HCD Producers- Online vs. Print

[GothamWriter]

The HCD Producers directory costs $50 in print and $200 as an online membership.

Of course the online directory is updated but...

Does anyone subscribe online and feel that the directory is updated frequently enough to make the extra cost worthwhile?

[Pandoraisme]

GW

I chose to go with the online version (Agents & Managers)
and it seems to be updated frequently. I figured anything in print would be outdated by the time it reached my hands (especially in this industry) and the price would be offset by what I save on phone bills/time. But who knows how accurate any of the information is... I've already had to call
SAG to inform them of Michelle Pfeiffer's whereabouts.

Pandoraisme

[E J Pennypacker]

I know I should've gone for the "online" version, but 'cause I'm sick and twisted, and occasionally like to sit by the fire with a good book -- or HCD -- and a bottle of vodka in one hand, dog in the other-- no, I mean at my feet, I chose the "print" version.

I don't regret buying a copy that's already out of date by the time it's printed. The fax and phone numbers won't be changing for a while. The emails, now that's another story.

EJ

[ProjectSturges]

I'd been pondering that one myself, but I decided to experiment first with the hardcover versions (I was able to buy both HCD Producers and Agents at half-price each at the Words Into Pictures conference, via a Writers Store booth there). I figure if I run up against too many dead ends, I'll move to the online version. But, as mentioned, phone numbers and addresses aren't likely to change that much, and I'd call and confirm those and names before sending anything anyway.

[Cole Blackburn]

I have done both and regret doing the online
method. AFter your year is up, you don't have
access to even dated information. If you get
the hard cover books, you have a reference book
you will (trust me) use in the future. I have
used them to trace an agent from when he first
arrived in Hollywood, right up to his current gig.
Agents are impressed when you know their
career history. Also, the addys and phones etc
don't change that much. I use a year and a half
old HCD and only occasionally need something
not in the book. Unless you print off every
company on the online version, after your year
is up, you won't have squat.
Chow.
Cole

[GothamWriter]

Excellent point Cole.

[Pandoraisme]

You sold me Cole. Ooops... Live and learn.

Pandorisme

[OptimusPrime]

Well, here's what I did, call me crazy. I researched as many agents, agencies, managers, and prod cos that I could to find which ones had recently sold (or were more inclined to represent) scripts such as mine. After compiling a good list, I signed up for the HCD's online $15 one-week trial. Then, I printed off as much stuff as I could. The stuff I got has kept me busy for a while. If I ever need some more info, all I gotta do is sign up for another $15 trial and use a different credit card.

Hey, I'm on a tight budget. I do what I can.

Opty

[Basic B]

OP:

A print version of the HCD might also be available at your local library.

Bonita

[poorscribe]

Just a little reminder to those who are looking for the HCD, it may be helpful to check Ebay from time to time. Two are listed now (2001-2002 one producer and one agent and manager).

[OptimusPrime]

B,
I live in Chattanooga, TN. There are only 2 books in our library and I doubt that one of them is the HCD.
;)