Daniel Aaron Aloni
Dan Aloni | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 19, 1964 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Talent agent, Managing Partner at William Morris Endeavor (WME) |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Known for | Managing Partner at WME; former partner at CAA and UTA; co-head of Motion Picture Literary division at UTA |
Daniel Aaron Aloni, also known as Dan Aloni (born August 19, 1964), is a prominent American talent agent and serves as a Managing Partner at William Morris Endeavor (WME). Previously, he held partnership roles at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and United Talent Agency (UTA), where he co-led the Motion Picture Literary division.
Background
Aloni was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in Sherman Oaks. His father, Aminadav Aloni (1928–1999), originally from Tel-Aviv, was a pianist and composer recognized for his contributions to Jewish music. His mother, Joanne, graduated from UCLA with a degree in fine arts.
He completed his education at U.S. Grant High School, where he played varsity tennis throughout all four years. Aloni earned a degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley, during which he served as Class Secretary and held the position of Director for the Cal Alumni Association.
Career
Among Aloni’s distinguished clientele are Christopher Nolan, Robert Zemeckis, Guy Ritchie, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Mike Flanagan, Erik Feig of PictureStart, David Hoberman from Hobie Films, Chuck Roven of Atlas, Todd Lieberman representing Hidden Pictures, and Brad Weston’s MakeReady. In 2023, he stood out as the sole agent specializing in motion picture or television to be included on the Hollywood Reporter’s Dealmakers of the Year roster.
He has reengaged with investment banking by structuring financing deals for companies such as PictureStart in partnership with Raine Group, MakeReady utilizing Endeavor Content funding, and sports-related content projects for brands like Apple and Nike.
Aloni played a key role managing the collaboration between Endeavor Content and WME until Endeavor Content’s 80% acquisition by CJ Entertainment occurred after the Writers Guild of America reached an agreement with talent agencies.
His professional journey began in finance as an analyst at JP Morgan in New York from 1987 to 1988, followed by a senior analyst position at Goldman Sachs between 1988 and 1990. Driven by his passion for entertainment, he relocated to Los Angeles in 1991 to start as an assistant to an agent at UTA.
Between 1991 and 2005, Aloni advanced to become partner and Head of the Motion Pictures Department at UTA. In 2005, he made a notable transition to CAA, bringing the majority of his clients along. After seven years as a partner within CAA’s Motion Picture Department, he departed in 2012 due to disagreements over contract renewal terms.
Immediately thereafter, Aloni joined William Morris Endeavor (WME) as a partner in their Motion Picture Department. Since then, he has been serving as a Managing Partner at WME/IMG, contributing to the Leadership Committee and managing WME Independent, which focuses on securing financing and distribution for WME-associated films.
Controversy
Aloni’s abrupt exit from CAA to join WME—recruited by Ari Emanuel—was considered one of the most impactful agent departures in recent memory. The vast majority of his clients followed him to WME, highlighting his substantial industry influence.
Philanthropy
Demonstrating his dedication to both healthcare and the arts, Aloni holds board positions at the Broad Stage, Cedars Sinai Heart Foundation, and Providence St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica. Additionally, he is a member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Art Collection
Aloni maintains a prominent presence in the modern art scene and is acknowledged as a foremost collector among professionals in the entertainment sector.