Can you buy "lists" of agents?

Hidden Helper · Nov 13, 2006

I have a new client that's a screenwriter/actor and he asked me if it was possible to buy lists of agents or TV producers. He has written a TV show script and wants current contacts to send it to. I told him I wasn't sure if lists were available or not, but I'd check into it.

I looked at a list broker I've used for other searches for other clients, but couldn't find anything. Maybe I'm not looking at the right occupation term. Any suggestions??

Thanks so much!
Lauren Hidden

wordmonkey · Nov 13, 2006

WGA mantains a list of agents who abide by WGA standards.

And I think that list is free (but don't hold me to that).

Mike The Mover · Nov 13, 2006

There are many agency lists on the Internet.

WGA list: http://wga.org/agency/agencylist.asp#top

WGC list: http://www.wgc.ca/resources/agents.html

A good resource: http://www.everyonewhosanyone.com/

HCD publishes a representation directory, you have to pay for it: http://shop.hcdonline.com/merchant2...de=hcd&Product_Code=ADBK0&Category_Code=Books

This website also has a list, goto http://www.absolutewrite.com/screenwriting/screenwriting.htm and sign-up for the list.

I'm just curious, you mention you have clients. What do you do exactly?

Edit -- I don't know if any of these listings cover TV agents, just screenplays and books.

icerose · Nov 13, 2006

There is also "Who's buying What" through moviebytes.com I think it's 30 dollars for 6 months or a year or something like that. I haven't tried it so I can't tell you how good or bad it is.

Goodwriterguy · Nov 13, 2006

Hidden Helper said:
I have a new client that's a screenwriter/actor and he asked me if it was possible to buy lists of agents or TV producers. He has written a TV show script and wants current contacts to send it to. I told him I wasn't sure if lists were available or not, but I'd check into it.

I looked at a list broker I've used for other searches for other clients, but couldn't find anything. Maybe I'm not looking at the right occupation term. Any suggestions??

Thanks so much!
Lauren Hidden

Very few agencies will accept unsollicited material. The WGA's list is coded to indicate those that will, but the number has fallen over the years and is now down to a very low ebb.

The reason for this is that agencies were swamped with a tsunami of unsollicited material beginning in about 1996 and finally had to close their doors because they simply could not handle the load, plus nearly everything that came in was garbage so the return on their efforts to plow through hundreds of submissions had little yield.

Now days most will accept unsollicited submissions IF you have a recommendation they do so from a name industry persona, someone with credibility whom they know or are aware of.

Unfortunate, but true.

Hidden Helper · Nov 13, 2006

Mike The Mover said:
I'm just curious, you mention you have clients. What do you do exactly?

I'm the owner of The Hidden Helpers, a ghostwriting/ editing/virtual assistance practice. I do a lot of ghostwriting (mostly articles) and non-fiction book editing, as well as virtual assistance for authors (research, transcription, administrative assistance etc.).

This particular client just needed some mailing labels printed. He is "on location" in a remote area while his wife shoots her TV series and couldn't find anyone else to do it.

This was a really small project, but you never know when a small project can lead to a bigger one. Plus, he mentioned he might use some help down the line with finding lists of agents, transcription, etc.

I do a lot of work for non-fiction book authors, but this is my first experience with a screenplay writer. So I really appreciate the help!

Best,
Lauren

Hidden Helper · Nov 13, 2006

Thanks for all your help!! I knew where to come to find the experts.

Best,
Lauren

Goodwriterguy · Nov 13, 2006

Hidden Helper said:
I do a lot of work for non-fiction book authors, but this is my first experience with a screenplay writer.

Uh, that would be "screenwriter."

Hidden Helper · Nov 14, 2006

Goodwriterguy said:
Uh, that would be "screenwriter."

Duh....thanks!! I stand corrected.

Joe Unidos · Nov 14, 2006

Not trying to be a ballbuster, but if this guy's life is one where you can describe him as being ""on location" in a remote area while his wife shoots her TV series," why is he asking a ghost-writing and non-fiction book editing service out of PA about how the television industry works??

English Dave · Nov 14, 2006

Joe Unidos said:
Not trying to be a ballbuster, but if this guy's life is one where you can describe him as being ""on location" in a remote area while his wife shoots her TV series," why is he asking a ghost-writing and non-fiction book editing service out of PA about how the television industry works??

Actors are stupid Joe. Duh!

Joe Unidos · Nov 14, 2006

English Dave said:
Actors are stupid Joe. Duh!

They are that, Dave -but they're pretty too.

English Dave · Nov 14, 2006

Joe Unidos said:
They are that, Dave -but they're pretty too.

If I were a stupid actor
I'd be happy as a clam
I wish I was a stupid actor.
My God! Perhaps I am.

dpaterso · Nov 14, 2006

Engraved upon his tombstone
When he's dun dead and gonna
"Here lies English Dave,
Quite the Prima Donna."

-Derek

English Dave · Nov 14, 2006

dpaterso said:
Engraved upon his tombstone
When he's dun dead and gonna
"Here lies English Dave,
Quite the Prima Donna."

-Derek

meh....needs a rewrite.

wordmonkey · Nov 14, 2006

English Dave said:
meh....needs a rewrite.

Everything needs a rewrite.

English Dave · Nov 14, 2006

wordmonkey said:
Everything needs a rewrite.

That didn't.

Hidden Helper · Nov 15, 2006

Joe Unidos said:
Not trying to be a ballbuster, but if this guy's life is one where you can describe him as being ""on location" in a remote area while his wife shoots her TV series," why is he asking a ghost-writing and non-fiction book editing service out of PA about how the television industry works??

Hi Joe. Good question. Don't know how to answer that. He knew some people already to send his script to (hence the request for typing the labels), and then he wanted to know if I could purchase a list of agents for him to submit his script to.

I have no reason to doubt him (although you really never know). He told me the name of the show his wife is on, and I've heard of it. Right now he's being a stay at home dad while his wife acts. I did some research on him and he has had some small roles in popular TV shows and movies, but he's certainly not a household name.

If I find out, I'll let you know if he sells his script!
Thanks for all the info,
Lauren

Can you buy "lists" of agents?

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