The best Directories

[sparkenstein]

Okay, I plan to start querying agents and prod cos after the first of the year when I have three scripts rewritten and polished. Now without consideration of costs what directories are the best to buy (if HCD as I've been told which ones) and ideally how often should you buy an updated version?

[Gymbal31]

For production companies, the HCD is the best.

For managers and Agents, though, I like Acting World Books Monthly listings. They are usually more current than the HCD for agents and managers and are more specific about who to write to and what their submision policies are. And they are not just for actors.

www.actingworldbooks.org (http://www.actingworldbooks.org)

I hope I did the link thing right.

[sparkenstein]

Thanks for heads up Gymbal

[wordhurler]

As far as when to buy -- I may have said this before, but don't buy directories until you're sure you're ready to query big-time. I spent -- jeez -- more than $100 on HCD Producers 42 and HCD Agents & Managers 21 shortly after they came out. I wasn't really ready to send out a mass of queries; I've only sent one query out so far, and that was from a contact I found on the web, not in the books (the script was requested, at least). Now HCD has released new editions of both books, and I'm wondering how much of the info in my books is outdated.... At least it's tax-deductible. :)

[sparkenstein]

Word
Yeah, I've been holding off since I was read HCD comes out more than once a year. That's why I'm waiting till after the first of the year, I should have three scripts ready to present (at least ready enough that I don't want to take both barrels at the very thought of them) and I'll hit the query route hard (getting my damn $100 worth!). By the way, one query one request! Damn man your batting 1000!!!

[wordhurler]

Heh. Batting 1000. (Should that be 1.000?) Yeah, that's what I tell myself, although I know that average is going to plummet when I get to the real work of seriously querying. (Seriously querying...say that three times fast.)

Having said that...this was a good-sized company -- made "Angel Eyes" with the eminently covetable Jennifer Lopez and is developing something for Stallone. So, hey -- in the unlikely event the fates have decreed that I'll always get a script requested whenever I query a big prodco, I'll look the other way, statistics-wise. I'll just assume some cosmic mistake is being repeated. I ain't holding my breath, though. ;)

Back to reality: Yeah, I had a vague idea these HCD books came out pretty regularly, but I didn't know they were updated quarterly. If I'd known, I'd have waited -- that is, if I'd also known I wouldn't be ready to do mass queries for another several months.

One thing I'd like to know from anyone who might be following this thread: Just how frequently does the info in the HCD directories change? Are we screwed if we use a book that's an edition or two old? I've put together a pretty big mail-merge database of creative execs and story editors, based on HCD 42 -- 70-plus companies I was going to query when the time is right -- so I'm wondering how much of my time and money's been wasted. :b

[jacinthee]

Spark,

Before you settle on a directory, you can "test-drive" many of the online ones (and get a whole lot of info for cheap) for free or for almost nothing:

HCD 1 week trial special - $14.95 each (Producers or Agents)

shop.hcdonline.com/mercha...e=Specials (http://shop.hcdonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=hcd&Category_Code=Specials)

InHollywood.com - 2 week trial - free

Variety.com - 1 month trial - free

Exec411 (2 databases of Agents and Producers linked to Variety) 1 week trial - free

Moviebytes.com - Who's Buying What? database - 24 hour trial - free

I found that all these sites have strengths and weaknesses (even the highly praised HCD - its only version is updated VERY frequently, yet it hadn't caught on to the fact Major Clients not longer operates under that name). I did a lot of cross-referencing. I would suggest you don't sign-up for everything at once, though, as the quantity of info can be overwhelming.

After some thought, I ended up subscribing to Variety online and Moviebytes. I use them both frequently and consider it a good investment.

I also ordered the 2001 Annual Agency Guide from the Writer's Store - I was disappointed by the format at first, but it proved very useful.

[sparkenstein]

Jac
Thanks for letting me know about the low cost test drives, I'll definitely take advantage.

Word
I have read turnover is high. If that is the case then your obviously going to have a fair amount of dead info. (not that you need it mr 1.000) In the rare case your golden touch doesn't continue whatever I end up buying I would have no problem cross refing for you.

[wordhurler]

You're a mensch. ;)

[sparkenstein]

A compliment!!! And in Yiddish!!! Keep it up and I might buy two copies of the directories and send one over!!!

[wordhurler]

I have a buddy from San Diego who sometimes thanks people by saying "You're a dude!" It took me a while, but I finally realized that's a Southern California way of saying "You're a mensch." :D

[sparkenstein]

San Diego suffers from a lack of tribe members, the weather is just to perfect to complain about and there are no damn delis! :lol

[wordhurler]

Yeah, yeah -- and the food is awful, and the portions are so small! :lol

[sparkenstein]

And can you believe it, we got to eat on such a hot day and they put us under the air conditioning vent