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September 24, 2007
 
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Network Chiefs to launch 2007-08 Season
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Television’s Turning Point
From The Executive Director
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Profile: Henry Schleiff
Profile: Rob Golenberg
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The Network Chiefs Summit
Season Kick-off!!  Tix on sale now.
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Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 
The Network Chiefs Summit 
Beverly Hilton Hotel
Tickets on sale now!


 


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Profile: Rob Golenberg
HRTS Member, Vice-President, Head of Television Packaging, The Gersh Agency.

A member profile by Chris Davison, davison@intellcap.com
Rob Golenberg is Vice-President, Head of Television Packaging at The Gersh Agency. Rob has been in the agency business for 20 years and has been coming to HRTS events for almost as long. I recently had a chance to interview Rob to discuss strikes, drama, and the new fall lineup.

Q: Can you tell us about your background? What made you want to work in entertainment?
I graduated from Wharton and did a very brief stint on Wall Street in the late 80’s and was miserable. I wanted to get into the entertainment business and met Bob Pittman (founder of MTV and former AOL head) during my Wall Street days who told me the best way to learn the business was to work at an agency. I had no idea what that was but when I researched it, it was during the writers strike of ’88 and no one was hiring. I came to LA to work on an M&A freelance deal and met at all the agencies for the training programs. I decided to take a job at Triad Artists (which later merged with William Morris) and was convinced to join the TV department. I had originally wanted to go into music but TV had always been something I’d loved so I thought at 23, I’d give it a shot!

Q: What do you like best about being an agent? Least?
I love my clients. I really enjoy seeing their vision become reality and being responsible for the initial introductions to the creative community. The beauty of television is timing. You can cook up an idea, and within a year, see your vision become a reality. Being an agent also puts you in the middle of all types of activity associated with our business. As the business changes, we are the first to change with it. I think the biggest drawback about being an agent is that we can make things happen, but to a point. Sometimes you are passionate about something and have to hear the “are these characters relatable, likable, etc.” notes that we all hear and just cringe. Note – “We won’t do a High School Show”; “Gossip Girl” is one of this season’s hottest prospects. “We won’t do a show with music”; “Viva Laughlin” and “High School Musical”?

Q: Is it any more or less difficult to package a new show today versus 10 years ago? If so, why?
Obviously, with less sitcoms on the air, it is more difficult to put elements together to create a package. Ten years ago, you could showcase a comic with a unique voice or point of view, pair them with a writer off of a successful show (of which there were plenty at the time) and voila. It is a great time though for the drama business. With HBO, Showtime, TNT, USA, Lifetime, Sci-Fi and FX all putting out fare that is quite compelling, there is much opportunity on the drama front to package a show. The cable nets are also looking for unique voices that you may not see on the major networks. Comedy Central and TBS are great alternatives to the networks for comedy as well.

Q: Which new fall shows look particularly promising?
Obviously ones which my agency and I are involved with, but I really liked a few of the dramas, “Journeyman,” “Bionic Woman,” “Pushing Daisies,” and “Chuck.” In comedy, I actually found “Aliens in America” to be quite funny and I even laughed at “Cavemen.” But who knows on that one.

Q: Can a strike be averted for writers and/or actors?
A strike would be devastating to all parties involved. I was too green in ’88 to know if anything was gained from that, but all I remember is the financial loss that writers suffered. I know there are deep philosophical differences between the parties but I hope that rational minds prevail. There is always a compromise to be reached.

Q: Any thoughts on the HRTS during its 60th anniversary year?
I loved the crème brulee this past year. Seriously, I’ve been going to the events for almost two decades now, and it is the only time where your colleagues in the business all gather to be informed about our industry. Keep up the good work.

 
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HRTS Since 1947 the HRTS has been the entertainment industry’s premiere information and networking forum. HRTS events are the only place where leading executives from across the industry gather under one roof, multiple times a year to discuss issues relevant to the ongoing success of our business. HRTS Members and our industry partners represent the best and the brightest in town. Is your company ready to join the ranks of HRTS? There are many ways for individuals and companies to get more involved. To find out how, call (818) 789-1182 or email info@hrts.org

 


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