Ascent Creatives International Launches After DDA Talent & Worldwide Production Merger

The company formed following the merger between Dattner Dispoto and Associates (DDA Talent) and Worldwide Production Agency (WPA) will be known as Ascent Creatives International. Ascent’s leadership team will span the U.S. and U.K., with Frank Balkin, Molly Bruns, Bill Dispoto, Brian Goldberg, Steve Jacob, Trevor Kossack and Erin Searcy on the West Coast; Juanita Tiangco on the East Coast; and Barnaby Laws, Estere Sulca and Amber Thompson in the U.K. Agent Miranda Roseman joins the agency’s West Coast office. From top to bottom, left to right: Frank Balkin, Bill Dispoto, Brian Goldberg, Steve Jacob, Trevor Kossack, Barnaby Laws, Erin Searcy, Estere Sulca, Amber Thompson, Juanita Tiangco DDA Talent and WPA, two leaders in below-the-line talent representation, confirmed plans to merge earlier this year. Their combined roster now includes names like Oscar-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt, ASC (Mank); two-time Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, ASC (The Social Network); Malik Sayeed (Clockers, Belly, After the Hunt); producer Ralph Winter (X-Men franchise); editor Ian S. Tan, ACE (Avatar: The Last Airbender); production designer Danny Vermette, ADG (Backrooms); John Mathieson, BSC (Gladiator); cinematographer Larry Fong, ASC (Watchmen); cinematographer Mihai Mălaimare Jr. (The Master, Jojo Rabbit); and cinematographer Maryse Alberti (Creed). Watch on Deadline DDA Talent, founded in 1987 by Fay Dattner, was among the first agencies dedicated to representing below-the-line creative talent. Dispoto was named a partner in 2001 and Tiangco in 2016. Jacob co-founded WPA in 2010. Balkin joined in 2014 and was named co-CEO in 2021. “The word ‘Ascent’ describes our fundamental belief that there is no finish line in a creative career,” Dispoto said in a statement. “A body of work should never be managed toward a single peak, but it must be continually challenged, expanded, and pushed forward. We’re always looking beyond the next job or achievement to what comes next, creating opportunities that build upon where our clients have been and opening new possibilities for where they can go.”