Emmy Award-Winning Actor, Comedian, Producer and Writer JB Smoove to Keynote at Variety’s Business Managers Breakfast

Variety will host its annual Business Managers Breakfast, presented by City National Bank, in Los Angeles on Nov. 12. The breakfast will bring together those featured in Variety’s Business Managers Elite issue to celebrate the achievements of top entertainment business managers over the past year.

JB Smoove – Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, producer and writer (“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Saturday Night Live”) – will participate in a keynote conversation about his vision for modern storytelling spanning TV, film, branded entertainment and more. In addition to his on-screen work, Smoove founded Alternate Side Productions and First Darrin, a creative agency that collaborates with brands to develop campaigns, shorts, and other advertising-style content from a distinctly comedic, creative perspective.

Media Cartographer Evan Shapiro will speak with Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton about his unique take on how the exploding creator economy is impacting the entertainment industry. He is a Webby Award-winning creator and an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer.

Arnie Herrmann will be honored with the Variety Business Managers Elite Award in recognition of his exemplary career and contributions to our community. He currently supports such philanthropic organizations as Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation, Irving Penn Foundation and has served for many years on the board of MusiCares

Hermann will be presented with the award by Award-Winning Actress Candice Bergen.

“City National Bank has spent decades working alongside the entertainment industry’s top business managers, and we’ve seen firsthand the difference a great advisor can make,” said JaHan Wang, head of Entertainment & Sports Banking. “We’re honored to return as presenting sponsor of Variety’s Business Managers Elite breakfast to celebrate the people who help talent build careers that last.”

“Business managers are a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem and we are very pleased to again partner with City National Bank for this event,” said Dea Lawrence, co-president and publisher of Variety. “We also congratulate Arnie Herrmann on receiving the Business Manager of the Year award.”

City National Bank is the presenting partner of this year’s Business Managers Breakfast. Citrin Cooperman, Content Partners, Venable LLP, and Willkie are the supporting partners of the event.