Hollywood Agents

ankle v. leave an agency, usually to join a competitor.

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Billy Cat n. William Morris Agency (from founder William Morris and Morris the cat).

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Dora Doorknocker n. sub-boutique agency, frequently located in the San Fernando Valley, with little or no clout and few, if any, working clients.

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“ER stat!” interjection “Expense report immediately!” Barked at harried assistant by agent anxious for reimbursement after charging lunch on personal credit card.

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gobi n. client who ankles an agency (from “go bye”). syn. slip.

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God-screwed v. being left out of client’s award acceptance speech (from actors’ propensity for thanking God). “I’ve handled her since her ink session and then I get God-screwed at the Oscars.”

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handle v. cater to celebrity client’s every whim.

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hip-pocket v. represent a client not officially signed with the agency. “He’s with a Dora Doorknocker in Sherman Oaks but hip-pocketed by a guy at Billy Cat.”

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ink session n. formal signing of a new client to the agency.

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mister boys n. agent trainees working way up from the mail room (i.e. “mail

room”=”m.r.”=”Mr.”=”mister”).

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pimp fee n. agent’s commission, typically 10%.

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talent n. actor client. rel. lit n. writer client; helmer n. director client.