In what Gregg Goldstein of The Hollywood Reporter proclaims a “seismic shift of power in the independent film community,” CAA agent Bart Walker, previously the head of their NYC film office and rep to such directors as Sofia Coppola, Julie Taymor and Julian Schnabel, has left the agency to join Cinetic Media. THR reports that Cinetic’s John Sloss and Walker will form a new division, Cinetic Management.

From the joint statement Sloss and Walker released:

We see Cinetic as a new kind of service company, one that will create innovative structures that benefit filmmakers as well as financiers so that their creative and economic goals are realized.

Filmmakers and financiers have an unprecedented opportunity to take greater control of the process, from creation to consumption. We are dedicated to being instrumental in that evolution. Cinetic’s move into management is a strong step in the direction of bringing artists into close proximity with ownership, finance, sales and distribution.