• Guest please check The Index before starting a thread.

[Agent] Atomic Hollywood (Ed Hansen)

PureOfHeart

Has anyone had any dealing with this outfit? They claim to have sold over 40 scripts, but I can't find anything about them other than their own website.

They like one of my scripts but say that it needs a rewrite, and then they recommend a writer they use.

Who is getting used here?

Pure of Heart is confused.
 

Cman429

Re: Info on Ed Hansen, Inc./Atomic Hollywood

I just recieved the exact same letter from them.

I submitted a script to them about 2 weeks ago. They emailed me today saying it was a great idea, very marketable, blah blah blah.

BUT..they go on to name a bunch of generic problems and finish by saying if I hire a guy named Paul Lawrence to help me rewrite it, they would be interested in doing a deal. I've pasted the letter they sent me at the end of this email.

Anyhow, this Paul emailed me and blah blah blah..bottom line, he wants $2500 to "help" me rewrite the script.

I smell bullshit on this whole deal. I'm glad you posted because I might've actually emailed this clown back. Now I know to push delete and thank the good lord I have the thing registered with WGA and US Copyright.

Best,
Chip

Letter Excerpted


Thanks so much for letting us see your screenplay XXXX. It
was a pleasure to note you provided us with an entertaining and intelligent
concept. However, as presented to us, we found the script unacceptable for
professional presentation to our own investors and/or clients.

First of all, the improper format would prompt immediate rejection. If
corrected, the script would even be longer and it's already too long for
the genre.

Another thing that seems to be holding back the script's success is the
opening. While informative, the opening lacks focus and really needs a more
compelling, "personal" approach.

Continuity holes and lack of audience communication prevent "hooking" a
reader/viewer. A more creative and focused story structure within a proper
format would help interest and identification in the opening.

Several pieces of action are lumped into one narrative block instead of
breaking them out for ease of reading and "seeing" the film, as well as for
a production manager who, hopefully, will be asked to budget and schedule
the production. Again, if corrected, more pages would be added to the
screenplay.

Overall, the pacing is a bit too leisurely for this script. Solid
information, but it just seems to take too long to tell the reader/viewer
about it.

There is quite a bit of useless action and dialogue, much of which doesn't
forward the story.

Location and character introductions could stand improvement, as could
audience communication.

Missed opportunities for dramatic and memorable "moments".

Clever segues between scenes would really help story flow.

Spelling and grammar problems are also a distraction.

There's a number of other problems, but I think it sufficient to say,
there's no place we could go with this script as you presented it to us. In
short, your clever concept seems to suffer from being overwritten and under
developed. Yet we feel the concept has enormous potential to become a
viable and marketable script.

At this point, I suggest that you seek professional help to "rewrite" the
script, and bring it to its full potential. Because of our busy development
and production schedule (we usually produce one/two projects and
sell/option four to six scripts a year to producers who we've come to know
over the last 20 years), we no longer handle "rewrites" in-house, except
for producers or directors who have funding in place.

However, there are many professional "rewrite" services out there who have
proven credentials. We've had good luck with Paul Lawrence and I checked
with him and he said that he could find time to do a rewrite if Ed was
interested in marketing it. Given that, I've copied this to Paul and I can
assure you that, if you decide to go with Paul, Ed would share our thoughts
for a rewrite with him and look very favorably at marketing the script once
it's rewritten. Last year, Ed sold one of Paul's scripts, DO OVER, to a NYC
production company, is currently negotiating development deals for two of
Paul's scripts, JUMBO and FRISCO NIGHTS, and is presently marketing another
called TWO TO TANGO.

I'll suggest that Paul contact you and, if he sounds of interest as regards
the rewriting of XXXX, you two work out your deal and let us
know. I'll keep your script until 12/15 unless I hear from you or Paul
before that time.

Sincerely, Buck F.
 

OwainGlyndwyr

Re: Info on Ed Hansen, Inc./Atomic Hollywood

Sounds like a nice way for them to make a few bucks off of unsuspecting submissions. Its pretty dispicable: welcome to Hollywood.

Good luck both,

Owain
 

mammamaia

hey, pure of heart!

...did you read my rundown on this scam artist in reply to another post you put up somewhere else?... i just checked out the site yesterday and posted you a reply that mentioned the interesting fact that the only stuff this yo-ho wrote or directed or produced was porn flicks!... and his other supposed work on all those biggie movies he displays so prominently on his site, was 'video editing'... you just gotta read the fine print and watch your backs, kids!... and fronts and sides and tops and bottoms....
hugs, maia
 

FoxFire

Re: hey, pure of heart!

....and your fingers and toes as well!

Good luck,

FoxFire
 

PureOfHeart

Re: Info on Ed Hansen, Inc./Atomic Hollywood

Yes, thanks to all, and my writer's group, who all said to Run away, and fast.

Was also referred to Paul Lawerence for a rewrite !

What jerks these people are.

Pure Heart
 

PureOfHeart

Re: Info on Ed Hansen, Inc./Atomic Hollywood

Yes, CMAN We got the EXACT same letter.....

And I DO NOT have spelling errors, thank you very much!!

Make that double and triple Jerks.

Pure of Heart
 

peachboy74

same same

nearly the same letter for me as well. at least they changed it up a wee bit, or maybe just maybe they will make all our movies!! haha
 

Tired of rejection

Eddie Hansen and Bucky F

Is there a difference between these guys and Vampires? I think not. I wish we could contact every writer and put these bastards out of business. You guessed it...they sent me the exact same letter. Almost had me too. Take it easy people and don't give up!
 

bscript

I could just SCREAM

I posted a message on another board regarding this scam artist, but after reading this I had to submit another post. I received an email from them the other day that reads almost verbatim to the letter that Cman249 received on 12/5/02 and YES they referred me to P. Lawrence as well.

All I can say Cman249 is totally ignore them. It appears they send this exact same letter out to everyone. My script has even been proofed by a professional editor and the emai I received also indicated spelling errors. There are absolutely NONE.

Thank goodness for the Internet where writers can keep in touch about these sort of things.
 

djsp

ED HAHSEN Scam or Scum or Bum

>: I just sent a treatment , that he requested. Did not realize , until I read the stories here. If he is perpetrating this bull and ripping people off,we should have this disease removed from the business ,totally Black Ball him, around the world Industry report him to a major news agency like E-entertainment, or ABC etc. Scumbags hate that, despise cameras in there Face. or free PR , as crooks.
 

Quiet Assassin

They got me to, I think I will kill them

This Ed guy might end up dead if he doesn't straighten up
he sent me the same bullshit ass thing>:
 

paullawrence

Re: Info on Ed Hansen, Inc./Atomic Hollywood

An Open Message From Paul Lawrence:

I have become aware that there is apparently postings of a negative nature about me and I just wanted to present my side of the story. I invite any person that I’ve actually done business with and feels unhappy or anyone that would just like to discuss this issue further to contact me at my e-mail: [email protected] so I can speak with them in a direct manner rather than as postings.

I am very disturbed that anyone would think that I have in some way wronged them or didn’t deliver exactly what I promised and I hope that people will give my point of view fair consideration.

First, let me present the history as to my dealings with Ed Hansen.


I met Ed Hansen in a similar was as many other writers have. I did a blind query and he indicated he liked my script. In fact, he wanted to produce it, but when he couldn't get the funding he asked me if I'd let him represent it. Even though I had an agent I agreed. I was not asked for any money for a rewrite as it was a strong script. About ten months later he sold it for what was for me a nice piece of change and a chance at a back end. I still keep a photocopy of this check on a wall in my bedroom.

Ed later asked me if I wanted to co-write a script that he had a development deal with and that resulted in an offer for a domestic theatrical distribution deal.

Next, Ed let me know that he frequently received scripts that had good concepts and could be sellable if they were greatly improved. Since I had some other credentials from a couple of other options outside of deals with Ed, I was represented by a known LA agent and I'd like to think my quality writing skills, he asked me if I'd be interested in doing rewrites if they were referred to me which he would then represent and try to sell.

Based on my successful experience with him selling my script this sounded like a win-win situation for everyone involved and I agreed.

I've worked extremely hard on every rewrite I've done and I think I've done a good job. I have relationships with quite a few other producers who really like my writing so I know I'm not alone in the belief that I do a quality professional writing job. In fact at the moment of this writing I have several producers or directors that have already read my work and are at a close stage of maybe making an offer on several different scripts. In fact, one script actually has a producer who not only wants to produce but cast it as he’s a well known casting director to boot and has access to a lot of stars.

As for the representation Ed does, it seems to me that he does a terrific job of representing the scripts very aggressively. He provides regular feedback to the writers as to who's he's been presenting them to and he can prove his claims of who he's been contacting because while not all, but many send him back letters or e-mails with script requests or passes, etc. Naturally, he also has records of the many script submissions he’s done of scripts I’ve rewritten. I'm also really excited that this last week a rewrite I did and Ed has been representing has an offer on the table and I hope that a deal can be forthcoming. It is my understanding that Ed Hansen has averaged optioning or selling 4-6 scripts annually that he represents for a number of years. So far, this year he has optioned 2 and now it looks like he might have a third deal. I know he can prove this.

I really am mystified as to why anyone would be so upset. I certainly hope every writer I worked with thinks I did a great job. Certainly, a large number have sent me e-mails indicating so and now their scripts are being professionally represented by an LA based entity that regularly obtains deals and has a great deal of contacts and credits in the film business.

I know that not everyone can afford a rewrite and therefore I have also created a free newsletter group that offers screenwriting tips. I’ve had a lot of writers contact me from that and indicate that they were very happy about the information they received from me at no charge. I invite anyone that would like to check out the site to please do. It’s at: groups.yahoo.com/group/Sc...rsFreeTips

I would appreciate if anyone who I've done business with and doesn't think I've done a good job and have delivered everything I promised in my agreement with them would contact me to discuss it. In fact, I would be glad to answer any individual that would contact me directly about any of this even if I haven't done business with them.

The bottom line is that I absolutely stand by that I've delivered everything I promised to anyone I’ve done business with. And I never made any promises that I could guarantee a sale, but that I could guarantee them that they’d get their script represented by an entity based in LA that can and does sell scripts.

I’m not an entity like Story Bay that aggressively calls people on the phone trying to sell the anything. At most, I’ve sent someone a promotional e-mail. I’ve never claimed to be some powerhouse writer that’s had big blockbusters produced. I have claimed and can prove that I’m represented by a known LA based agent that actually cuts quite a few deals a year, that I’ve had two scripts optioned, one sold, and one offer for a domestic theatrical distribution. I’ve had a few other informal things, but those are the ones I have contracts for. I do have relationships with at least a dozen or more producers that like my writing, know me by name and are always happy to hear about any new projects I have.

I worked hard for that. I wrote like 10 scripts for 7 years before I got my first agent. And believe me I’ve invested plenty of my own money in my screenwriting career. I spent $1000 twice on "Selling To Hollywood" plus my air fare and hotel which made each time a $2000 investment. I did learn some good things I didn’t know about the business end of screenwriting, and if you’re new to screenwriting and can afford it it’s not a bad thing to do. My first time I went I sold a baseball autograph collection my dad had left me to pay for it. But, at the end of the day, I really didn’t have too much to show for the money spent. The first year I met one agent who let me submit a script and he passed. The second year I met a lady who told me that if I gave her a couple of hundred bucks she’s put my script logline and synopsis in an expensive book she would distribute to all of her contacts. The book never came out and her phone became disconnected. I had a course that went for $1000 with a script doctor I met there who definitely made some good points about the script I had given her. Still, that really didn’t get me very far. I met another guy who claimed to have written like 20 big movies and maybe 15 television shows who I had another $1000 deal with. I had paid him most of the money and was pretty happy with his services when for some stupid reason I decided to check out some of his claims and couldn’t get any verification on them. I was actually still happy and had a check in my pocket to pay the final payment when I met with him. I just asked him about it and he flipped out and left. I was thinking about suing him, but then the script he was helping me with got an option, so I just dropped it. Anyway, I’ve paid a lot money to get help and I never found any opportunity where I could get my script professionally rewritten and then really represented. Whenever anyone tells me they’re thinking of spending their last buck on this, I pretty much tell them that it’s not a sure thing at all and to quote me, "I wouldn’t spend the rent money on this." Still, for someone that can afford it I think it’s a great way to shoot your writing career forward by hopefully learning a lot and getting someone who knows how to sell scripts to try and sell it. There are many people who pay for services to help their screenwriting careers. I don’t see why this has got so many people so upset. Anyone I have done business with has had the chance to carefully review and consider a contract which specifies exactly what the cost is and what services they will get. I have totally honored every one of those agreements.

The services I offer may not be for everyone, but for a lot of people I think it works pretty good. I know how frustrating it is to get representation. The truth is in my first years I was submitting scripts, they just weren’t good enough to get noticed, but I didn’t know it. I just didn’t have enough knowledge or craftsmanship yet. I think there are many people out there like that and if they can afford to pay to advance their career I don’t see what’s so wrong with it.

Thank you considering my point of view and again I welcome any clients of mine or anyone else who wants to discuss this matter to contact me at my e-mail I mentioned above.

Sincerely,

Paul Lawrence
 

Bill Moor

Paul Lawrence & Ed Hansen

I have worked with Paul Lawrence or, better said, he with me, revising a novel into a script and a scri[pt into a much tighter and developed vehicle. I was thoroughly pleased with both. I have never written or called that I haven't received an immediate full and well-reasoned reply. I knew what the cost was up front. I paid half, saw what Paul did, and had the option to pay or not (obviously not receiving the rewrite if I did not). Ed Hansen--well maybe there is that sense of come on, but, unlike so many of you who did not think his "generic" criticisms applied to them, I found what he (actually, Buck Flowers) observed was fairly accurate. Come on, most people with pancreatic cancer have the same symptoms, so--really--does the work of fledgling sreenwriters ! What really remains the issue (for me) is not Paul Lawrence (or Ed in terms of his help in rewriting). He (they) have satisfied me with the results. Obviously, will Ed deliver is the issue. But if he doesn't (for me and immediately), will that mean he hasn't tried? What Paul said is very true. How much money have I (we) spent on books, tapes, courses, meet-the-producers conferences, contests, software, etc., and to what end? Paul makes money helping me (and to results I like). Ed makes money if he options or sells my stuff (and so would Paul make a small percent as my coauthor). The idea that their business is splitting the amount Paul charges (for a hell of a lot of work) rather than trying to put out something that makes money from optioning and sales is counter-intuitive from both a totally mercenary perspective or after having dealt with Paul (and indeed Ed). Like Paul writes (and explained in length to me), hiring a consultant is not for eveyone (in terms of ego and wallet). The best I can do is suggest that you contact Paul.
 

love2code

Re: Info on Ed Hansen, Inc./Atomic Hollywood

Well I haven't made any comments on this thread yet, but now that Paul has made a post maybe things will be cleared up. In any case, all I need to do to clear things up is simple. Could I get the name of Paul's agent and/or agency, any projects you may have written of course would help but agent would suffice to clear all this matter up.
 

absolutewrite

Re: Info on Ed Hansen, Inc./Atomic Hollywood

Paul, I do not doubt your sincerity, but it is unethical for a producer/agent to refer people to a specific screenwriting consultant/rewriter and expect them to pay for it... especially when he's sending out the same form letter to everyone. There have been major lawsuits for this type of business practice before-- check out the Edit Ink scandals. It's a misleading way to separate writers from their money. You may be a terrific consultant, but this practice is just dead wrong on so many levels. And tell me, does Ed/Buck get a kickback on all the clients he refers your way?
 

Bill Moor

Paul Lawrence

Get your facts straight , Paul not refer anyone to anyone. He is not referring anyone. Buck Flowers makes the suggestion and leaves it to you. It is not--usually--Ed Hansen whom reads the script initiaslly. Since I received at least two replies to my inquieries, no form letter was involved. When Paul was mentioned and I chose to write him, he was ver very explicit on the cost and the process. If anything, his reply was meant to dissaude hopeful writers from pursuing an unlikely "dream." I have been very very diret and forceful with Paula about his and Ed's possible duplicitious roles. I have been more than satuasfied with his answer (in light oif my experience). I have an MA in Dramatic Literature, a PHD in Logic, and a Clinical Psychology PHD. I don't get bs'd (easily). Making accussations to Pasul (and to ot about ED) without more than hearsay, abstract or minimal info is typical of the pooheadedness oof the 60's. Is there anyone who can say or show that they were boomdoozled (beyond not likeing the initial reply which described their screenplay as needing extensive work)? My ywo works needed and receiv3ed extensdive rewrites (and I paid very rreasonably for it). am getting representationtation (and proof of it). So, if you don't want an expert (my vocabuklaryu) to help you, then--as we say in Chicago--kvetch and maintain the ficvtion thast you have sonme gem that is being withheld from producers, or, like me and scores of others, gwet proferssional help, pay for it, and benefit. Really, come on, Children of the 60's, wqriting is not wqriting well--and noone is twisting your arm. I(f you think Paul and Ed are Charlatans, stay clerar of them, but, please, don't flap your yaps as if yopu've been gfypped or scandalized by them when you haven't. BHut don't criticize them for your unfouded supposals. I've been throught he process with them and it ain';t like you describe or predict.
 

love2code

Re: Paul Lawrence

lol... and lol...
I won't bother getting into the education factor and spelling/grammer (since it could be just frustration and laziness) but that was just disgusting.

Anyways, the problem initially was that the two got the exact same message from Ed the issue wasn't necessarily with Paul. Whew At least I spelled Paul correctly :p Also I simply asked for an agent contact because I can not find Paul Lawrence on the Hollywood directories with or without any credit, he stated he has an agent so I figured he would at least be listed. Now people getting the same message from Ed stating one's script needs fixing, with same explanations to it's problems means it's just a templated email message which normally wouldn't be too much of a problem but to suggest it and then refer people to pay someone is just too ridiculous since I suspect he didn't even read it.

Like I said we can settle everything before getting into some heated debate over any moral issues, by getting the references checked and not only exonerate Paul's name but maybe even help get him some business. All I need is the agency or agent's name and I'll look him up in the directory and give a ring.
 

Gene123

Ed Hansen/Paul Lawrence

I hope people who were on this site yesterday are looking today. I, too, have received the same deal with Ed Hansen and Paull Lawrence. Paul Lawrence's agent is Lloyd Robinson of Suite A Talent in Los Angeles. I have been wondering if these guys are scam artists. I have an e-mail from Paul Lawrence that says he has seen lots of bad reports of him on the Internet, but I haven't bee able to find any, except these messages posted on Sunday. Hope to hear more about this. If anybody knows of where the bad reviews or reports about Paul Lawrence are posted, I'd like to know where.
 

Gene123

Ed Hansen/Paul Lawrence

Oops. I thought all the messages I read about Ed Hansen/Paul Lawrence were posted yesterday, Sunday, July 6. Only after I posted my reply today did I go back and see the dates that other complaints were posted. Those must be the ones Paul Lawrence referred to in his e-mail to me a few days ago telling me how good he is and not to pay any attention to his detractors. I want to thank those who posted their complaints. This kind of operation should be stopped.
 

love2code

Re: Ed Hansen/Paul Lawrence

Hmmm... well this is no help, found Lloyd Robinson at Suite A Management, listed as an agent/manager only employee of the company with only listed client as Jeff Rector who is an actor not a writer, but THERE'S NO CONTACT NUMBER :( so much for that idea.
 

mammamaia

oh, brother! [sister!]

if the name 'suite a management' [not 'talent'] doesn't tellya this is a 'operating out of a mail drop' operation, just check out the website!!!...

all you'll see is a 'synopsis' for a grade z script... ONE script... and it's one of the cheapest do-it-yourself site designs i've seen since i belatedly went online several years back...

this is a schlock outfit poster child, kids!... get out those ten-foot poles and keep 'em handy...

love and hugs, maia
 

bscript

My Two Cents

I was one of the initial people who indicated I received a 'form' letter from Ed Hansen soliciting Paul's rewrite. I agree that similar problems tend to crop up in screenplays, but the letter posted on this website was VERBATIM to the letter I received - every paragraph was identical and IN THE SAME ORDER. This is illogical if the script was given a 'personal' review. Furthermore, the script I submitted was developed along with a UCLA Screenwriting Group, went through various readers, underwent 2 full drafts and was finally (after approved by my UCLA Screenwriting Professor) sent to a friend who's a professional and well respected Hollywood reader who looked at it for no charge and has subsequently referred it to a producer where it is at this very moment.

I don't know what more I could have possibly done to have made it market ready, yet Ed's evaluation (if he even read it) indicated it needed a MAJOR rewrite which Paul would do for 50% SCREENPLAY CREDIT and a couple grand - I rejected the idea flat out. By the way, Ed indicated Paul 'specialized' in my type of screenplay?? An odd comment considering how many different screenplays have apparently been referred to Paul. I have no personal beefs with Paul. After all, plenty of screenwriters make a living rewriting others stuff. My only problem was with the FORM letter and how it appeared like nothing more than a slap-in-the-face solicitation to make money.

By the way, my UCLA Professor said they're full of crap and indicated my screenplay is ready for market. Between Ed and UCLA, I think I'll stick with UCLA's opinion of my material.
 

love2code

Re: My Two Cents

If you want more info you can message me about your script, genre, logline and short synopsis if it's of interest I'll read it for you.