MORE FILM/MUSIC HIZOOK-UPS

Writers and Artists Agency partners Norman Aladjem, Marti Blumenthal and William Craver, whose clients include artists, writers, directors and producers such as Asia Argento, Sean Astin, Stephen J. Cannell, Vivica A. Fox, Darryl Hannah, William H. Macy, Damon Wayons and Robert Wuhl, among others, have announced a partnership with veteran music agent Dennis Arfa’s Artist Group International.

The talent agency and music booking firm/agency venture will be known as Writers and Artists Group International. Its goal will be to provide additional service opportunities for Writers and Artists’ clients in the areas of personal appearances and offer AGI-music based clients a crossover platform into the areas of film, television, book publishing and theatre representation.

Writers and Artists Agency was founded in New York in the early '70s as a noted boutique talent and literary agency, focusing on multi-disciplined actors, writers, directors and producers. In 1998, Aladjem, Blumenthal and Craver assumed senior leadership roles and managing interest in the agency, with Aladjem as Chairman/CEO, Blumenthal and Craver as agency partners and principal shareholders.

Artist Group International was formed as a wholly owned division of SFX Corporation after its acquisition of QBQ Entertainment, its predecessor companies and The Marquee Group in 1997. Dennis Arfa assumed the role as CEO and chairman of SFX’s Artist Group International. Prior to the purchase of SFX by Clear Channel Communications, AGI separated from SFX and today represents such noted artists as Billy Joel, Shakira, Metallica, Rod Stewart, Linkin Park, Rush, Rodney Dangerfield and Luther Vandross.

Aladjem indicated that "WAA and AGI will operate as their own unique brands with the parent company being the new entity Writers and Artists Group International. The intent is to provide our clients the same level of personalized service while offering them expanded opportunities in numerous arenas. And I can get good Linkin Park seats for my kids."

Arfa stated: "We have formed a partnership between our two businesses to bring added value to all of our clients. There is a natural fit with our corporate cultures and commitment to our clients. We are confident that we will complement each other very well. Maybe now I’ll get an invite to the Vanity Fair Oscar party at Morton’s."

Both firms maintain offices in New York and L.A.