Meet Wendy Kram | Producer, Script and Entertainment Career Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Kram, the owner of WK Productions & L.A. FOR HIRE. Wendy is a producer and one of Hollywood’s leading script consultants. We’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

As a native New Yorker who loves the city she grew up in, I was contemplating moving back to Manhattan and looking for work as an executive for a production company. I was having a drink with an industry friend in Manhattan who said to me “Why don’t you start a consulting company? You’d be a great resource for those who are not as heavily entrenched in the industry, and are looking to break in and get their projects sold. Since you have a long history in the business with a wealth of industry relationships and understand how to navigate the business, you could be L.A. FOR HIRE.”

As I took the subway back to where I was staying, the idea began percolating. I envisioned the company name “L.A. FOR HIRE” along with a company logo — a director’s chair as that image epitomized the culmination of creative effort, e.g.  getting the project made.

By the time I exited the subway, I knew exactly what services I would offer and mapped out my company brochure and website.

Having worked as an executive at studio-based production companies where we made films such as FATHER OF THE BRIDE and the original BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER to serving as a VP and Producer at Hearst Entertainment and then later as an executive for UK’s Media Conglomerate Granada Entertainment, I knew I could apply my skills in scouting and developing material, packaging, pitching and selling to buyers on behalf of individuals and companies that didn’t have the same access and insider knowledge.

I have always loved working with writers and enjoy the creative process to help them fine-tune their craft and realize their vision.

Now with the ease of digital communication and our shift to a global economy, it’s become easier than ever to communicate with creatives from all over the world and pitch to Hollywood executives and agents.

Within 2 months of launching L.A. FOR HIRE, I was ranked by C.S. Magazine as one of the entertainment industry’s top script consultants.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

As a producer, I have extensive industry relationships and interface with agents, actors, directors, studio, network and streaming provider executives on a daily basis. Having firsthand knowledge of what attracts executives and talent to projects and what elements can turn them away is information I impart to my clients. I work with them to improve the quality of their scripts to make them more salable as well as build marketing strategies.

With a deep background studying classic literature, theater and film and over three decades working as an executive and producer in the entertainment industry, I understand the creative and business sides of developing, selling and making projects for film and television.

I have an infinite passion for storytelling and working with writers and directors to make impactful stories. And I love putting the pieces together. Once I have a property that’s ready to market, I identify which companies and talent would be the best fit and begin the submission and packaging process.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I’m a total foodie, so one of my favorite places is Gjusta in Venice. It’s my “go-to” for breakfast. I limit my consumption of bread but always make an exception here because they have the best breads in LA – sour dough rustic, baguettes and a sprouted, seeded bread. Everything they make is great. I’m partial to their loaded open faced bagels with lox because they smoke their own fish. Avoid weekends because the place is packed.

Other favorites – Walking along the bluffs in Santa Monica. The city did such a beautiful job with the park. It’s great to walk there at Sunset, then maybe stop by Blue Plate Oysterette.

Another favorite place is The Figtree Café on the Venice Board Walk. It’s my friend’s restaurant. The view of the ocean can’t be beat. They have very good food and compared to a lot of other places, it’s reasonable.

The Academy Museum is a must for visitors and even locals. We are after all in the epicenter of film and television. The Academy Museum offers the opportunity to explore the history of cinema, artists, directors, and performers who have made lasting impacts.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to give a special shout out to The Rocaberti Writers Retreat, the brainchild of Claire Elizabeth Terry. Claire is a talented writer in her own right as well as a pure spirit and creative visionary who created this wonderful retreat for screenwriters, novelists and playwrights…virtually anyone with a story they are passionate about telling and would like to turn into a theatrical film or television show. Claire carefully curates the program and picks fabulous settings, such as the 14th century Marouatte Castle in the heart of Southwestern France, just 2-1/2 hours outside of Paris. With terrific mentors who include producers of Oscar-winning films, literary managers, other industry executives, and award-winning directors and screenwriters, Rocaberti truly provides magical settings for writers who are seeking to fine-tune their craft and grow as artists. Many of the Rocaberti alumni describe their experiences as transformative.

Website: www.la4hire.com

Instagram: wendykram

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-kram/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/La4hirecom/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ToptRjJV6o&list=PLez8jOvskc-NlJep0vDU4RyAiSaClhDKa

Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm0469422/?ref_=search_search_search_result_1

Image Credits
Rocaberti Writers Retreat Geof Miller, Screenwriter Julie Merson, Producer Niall Johnson, Writer/Director, Film Courage Interview.