact that Christopher Nolan is no longer their client, who is also producing the new Superman film, Man of Steel with his producer/wife. Emma Thomas besides their involvement in the much anticipated, The Dark Knight Rises. CAA’s been declining to leave comments, I am sure they are shocked as much as everyone else. They know for the fact that it won’t hurt Nolan or even Aloni himself. Since Nolan has left for Aloni, I am sure there are many other rival agencies with their doors wide open for the two names to climb the ship and sail together toward success.

As much as everyone else, I was also eager to learn the reason behind Mr. Aloni’s termination. Now several observers are claiming that Mr. Aloni didn’t seem to fit with the culture of CAA, which is known to require a team approach to representing clients. A former agent also claims that Mr. Aloni had a ‘bullying’ style. We all know that Mr. Nolan himself is a professional person, and why someone like Nolan would leave the agency with a bully? It is still not clear to me. Mr. Aloni also worked on the teams of many prominent actors including, Bradley Cooper, Robert, De Niro, Will Farrell, Demetri Martin, and Jim Carrey.

Deadline.com reports that CAA tried to keep Nolan in the fold; the agency more or less expected this might happen. The agency is due about $12 million in commissions from the past and upcoming film deals brokered for Nolan, which cushioned the blow somewhat. If Mr. Aloni can be a prick, but he kills for clients and they are royal in return. I have a feeling and many others are also claiming that Mr. Aloni might land with WME. But, WME had no comments on Wednesday.  

Update: In a way, I knew that Mr. Aloni would sign up with WME, for they previously had a discussion, yet no one was sure as WME  declined to leave comments regarding their meetings. Deadline.com is now reporting that Mr. Aloni is officially with WME now, which means that  his biggest client, director of the upcoming batman film, The Dark Knight Rises will be joining WME as well, for he is going to follow his agent wherever he lands. I don't blame Mr. Nolan for leaving CAA as Mr. Aloni is a professional when it comes to interacting with talent. As previous reports go, Mr. Aloni is there for his clients, and the question is that how many other names will be following Mr. Aloni; Mr. Nolan is not the only client. Tom Shadyac, Michel Gondry, Raja Gosnell, Mandeville Films, Jonathan Mostow, Dean Parisot, Neal Moritz, Andy Fleming and David and Ian Purchase. Several other clients are still in play, including Jim Carrey. Things are getting interesting in the pen and paper world behind talent agency doors.