HRTS eNews - 01/31/2010 (Plain Text Version)
In this issue:
HRTS News
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Save the date 2/23/10, The Cable Chiefs
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HRTS Newsmaker Luncheon Recap: The Hitmakers
Feature Article
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The New Hollywood
Member Profiles
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Richard Lawrence
HRTS Online
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The Hitmakers video and pics posted
Member News
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Welcome New Members
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HRTS Member Spotlight - Ted Harbert
JHRTS
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JHRTS News & Announcements
About HRTS
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Officers, Board of Directors, Staff
Richard Lawrence
HRTS Member - President and CEO, Rebel Entertainment Partners
A Member Profile by Chris Davison, chris@lthmedia.com
Richard Lawrence is President and CEO of Rebel Entertainment Partners. Richard began his show business career as a DJ and has since worked in many areas, from local affiliates to production to representation. I recently had a chance to interview Richard to discuss storytelling, reality, and the agency business.
Q: Can you tell us about your background and what made you want to work in Hollywood? how did you first get involved with the HRTS?
-when I was growing up, my father was a radio and television announcer, so I've always wanted to work in the media. I was able to pay my way through college working as a Rock n' Roll DJ on several radio stations in Buffalo, NY. After graduating from the University of Buffalo with a B.A. in Liberal Arts, I moved out to Los Angeles to attend graduate school at the University of Southern California, and I planned on getting a part-time job in radio to pay for it, but that didn't happen. Instead, I found myself with an opportunity to work in the mailroom at KTTV, which led to a producing job on a national talk show. After the talk show was cancelled, I was hired by the agency Abrams-Rubaloff & Associates, to become a trainee. It was at this time, while I was a young agent at the company, that I was fortunate to begin my relationship with HRTS by attending a number of luncheons.
Q: How has the agency business changed since the day you signed your first client? Q: What makes for good reality television? Q: What’s the best thing about being an agent? worst? Q: How do you see the business changing over the next few years? Q: Anything you would like to add?
-the agency business has changed a great deal. In the old days, agents were not as well educated as they are today. The TV business was much smaller when I first became an agent in 1968, but with the advent of cable television, the internet, and mobile everything has flourished, especially the need for content. Over the years, content has shifted in that a great number of timeslots that were once occupied by sitcoms or dramas are now filled by reality shows.
-good reality television, like any motion picture, scripted television show, or book, relies on a good story. The people that are on these reality shows all have a story to tell. Some of them are heartwarming, some of them are eye-opening, some are embarrassing, and others are devastating. But to be blunt about what makes a good reality show, it's a show that gets good ratings.
-the best thing about being an agent is taking an artist from one point and elevating them to their peak. Conversely, the worst part is that when they reach that pinnacle, they sometimes decide to change agencies. I have 4 clients who I have represented for over 20 years. Being an agent and now an owner of an agency has been a terrific business for me for the last 40 years.
-I don't see the business changing that much over the next few years, with the exception of the fact that larger agencies are merging, and the need for content is growing. A wider distribution area, including the internet and mobile, in addition to television, will create a greater need for content. In regards to agencies, I believe that the competition between them has lessened a bit over the years, as agencies are working together to sell programs. Some represent writers, others actors, directors, production companies. When one company does not represent everybody, then people work collectively. This didn't happen years ago, especially in the reality area.
-I've wanted to be in this business since I was 5 years old. I've achieved almost everything I set out to achieve in terms of being an agent, a proprietor, a father, and a husband. While I have thoroughly enjoying being an agent, I also have enjoyed being able to share my experience and wisdom with not only other colleagues, but also in speaking to young talent and guiding them in how to maneuver their way in the business. This business has been very good to me, and I don't take a single minute of it for granted.