Verve Seeking Package Fees For Unscripted Projects
In May, Verve became the biggest agency to sign the WGAs new Code of Conduct, which bans TV packagin..
In May, Verve became the biggest agency to sign the WGAs new Code of Conduct, which bans TV packaging and agency-affiliated production, allowing it to resume representing its writer clients and land high-profile new ones, such as WGA Agency Negotiating Committee members John August and Meredith Stiehm.
While agreeing to forgo packaging on scripted projects in order to get franchised by the WGA, I hear that in the two months since signing the Code, Verve has been actively pursuing package fees on unscripted shows.
One example is an unscripted series project starring Ken Fulk, a high-end interior designer/event planner and Verve client, which is in the works at independent company Critical Content. The project, which I hear is in talks with Bravo, was created by David Metzler (Catfish) as part of his overall deal at Critical Content as a 50/50 package between WME and ICM Partners, which rep Critical Content and Metzler, respectively.
I hear that over the past month, Verve repeatedly tried to get a package spilt on the series, which was based on a sizzle reel Metzler had shot with Fulk before he became a Verve client. i hear the agency, which was pursuing a third of the package, was ultimately unsuccessful but it also has other unscripted deals where it is seeking packaging fees.
Like was the case with WGA Negotiating committee co-chair Chris Keyser shopping a packaged series produced by an agency-affiRead More – Source
