Bill Of Rights

What clients can expect when they partner with WTA

WTA is the most aggressive television talent agency in the country. We are constantly on the telephone, using our vast network of contacts to find new opportunities for our clients. Our industry is very competitive, with sometimes hundreds of candidates vying for one position! WTA’s clients have an edge over others because WTA is tenacious in following up on DVD/video link submissions and persuading news managers and executives to interview and hire our clients. We pitch our clients as individuals; reels of talent are never sent to stations. We custom-edit demo reels when a station or network is looking for a specific type of person.

THE RIGHT TO HAVE YOUR PHONE CALLS PROMPTLY RETURNED

WTA is in the personal service business. We give the best, most personal service in the television news industry. Clients’ phone calls are always taken immediately; however, if the agent is on the phone (as is usually the case), the client’s phone call is promptly returned. It is a basic WTA philosophy.

THE RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS ON YOUR REEL

The resume demo reel is a crucial element of the job search. It is your first chance to make an impression on a news director, general manager or network talent executive. At WTA, we work very closely with our clients regarding the contents of the demo reel. We have state of the art equipment and edit all of our clients’ work. We carefully choose what stories go in what order. When the reels are completed, our clients always receive a copy for approval

THE RIGHT TO KNOW WHERE YOUR DEMO REEL IS BEING SENT

At WTA, we have no secrets from our clients. Some companies refuse to tell their clients where they are searching for jobs. The job search is critical to most clients and we want our clients to know exactly what is going on in his or her career. As a result, we send our clients written reports detailing where their demo reel has been sent. When we receive feedback from a station, network or casting director on our client’s demo reel, positive or negative, we promptly report the same to our client.  We firmly believe that our clients have the right to know this information.

THE RIGHT TO BE INVOLVED IN CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH YOUR EMPLOYER

Gregg Willinger, the founder and president of WTA, is an attorney who practiced law in New York City for many years before he became an agent. As such, he is a professional negotiator and understands how to draft, read, negotiate, and interpret contracts. He has moderated and served as a panelist numerous times at annual journalism conferences on the topic of contract negotiation in the broadcast television industry. At WTA, we believe there is no reason for a client to be “left in the dark” when his or her contract is being negotiated. Our clients are consulted during every step of the negotiation process. WTA strategizes with its clients, while attempting to achieve their goals, both financial and personal.

THE RIGHT TO DECIDE

This is significant and often misunderstood by people in the industry. An agent’s role is to represent his or her client aggressively, zealously, and professionally. The agent works for the client, not the other way around. At WTA, we provide advice and counsel to our clients on a daily basis. We negotiate contracts and pursue opportunities for our clients every day. However, the ultimate decision-maker in the relationship is the client. This holds true with regard to whether or not to accept a job offer, to pursue an opportunity, or to include something on the master resume demo reel.