The company was founded in 1976 by Peter S. Rodgers, a Viennese escapee of Nazi persecution, who arrived in the United States in 1938.

Following a distinguished tour of service in the United States Army as a military intelligence officer during World War II, Rodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1954 to work for National Telefilm Associates (NTA), where he would serve as Vice President of Domestic Distribution and Sales, reporting to President and Chairman of the Board Ely Landau.

Rodgers' death left family members arguing, with some of them wanting to liquidate the prestigious and prosperous entertainment company he had formed.

After resulting legal clashes, Rodgers’ son Stephen surrendered all inheritance left to him by his father, and purchased the agency from the estate in 1988.

At the time, Stephen Rodgers was believed to be the youngest CEO of any active business in this field, having succeeded his father at age 25.