Hollywood Hustle (Part 1) - by Charles Lenhoff

About the Book

HOLLYWOOD HUSTLE is a historic accounting of TALENT AGENTS and their illegal PRICE RIGGING of TV PACKAGING in direct antitrust violation of the SHERMAN ACT.

Book Synopsis

The Journal is a "Case Study" for Universities specializing in Entertainment Law and/or the Film & TV Industry.

"Lenhoff's revealing blow-by-blow saga of the rise and fall of TV packaging in Hollywood - which allowed uber agencies UTA, ICM, WME and CAA to poach his clients by forgoing the usual 10 percent commission charged to clients in favor of packaging fees - is a study in hubris. Having revealed a price fixing conspiracy among the big Hollywood agencies with his failed legal effort, Lenhoff got the last punch in when the Writers Guild of America used his data and guidance to prevail in its own TV packaging antitrust litigation. In a brisk, no-nonsense account, Lenhoff makes no apology for leading with his chin as he recounts bringing down TV packaging in Hollywood, with the help of the WGA. Oh, Lenhoff isn't done, as he has "Hollywood Hustle" (Part Two) in the works..." Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter

"Hollywood Hustle" exposes the "packaging fee" scam of the so-called "uber agencies" that operated unchecked for years to the detriment of talent and smaller agencies. Former agent Charles Lenhoff meticulously documents his legal battle to eliminate the practice, which the Writers Guild of America finally extinguished with his help. Names are named, fingers are pointed, and the story is finally, and bravely, told." Neville L. Johnson, entertainment Super Lawyer

"Charles Lenhoff, who sued the major agencies in 2015 for allegedly conspiring to set onerous packaging fees and force smaller shops out of business. Lenhoff lost, but his effort, along with an influential column by the former agent Gavin Polone (that I actually edited), laid the groundwork for the WGA's successful crusade against the agencies. I don't agree with many of Lenhoff's contentions about the market for representation in entertainment, but "Hollywood Hustle" is a pretty interesting read for anyone curious about how money is made in TV, how it was divvied up for decades, and what the end of packaging means for both talent and their negotiators." Matthew Belloni, Puck News

"As agencies aggressively consolidate their power, clients are the ones who stand to lose...the creative community of artists is entitled to know that they are represented by agents who are not in league with their employer." David Ng, Los Angeles Times

"You've carried this on your back for a long time...thank you for engaging...I salute you..." Warren Littlefield, Executive Producer, NBC Entertainment President (1991-1998)

"I just wanted to congratulate you for the courage and grit, in coming out with the book. For me, this is a victory in itself. You did not win the case openly, but in a subtle way you won. If you hadn't introduced your case, others would not have won theirs...This case should be a "Case Study" in Business Law School to expose the different types of maneuvering and collusions in the industry...I also like the way the book was presented. You didn't write the book to please anyone. You wrote the book out of frustration at different levels and to expose the indecency in the industry that no one dared to talk about while preserving your integrity." Irene Dabare, United Nations Deputy Country Director (Operations), UNDP India.

Review Quotes

"Lenhoff's revealing blow-by-blow saga of the rise and fall of TV packaging in Hollywood - which allowed uber agencies UTA, ICM, WME and CAA to poach his clients by forgoing the usual 10 percent commission charged to clients in favor of packaging fees - is a study in hubris. Having revealed a price fixing conspiracy among the big Hollywood agencies with his failed legal effort, Lenhoff got the last punch in when the Writers Guild of America used his data and guidance to prevail in its own TV packaging antitrust litigation. In a brisk, no-nonsense account, Lenhoff makes no apology for leading with his chin as he recounts bringing down TV packaging in Hollywood, with the help of the WGA. Oh, Lenhoff isn't done, as he has "Hollywood Hustle" (Part Two) in the works..." Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter

"Hollywood Hustle" exposes the "packaging fee" scam of the so-called "uber agencies" that operated unchecked for years to the detriment of talent and smaller agencies. Former agent Charles Lenhoff meticulously documents his legal battle to eliminate the practice, which the Writers Guild of America finally extinguished with his help. Names are named, fingers are pointed, and the story is finally, and bravely, told." Neville L. Johnson, entertainment Super Lawyer

"Charles Lenhoff, who sued the major agencies in 2015 for allegedly conspiring to set onerous packaging fees and force smaller shops out of business. Lenhoff lost, but his effort, along with an influential column by the former agent Gavin Polone (that I actually edited), laid the groundwork for the WGA's successful crusade against the agencies. I don't agree with many of Lenhoff's contentions about the market for representation in entertainment, but "Hollywood Hustle" is a pretty interesting read for anyone curious about how money is made in TV, how it was divvied up for decades, and what the end of packaging means for both talent and their negotiators." Matthew Belloni, Puck News

"As agencies aggressively consolidate their power, clients are the ones who stand to lose...the creative community of artists is entitled to know that they are represented by agents who are not in league with their employer." David Ng, Los Angeles Times

"You've carried this on your back for a long time...thank you for engaging...I salute you..." Warren Littlefield, Executive Producer, NBC Entertainment President (1991-1998)

"I just wanted to congratulate you for the courage and grit, in coming out with the book. You did not win the case openly, but in a subtle way you won. If you hadn't introduced your case, others would not have won theirs......I also like the way the book was presented. You didn't write the book to please anyone. You wrote the book out of frustration at different levels and to expose the indecency in the industry that no one dared to talk about while preserving your integrity." Irene Dabare, United Nations Deputy Director.

"Hollywood Hustle" takes you deep into the insider story of the movie industry, with ups and downs, and is fascinating. This book is known for its vivid characters and gripping plot and is a masterpiece not to be missed!" Michael Chen, Chinese Business Tycoon

"I love the rawness of it." Dreux Moreland, Screen Writer