When a technology conference full of investors attracts hip hop artists, Chamillionaire, and producers Chaka Zulu and Quincy Jones III, it's clear the walls are breaking down between the artist and audience. It's no wonder Hollywood talent agencies are quickly moving away from their old business model and embracing the ways of Silicon Valley. The agencies, such as United Talent Agency and William Morris, are becoming more like venture capitalists as they move toward an ownership model and further away from the representation model, said Chris Pappas, head of digital media practice for United Talent Agency. "We find the right artist (and) we create a company around his/her intellectual property," he said. As for the artist, "they'll have a substantial ... [ Read more ]