Management Firm Good Fear Shutting Down Amid Industry Contraction

Good Fear, a prominent content and management company, is reportedly ceasing its management division, according to industry insiders. This development comes shortly after co-founder Jake Weiner's departure in early March 2026 to establish his own venture, Harvest Hill Entertainment. Weiner's exit marked the end of a 25-year partnership with Bender.

Adding to the shifts, Scott Stoops, another co-founder and lit manager at Good Fear since its 2016 inception, recently moved to Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment. While a company spokesperson denied the management division's closure, citing a continued focus on production, sources suggest the move is to allow staff to find new positions.

The entertainment management industry has experienced a significant downturn in recent years, characterized by reduced production activity and lower commission earnings. This contraction has impacted major players, with WME also implementing layoffs earlier this week.

Chris Bender, who co-founded Good Fear in 2016 after a long career with Benderpsink, has a history of producing successful comedy films like 'The Hangover' trilogy and dramatic hits such as 'A History of Violence'. Weiner expressed gratitude for his partnership with Bender and Stoops, noting their support through life's ups and downs and the ongoing collaborations they anticipate.

Weiner's client roster includes accomplished screenwriters, novelists, filmmakers, and podcast creators. Stoops manages a diverse group of directors and writers, including Kirill Sokolov, whose film 'They Will Kill You' recently premiered at SXSW. Notably, Stoops and Weiner's new company, Harvest Hill, will share Sokolov as a client.