Robert Newman, head of motion pictures at the Bev Hills talent shop, is leaving to join Endeavor as a partner. Also going to Endeavor is TV agent Matt Solo, who left ICM last month. Newman's departure is considered a big blow to ICM's film side (his specialty is art house stuff and he's helped nuture many careers in the indie world). The departures suggest that ICM's $70 million acquisition of Broder Webb Chervin Silbermann six months ago is not going over all that well. The trades offer quick news items on their Web sites this afternoon, while Nikki Finke provides a more detailed look at the departures. From her Deadline Hollywood Daily:

Everything today was done very gentlemanly -- no psychic drama, no lockdowns, no security guards escorting Newman out the door. In fact, he's still working in his office at ICM today. As for Newman, he explained to pals this was the toughest decision of his life because of his loyalty to ICM. "He's excited about Endeavor and what they've accomplished in a short time in terms of talent, directors, financing and drive. He thinks his clients will fit in perfectly with their list. Plus, he was entering as a partner," a source told me. ICM, in turn, considers this an opportunity to promote from within and look at outside agents as well. I'm told candidates are already calling to be considered.