British Comedy Guide

I have an agent... sort of Page 2

£700 - and I can open doors at the BBC.

Think maybe he has the message now.

Unless he was winding us up in the first place.

Quote: David Chapman @ June 16 2008, 11:09 PM BST

Unless he was winding us up in the first place.

im not winding anyone up, if i wasnt in doubt then i wouldnt have said anything. they're called the Leo Media and Entertainment Group. I spoke to someone from there yesterday and they said they charge upfront because of the quality of their service, i sent them my pilot script but its copyrighted and now that i know its a con im not going through with it

Impressive looking website:

http://www.leomediagroup.com/main.html

Not such an impressive client list. The array of services provided and the eclecticism of the client base would suggest they are not too fussy about who they take money from.

It's not that impressive a website. In fact, it's a typical mish-mash of E-list companies without one contact name or client list and no real statement of whether or not they actually represent writers.

I also never trust any website or individual who has to resort to "as seen in Variety" OR who resort to a naff photo of a clapperboard that are about a quid each at any high street novelty shop.

They also say what they do without actually stating what they've done...

Just my opinion.

Quote: Zuhaib @ June 17 2008, 10:10 AM BST

im not winding anyone up, if i wasnt in doubt then i wouldnt have said anything. they're called the Leo Media and Entertainment Group. I spoke to someone from there yesterday and they said they charge upfront because of the quality of their service, i sent them my pilot script but its copyrighted and now that i know its a con im not going through with it

How have you copyrighted your script? I didn't think there was any watertight way to copyright a script.

And regardless of that, you can't copyright an idea, so they could in theory rip off your script, but it doesn't look as though they're in the business of writing.

Looks like they write a bit to me........

"The Leo Media & Entertainment Group provides extensive consultancy services, ranging from basic editing work to full re-writes as may be required:"

Idea robbing bastards!

Angry

Quote: 2ChristianTypists @ June 17 2008, 10:34 AM BST

It's not that impressive a website. In fact, it's a typical mish-mash of E-list companies without one contact name or client list and no real statement of whether or not they actually represent writers.

I also never trust any website or individual who has to resort to "as seen in Variety" OR who resort to a naff photo of a clapperboard that are about a quid each at any high street novelty shop.

They also say what they do without actually stating what they've done...

Just my opinion.

Agreed. from the few client profiles I looked at it was not obvious that any of them had done anything. Or more importantly that this "agent" had done anything for them.

Regarding their client list, who is 'Mr Happy'?

I'm afraid that made me chuckle.

Def.

i copyrighted it with dulynoted. i got the contract through today but im not signing it.

EDITED by SlagA
----------------
I'd have thought your ONLY two issues to deal with right now are:

Write something funny

Get someone (that can do something with it) to read it

Agents, copywriting, etc all seems very pointless (and expensive) Bear in mind you are one of a zillion people trying to do what you are doing....the notion that protecting your idea is of paramount importance is probably incorrect. Its like lining up for the London Marathon and wondering if anyone else has the same fancy trainers as you. Least of your worries!

Quote: Zuhaib @ June 18 2008, 9:14 AM BST

i copyrighted it with dulynoted. i got the contract through today but im not signing it.

I would put an end to these dealings with this agency right now. I would probably write a short letter thanking them for their time and the offer of representation but state that you have taken the decision that having an agent is not the right thing for you at this time and are therefore declining their offer. End.

Regarding your work I would take it on the chin that you got into this in the first place and learn from this experience. My copyright law is somewhat rusty but I believe that as writers, what we write is copyright automatically as we produce it. As for the idea in your work? well there is always the chance that someone might 'borrow' this idea, but lets face it - this is always a worry everytime someone picks up your work anyway. The only way to protect yourself from this would be to put your script in a locked draw after it is complete and never let anyone see it ever.

We all make mistakes in the early days. I have definately made some, and I'm sure I'll make a lot more. I would just say, dust yourself off and get back in the writing game and try and put this little episode behind you.

Def.

I've never heard of these people, and I'm pretty sure American History X director Tony Kaye isn't a client of theirs - the website would appear to be a lot of window dressing.

Quote: Zuhaib @ June 18 2008, 9:14 AM BST

i copyrighted it with dulynoted. i got the contract through today but im not signing it.

Just to clarify the issue, Zuhaib, we aren't jealous writers running down your achievements, we're just trying to stop you throwing your money away needlessly. Toss that contract in the bin and get on with some writing.

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