HIGH TIMES Signs with United Talent Agency

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Landmark Representation Agreement Covers TV, Film, Content, Consumer Products & More

NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- HIGH TIMES, the leading cannabis media and events company, announces that it has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) -- one of the largest talent and literary agencies in the world — for an unprecedented and wide-ranging media, content, licensing and consumer products representation agreement.

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The partnership is the first of its kind for HIGH TIMES and the most significant relationship that any cannabis-based business has crafted with a traditional global talent agency. Together, the two companies will help HIGH TIMES enhance its unique position as the most trusted and recognizable name in cannabis, and present a variety of unique products and media to the marketplace.

As part of this landmark deal, UTA will represent HIGH TIMES across areas including film, television and digital, consumer products, licensing, games and premium brand sponsorships. UTA will help develop key relationships for HIGH TIMES via UTA’s position in the global creative community and its deep relationships with studios, networks, digital publishers, streaming platforms, producers, talent, music artists and other media and entertainment entities as well as consumer brands and brand marketers.

“As the authoritative voice of authentic cannabis culture for more than forty years, HIGH TIMES remains committed to producing cutting-edge content that educates, entertains, enlightens and inspires when it comes to marijuana. HIGH TIMES is proud to be aligned with UTA as we expand our leadership role in this fast-growing market,” said HIGH TIMES Chief Operating Officer Larry Linietsky.

“With society finally moving past the days of 'Reefer Madness' and into an exciting, new post-prohibition era, our partnership with UTA will allow HIGH TIMES to harness the creative acumen and media access of one of the world's largest and most dynamic talent agencies in order to create feature films, scripted and unscripted TV shows, video content, apps, games and experiential programming that reflects our shared vision,” said HIGH TIMES Head of Content David Bienenstock.

For the past 42 years, HIGH TIMES has served as the premier authority on the marijuana industry, covering virtually every facet of the sector from marijuana’s impact on the economy to the rapidly-expanding legalization movement. The company has also developed its Cannabis Cup events series, which includes awards for the best cannabis strains and products, educational seminars, musical performances and exhibitions of cannabis products and services. First launched in 1987 in Amsterdam, the events have expanded to a number of national and international locations, drawing in tens of thousands of marijuana enthusiasts at every event.

The deal with UTA follows HIGH TIMES’ recently announced West Coast expansion, including the opening of its first Los Angeles office, led by the company’s first-ever Head of Content David Bienenstock. HIGH TIMES also recently forged two research partnerships: one with New Frontier, the big data company for the marijuana industry and the other with sparks & honey, an advertising and intelligence agency, to provide the industry and its key constituents with unparalleled insights on the sector’s future.

About HIGH TIMES

For more than 40 years, HIGH TIMES has been the authoritative voice of authentic cannabis culture, including leading the fight for legalization and empowering entrepreneurs in this burgeoning industry. HIGH TIMES’ content spans digital, social, video and print platforms as well as location-based events highlighted by the global Cannabis Cup franchise and the HIGH TIMES Business Summit conference series. Follow @HIGH_TIMES_Mag on Twitter, @hightimesmagazine on Instagram or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HIGHTIMESMag/.

About UTA

United Talent Agency is a premier global talent and literary agency representing many of the world's most acclaimed figures in every current and emerging area of entertainment and media, including motion pictures, television, music, digital, broadcast news, books, theatre, video games, fine art and live entertainment. The agency is also globally recognized in the areas of film finance, film packaging, branding, licensing, endorsements and representation of production talent. UTA additionally provides corporate consulting, venture funding and strategic advisory services to companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. In 2015, UTA acquired The Agency Group, the world's largest independent music agency, to form UTA Music, a leading music touring and representation practice. UTA has offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Nashville, Toronto, Miami and Malmo, Sweden.

Media
For HIGH TIMES:
Lexi Georgiadis, 212-319-3451, ext. 643
lexi@goldin.com
or
FOR UTA:
Lisa Stein, 310-385-6766
steinl@unitedtalent.com

Source: HIGH TIMES

Released August 17, 2016