SELL SCRIPTS: MANAGER OR AGENT? (I Vote Manager…TOP 20 LITERARY MANAGERS)

10 Hollywood Literary Management Companies

Figuring out how to get a bona fide literary management company to represent you is complicated, especially if you’re new(ish) to the entertainment industry. Unlike most things, Googling “literary managers” won’t instantly answer your questions. It’s a confusing marketplace, due, in part, to the semi-collapse of the full-time script development job market in LA in recent times. Coupled with the rise of the snakeoil/peripheral manager who’s turned to management as a sort-of last ‘throw of the career dice’, the sheer volume of “managers” out there can be bewildering.

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But wait! While you don’t have years of experience with the literary management process, legendary screenwriter John August definitely does. Check out this informative article by the master penman to learn what a literary manager is all about. Of course, if you already have enough reading in your life, you can listen to the podcast version and read its transcript here.

In brief, the difference between a writer’s manager and a writer’s agent is that the former can produce projects but not make deals/do contracts directly, and the latter can do deals but cannot act as a Producer. Most Hollywood writers will have a team of three: an Agent (who does their deals); a Manager (who acts as a counsel/script editor/guide and often produces) and an Attorney (who supports the agent and handles the paperwork of deals).

Think you’re ready to start searching for a manager? Here are twenty great places to start, all based in the epicenter of the entertainment world – Hollywood, CA.

20 Great Literary Management Companies

1) Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity is one of the biggest names in the literary management business. While they’re primarily known for 1d843b_7ec7b4eccac6431da2f8547bc61680cemanaging screenwriters, directors, and actors, they also are heavily involved in development, finance, and the sale of projects. In short, they have their hands in everything.

One of ZG’s most recent projects that was picked up is a TV seriesbased on Matthew Goodman’s story of Neli Bly’s race around the world. EXTRACTION, written by ZG’s Max Adams and starring ZG’s Kellan Lutz, is also currently in development. ZG have also produced projects that have involved some of the biggest names in the business; Samuel L. Jackson starred in ARENA, whilst Michael Caine and Demi Moore starred in the British heist movie, FLAWLESS.

Want Zero Gravity to manage you? Check out this interview with one of their literary managers, Eric Williams, about the kinds of credentials that writers need in order to be considered.

You can find Zero Gravity on Twitter here.

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2) Anonymous Content

Anonymous Content, founded by CEO Steve Colin, was created in 1999. Currently the company manages actors, directors, writers, and comedians.

One of Anonymous Content’s biggest literary management projects is TRUE DETECTIVE, which was created by their client, Nic Pizzolatto. The show has received critical acclaim winning the 2015 BAFTA TV Award for Best International Show as well as five Primetime Emmy Awards in 2014.

In film, Anonymous Content is known for director-driven work like BEING JOHN MALKOVICHETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, and BABEL. Oh, and have you heard of BIRDMAN? Its director, Alejandro G Iñárritu is one of their clients. Two film projects that are currently in development, BASTILLE DAY and THE WIFE, are also being managed by Anonymous Content.

In the world of commercial advertising, their clients have produced work for Puma, starring Usain Bolt, as well as creating advertisements for huge brands such as Samsung, Asics, and Honda. It seems that Anonymous Content really do have all bases covered.

Find the names of all of Anonymous Content’s managers here. Follow the literary management company on Facebook here and Twitter here.

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3) Circle of Confusion

Circle of Confusion is the lit management company that’s responsible for some of the biggest action films in the business. INSURGENT was written by their client, Brian Duffield. That little indie flick known as THE MATRIX was written and directed by Circle’s clients, Lana and Andy Wachowski. On the other end of the spectrum, STILL ALICE was written and co-directed by their clients, Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland.

Circle of Confusion are no slackers either when it comes to the TV realm. The AMC hit show, THE WALKING DEAD, is one of their productions whilst the show’s creator, Robert Kirkman, is a part of the CoC talent roster. If that’s not enough, Pablo Schreiber, who plays George ‘Pornstache’ Mendez in ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, is also on their client list.

Other projects that are still in production or awaiting release include: THE GOLDBERGS, which is produced and created by their client, Max Goldberg. There’s also Jesse Eisenberg’s new stoner comedy AMERICAN ULTRA due for release at the end of August. The film’s producer, David Alpert, is one of CoC’s partners.

You can find Circle of Confusion on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

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4) Rain Management Group

Rain Management Group boasts an array of talent responsible for some of the biggest shows in television. They have multiple clients involved with HOUSE OF CARDS including executive producer John Coles. Meanwhile on SUITS the executive producer, Daniel Arkin, and producing director, Anton Cropper, are both a part of RMG’s stable. Oh and you know the longest running cartoon in U.S history, THE SIMPSONS? Well, guess who represents the consulting producer, Tim Long. That’s right, Rain Management Group.

As well as managing clients, RMG also produce content through StoryBy Entertainment and have several projects in development for various TV Studios. These include MANSON for NBC, which has Leonardo DiCaprio as an executive producer; EMPIRE RISING for Warner Bros., which has Guy Ritche on board to direct; and THE TERROR for AMC, with executive producer, Ridley Scott.

If you also happen to dabble in novel writing, you’ll beinterested to see that RMG also manage authors Dan Simmons, Alexandra Robbins, and Simon Majumdar.

Their Facebook page is here, or if you’re on Twitter, why not give them a follow?

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5) Gotham Group

The Gotham Group was founded in 1993 by its long-serving, current president, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein. They joined forces with Principal Entertainment Los Angeles in 2013 which saw the likes of Seth Rogen, and Andy Serkis team up with Gotham’s own BOARDWALK EMPIRE star, Steve Buscemi.

The company has many connections with the literary world and as such has an impressive list of publishing houses it manages including HarperCollins, Scholastic, and Dark Horse Comics.

When it comes to film, The Gotham Group have been responsible for the production of THE MAZE RUNNERABDUCTION, and THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES. The young adult theme seems to recur, both the former and latter films are based on YA novels, whilst ABDUCTION starred Taylor Lautner, famous for his role in the adaptation of THE TWILIGHT SAGA. (Or should that be infamous?)

You can listen to a podcast with Eddie Gamarra, a literary agent from the company, here. In the episode, he discusses how literary reps in the film/TV world work with their publishing counterparts.

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6) Apostle Management

Apostle Management’s was founded in 1994 by comedian Denis Leary and producer Jim Serpico. Their L.A. office is overseen by George Heller, who started his career in management in 1999 with 3 friends after college graduation. Clearly, he’s come a long way since then.

With a focus on gritty dramas and edgy comedy, many of Apostle’s projects have been about the emergency services. This is perhaps due to Denis Leary’s work with The Leary Firefighters Foundation. The closeness of Denis’ bond to the cause has been reflected in the documentary BURN, as well as in another AM project and long-running TV series, RESCUE ME.

They also, of course, manage talent. Some of Apostle’s clients include the writer of critically acclaimed comedy, MARON, Marc Maron, as well as Rebecca Drysdale, a writer for KEY AND PEELE, and Craig Kilborn of THE DAILY SHOW.

You can find an interview with George Heller about his experience as a literary manager here.

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7) 3 Arts Entertainment

One of 3 Arts’ biggest managers, Dave Becky, is responsible for a lot of the company’s success. You can read an article from Variety about him here. In the interview, he says: “As a manager, I choose clients, first and foremost, based on the strength of their original voice and whether that voice excites me.” Hear that, writers? Your English professors were right when they said that you need to find your voice.3 Arts is about as Hollywood as you can get– they’re located right in Beverly Hills. However, they also have an office in NYC. The company is on the larger side, with 28 staff members listed on IMDB. And let us say, they’ve got the big names to back up that kind of staff: Tina FeyKevin HartLouis C.K,Mindy Kaling, and Amy Poehler are all under their management. Clearly, 3 Arts specializes in comedy.

They currently have six TV pilots set for release including FANTASY LIFE, an office comedy centred around the fantasy department of a major sports network. Kevin Connolly, of ENTOURAGE fame, and one of 3 Arts’ clients takes the lead role as Mitch Berry.

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8) Good Fear + Film

Benderspink, founded in 1998, has produced a wide variety of films. The company has produced everything from THE HANGOVER to THE RING, and WE’RE THE MILLERS to THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT. Some of their clients include Denis Dugan, the writer of HAPPY GILMORE, and Evan Daugherty, the writer of DIVERGENT and SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN.

They are heavily involved in comic-book adaptations and science-fiction films. DREADSTAR is currently in development to be produced as a TV series. For those who are unfamiliar, Dreadstar was the first comic-book published by Epic Comics, a spin-off of Marvel. Its creator and comic-book artist veteran, Jim Starlin, is due to write and act as an executive producer on the project.

You can find Benderspink on Facebook here and, oddly enough, on Pinterest here.

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9) Cartel

In 2011, Cartel was founded by two people, Stan Spry and Jeff Holland. The company has now, according to its website, “grown into a full service Management & Production company representing top tier writers, directors, producers, and production companies, that also finances and produces television series, new media, and feature films.”mad-men-1024x768

Cartel has managed an impressive list of TV writers who have worked on programs like MAD MENFAMILY GUYWHITE COLLAR, and THE GOOD WIFE. Cartel’s clients have also sold pilots to media outlets and networks like CBS, NBC, FOX, A&E, and Discovery.

On the big screen, Cartel’s clients have been involved in feature films like CHRONICLE and PIRANHA. Whilst the company itself has been responsible for producing eighteen films in the last three years! The fact that Cartel actually own a studio, Tamarind Lithography Studio, leans that they are able to produce content with greater ease than some of their rivals.

You can find Cartel on Twitter here and read their latest news here.

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10) Heroes and Villains Entertainment

Heroes and Villains hands-down gets the award for the best website. We’re fans of anything that is preempted by a noir car chase. The company also gets a gold star for managing the most mediums– they cover film, TV, video games, the Internet, and comic books.

Heroes and Villains also makes it easy for visitors to their site to peruse their clients. You don’t have to search through the depths of IMDB to figure out which writers they manage. Instead, simply check out their clients tab. Look, a real page with actual people! Just as a quick overview, PRINCE OF PERSIA creator, Jordan Mechner is managed by HVE as is the writer of hit-comedy, HORRIBLE BOSSES, Michael Markowitz.

In terms of production, IMDB Pro list HVE as the production company for two upcoming features; THE MAYOR OF SHARK CITY, penned by their clients, Nick Creature and Michael Sweeney, about the issues Spielberg faced when making JAWS. They’re also producing BUSHIDO: THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR, but there seems to be little information available about this project.

You may hear more about their upcoming projects by liking Heroes and Villains on Facebook here.

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11) Untitled Entertainment

Untitled Entertainment are serious big-hitters in the world of lit management companies. They have a client list that, for most other companies to boast even a couple of these names, would make every other management company jealous. Not convinced? Jeremy Renner, James Franco, and Natalie Dormer, to name just a few, are all managed by Untitled.

Whilst they’re not managing their ridiculously impressive client-list, Untitled have also been responsible for producing content. They were the production company behind the edgy biopic, LOVELACE, which starred Amanda Seyfried as the title character. They are also currently developing a horror and romance film entitled FEAR PARIS.

Although Untitled are now nearly two-decades old, they have been managing some of Hollywood’s biggest stars since their inception, Courtney Love being an early client.

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12) Brillstein Entertainment Partners

Brillstein Entertainment Partners have been around since 1991 when Brad Grey joined The Brillstein Company which was founded in 1969. Another company with a website that’s simply their logo and address, in this digital age it may be easy to skip over them. After all, if they’re not online why should they be worth your time actually visiting? The answer to that is simple. They produced THE SOPRANOS. That’s right, so if you want their respect, you better give them some respect right back!

Of course, a literary management company that is capable of producing such an iconic television show also has the talent to match. Marvel’s latest superhero, ANT-MAN, AKA Paul Rudd is signed up to BEP as are two British stars of television, Charlie Hunnam (SONS OF ANARCHY) and Jonathan Rhys Meyers (THE TUDORS).

As far as their current projects go, they’re in the process of making an historical epic based around the Sikh religion called THE BLACK PRINCE. They’re also in production of a sci-fi, action flick called THE PROTOTYPE which will be about an escapee humanoid drone on the run from the military.

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13) Management 360

Management 360 are based in Beverly Hills, Ca. They’ve Scene immense success recently thanks to having the likes of WOLF OF WALL STREET star Margot Robbie, THE HOBBIT star Richard Armitage, and Bryce Dallas Howard of JURASSIC WORLD fame.

They currently have nine projects in development and the movie STEVE JOBS is currently in production. The biopic about the Apple founder is being directed by Danny Boyle and has been written by screenwriting supremo, Aaron Sorkin. In case those names weren’t big enough, Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, and Seth Rogen all star in this M360 (as Entertainment 360) production.

Check out their Facebook page here.

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14) LINK Entertainment

LINK Entertainment are particularly tricky to track down on the world wide web.  However, thanks to IMDb Pro, there is some information available.

They were the production company behind an Amazon Original series, HAND OF GOD, which debuted in 2014. The show stars one of LINK’s clients, Ron Perlman, as a morally-corrupt judge who suffers a breakdown and believes God is compelling him onto a path of vigilante justice.

Elsewhere on their client list, LINK manage TV stars Jason Momoa (GAME OF THRONES) and Chevy Chase (COMMUNITY). They also have Acadamy award-winner and Hollywood legend, Nicolas Cage on their books. Indeed, LINK Entertainment are responsible for managing a national treasure!

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15) Luber Roklin Entertainment

Currently in development, LINE OF DUTY is an LRE project set in New York. It follows a narcotics detective who is spurred on by his wife to seek a more powerful position.Luber Roklin Entertainment’s literary division is headed by Bryan Brucks. He joined LRE in 2012 and brought with him his previous clients which included Black List writers Carrie Evans and Emi Mochizuki.

On their client list, LRE manage stars that have played some of the most iconic characters in the business including Hayden Christiansen (Anakin Skywalker) and Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee).

Here’s their Facebook page.

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16) Principato-Young Entertainment

Principato-Young Entertainment have offices in New York, and in Beverly Hills, CA and are owned by Peter Principato and Paul Young. They’re exceptionally busy on the production front as well as representing over 650 clients!

PYE have an impressive television showreel. They’ve produced a total of forty-five shows within the last three years with their most-recent series, WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: FIRST DAY OF CAMP, being a Netflix series.

They also have a pretty impressive talent roster too. Aragorn, Lego Batman, and Ginnie Weasley are all managed by PYE, although they do, of course, have real names too: Viggo Mortensen, Will Arnett, and Bonnie Wright. These are by no means the biggest names on PYE’s list though they may just have played the coolest characters. Check out some of Principato-Young Entertainment’s stellar clients below!

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17) Mosaic

Another Mosaic picture that quintupled its $20 million budget was BAD TEACHER, which starred Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel. Unfortunately for Mosaic, neither of the pair are their clients.

But it’s more than likely Mosaic aren’t too concerned with this. You’ve seen GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY? No, how about JURASSIC WORLD? See, the thing is that Hollywood’s man of the moment, Chris Pratt is managed by Mosaic, so the entire company is probably ‘Chris Pratt-ing’ along through life right now.

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18) Industry Entertainment

Industry Entertainment have endured a tough existence in the business of literary management. Back at the turn of the millennium, they had several of their managers leave taking top talents like Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Tobey Maguire, and Kirsten Dunst. Fast-forward to the present day and IE are really beginning to look like a force to be reckoned with once more.

In December 2014, they topped the Blacklist’s management leaderboard with a solid 10% of the top 70 scripts. In 2015, they’ve been busy acquiring managers and clients, tempting them over to IE from their rivals. Mark Rousso and Paul M. Brown joined in January bringing with them a host of talent who’ve worked on projects ranging from GILMORE GIRLS to SELMA and ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACKto THE MINDY PROJECT.

Industry Entertainment are also developing six new projects. A couple, CHEWIE and THE EDGE OF NORMAL are currently at script-stage whilst THE DISCIPLES, a TV series due for launch in 2016 has already been optioned.

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19) LBI Entertainment

Ooh. LBI Entertainment. This is a lit management company that oozes quality. Just a quick glance at the client list tells you that this is a serious company that really does pride itself on managing la crème de la crème of Hollywood’s rich and famous.
LBI are however, quieter on the production front although even this may be set to change as they recently signed a deal with Sony-based Studio 8 designed to see the companies collaborating on up to six films per year. It’s not as if LBI have ever made movies however, in 2014 the produced the hit comedy RIDE ALONG which grossed $134million.Actors, directors, you name them, LBI probably represents them. ScorseseStoneDiCaprioJohanssonDiaz. The list goes on but LBI are not resting on their laurels. In May 2015, they added director, Terrence Malick to their ranks, whilst the producer of Oscar-winning ‘Birdman’, John Lesher also signed with LBI in January.

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20) Silver Lining Entertainment

Last, but not least, on the list is Silver Lining Entertainment. They’re a relatively new literary management company but that hasn’t stopped them from accruing a worthy list of clients. SLE was founded in 2013 by Jeff Golenberg and Sam Maydew.

Amongst their clients, was the late Andy Whitfield, known for his incredible performances as Spartacus in the hit TV series SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND. In memory of the Australian actor, SLE have produced a documentary called BE HERE NOW that details Andy’s battle against cancer.

Elsewhere on their talent roster, Silver Linings Entertainment manage the stars of recent box-office successes. Evangeline Lily, of THE HOBBIT and ANT-MAN fame, and Jai Courtney, from Divergent bolster the ranks which include other top talents such as Jason Isaacs and Martin Lawrence.

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