ICM

[MrPembridge]

I know this sounds like a newb question. But I'm not.

However, I'm not a huge reader of the trades, etc. so I'm not exactly the most plugged in writer information wise. Eg: who's leaving where, power shifting, etc. For all I know, Ovitz is still "da man."

Just curious if ICM is (still) in good standing right now. I know they're one of the BIG 5, but I've heard (perhaps misguided) mumbling that they don't have much clout these days.

I know it's more often the AGENT not the AGENCY that carries the weight.

If you don't want to respond in public, PM me.

thanks!

~mr. pembridge~

[Hamboogul]

why does it matter if ICM is in good standing? this seems like an odd question.

[creativexec]

I'm still collecting a paycheck....

[MrPembridge]

Why does it matter if they're in good standing?

Because I'd like to know if they're leaking clients like the Titanic, if they're still perceived as being on shaky ground after Wiatt went to WMA, if anyone themselves has been there and gotten lost in the shuffle. I don't care if they're thought of as being sharks, just as long as they still have teeth.

I don't think this is an odd question.

[MrPembridge]

I appreciate the answer. :)

[creativexec]

Clients come and go and agencies often slip
in their ranking - only to climb again.

ICM is still a top dog in the industry.

[Hamboogul]

Agencies lose clients and agents all the time. By the same token, the same agencies try to steal agents and clients away from other rivals. It's cyclical.

As long as ICM continues to have high profile writers, directors, and actors in their stable, they'll always be one of the leading agencies. It's an odd question because ICM's standing in Hollywood is well-established. And how is CE's answer helpful? He didn't answer your question except to say that ICM has enough money to cover his payroll.

As a fairly new and insignificant client of ICM, their reputation (good or bad) has had no bearing on my career. I only talk to my agent and his assistant most of the time. And I occasionally offer a soda or cookies to the ICM courier who delivers the scripts to my house (they always refuse). And in all of my meetings, no one has ever commented on the quality of my agency.

In every big agency, you'll have disgruntled clients who feel lost in the shuffle. And in every small agency, you'll have clients who feel that their agency lacks the clout of the "Big Five." And sometimes you love your agent one hour and hate him the next.

If you have an offer from ICM, congrats. They have the most elegant building of the big five. And the classiest looking script covers. And I like how the scripts are double-sided and glued to the cover so they read like books.

[MrPembridge]

That pretty much answered my question(s). I know they're one of "the big dogs", but let's just say with my luck I'm the kind of guy who'd buy stock in Enron the night before.

And thanks for the congrats. I'm trying to contain my excitement.

And yes, the building is very very nice. :-)

[sc111]

Mr. Pembridge:

Don't worry, be happy.

You have an agent. An ICM agent. You're far closer than I am - - want to swap places?

:D

[Gary Whitta]

"And I like how the scripts are double-sided and glued to the cover so they read like books."

Ah, so the rumors about them going double-sided to save on paper are TRUE! ICM is DOOOOMED!

[F150]

Anyone dealt with ICM before? Do they take new writers? I have a script that has received some positive resposnes from a boutique agency. Anyway, they also said I should them any additional scripts for possible representation.

But I'm not so sure I'd want to sign with them even if. Thought maybe I'll give one of the Big 5 a shot. So if anyone could tell me about dealing with ICM, I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks.

[Keith Kocaine]

Anyone dealt with ICM before? Do they take new writers?
I've dealt with them through a friend. Yes, they take on new writers. My understanding is that they read by referral from someone in the industry only.

Actually, CreativExec may know me. ;) I'm not sure who read my scripts at ICM.

[Winter in New York]

I'm still collecting a paycheck....

LOL!

Winter in New York

PS: I was at a meeting the other day, and the production company CEO was complaining that my agency (a big 3) sends out scripts that are bound like a book "to make it difficult for folks to photocopy their scripts". Just a guess, but that'll be why ICM do it too. (?)

[jimjimgrande]

It's not really to discourage photcopying. That may be a side effect, but really it's because it's the best, easiest way to bind double sided scripts.

It's like the whole brad thing - the reason scripts come on three holed paper with two brads is because years ago, that was the easiest, best, most cost effective way to do it and that's why it becomes an industry standard.

Guys at a prodco I work for will request a non-bound script when they know copies will have to be made for multiple execs to read.

[NoTalentAssClown]

The Gersh Agency does the same book-binding thing.