Writers and Artists and structure

[Totiwos]

Newbie question here. Writers and Artists represents both writers and other performing artists, correct (directors, actors, etc.)? Is this usual for agencies? Does one agent represent all types of talent? Say your ideal is to have actor X. Would you contact the person who represents actor X to read your screenplay? Or would the agent have to walk down the hall and deliver your screenplay to someone who actually represents screenplays? I'm trying to get a better idea of the structure.

[jlbecker]

...as a specific agency, no longer exists. It was bought out by Paradigm (just about three weeks ago) and many of the agents pink-slipped.

Yes, you would approach the agent for Megastar X if you want Megastar X to read your script, but the chances of your script actually getting read are much much greater if you have your own agent.

The big agencies represent many types of talent (writers and directors as well as performers). Smaller agencies might rep writers and directors, or only writers.

For more info on how agencies work, check out K Callan's "The Script is Finished, Now what do I do?" --whatever the current edition is. It's a great resource for those about to jump into the waters of seeking an agent.

[Totiwos]

So what happened to all the agents? Did they move to other agencies, get jobs at Burger King or what? And what about the people they represented?

Thanks for the recommendation. I'd like to learn as much as I can before I'm in the midst of searching.