UK talent agency representing broadcasters, writers and presenters
“Hedda Archbold and I have worked together for over a decade, during which period I have found her to be an invaluable ally. Offering unwavering support, excellent advice and incomparable organisational skills, her passion for doing the job properly is unmatched, and her ability to get it done extraordinary. Frankly, I’d trust her with my life.”
Mark Kermode
William Ayot is a poet, author, coach, teacher and ritualist. He works with individuals and groups to explore leadership through poetry, performance and ritual. He is currently Poet-in-Residence at Saïd Business School, Oxford University and sits on the board of Literature Wales. William is a Member of the Welsh Academi, a Fellow of the Guild of Mythodrama Practitioners, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts & Manufactures. He lives with his wife, Juliet Grayson Ayot, in a restored Monmouthshire Gentry House near Chepstow, South East Wales.
Simon Brew is a maverick writer and editor. He is the founder and editor of Film Stories, a monthly print magazine, a weekly podcast, a YouTube channel and a series of live events. Previously he conceived, launched and edited denofgeek.com. Simon writes and edits trade and consumer titles such as Minecraft World magazine, in the areas of film, gaming, mental health, IT and TV – and Kevin Costner. He hosts Q&As, panels and live events and his company handles full editorial production of magazines and websites.
“I’ve worked with Hedda for many years and I am proud to call her my agent. She’s clever, committed, informed, inspired and inspiring, always on hand with sound professional advice. Her knowledge of film and media is superb – and she’s great company to boot.”
Anna Smith, film journalist and Chair of the Film Critic’s Circle
Author Naomi Clifford was interviewed about her book The Disappearance of Maria Glenn for the October 2016 issue of Your Family History magazine. You can read the piece by visiting Naomi’s website.
HLA Agency is pleased and proud that Naomi Clifford’s excellent non-fiction read The Disappearance of Maria Glenn has been published by Pen & Sword. The first reviews are in:
Naomi Clifford brings this story of abduction and the aftermath in Regency Somerset brilliantly to life. Her style is as readable as her research is thorough. It is a fascinating look at the life of ordinary people transformed by a single event with devastating consequences. Read it!
The Business of Film is a carefully researched, beautifully argued, elegantly presented case in point.
It is always a pleasure to hear Observer film critic Mark Kermode talking about film. Whether you agree with him or not – and I know plenty who don’t – his passion and gift for performance lift his opinions above the usual movie obsessive. He’s also a great interviewer, though this is often forgotten… This was an interesting programme, absolutely packed with information without being too overwhelming.
BBC 5 live’s popular film review programme, presented by Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo, has been nominated for a prestigious prize.
Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review has been shortlisted for the Radio Programme of the Year in the Broadcasting Press Guild’s awards.
Broadcast every Friday afternoon on 5 live since 2001, the film show takes a look at the latest movie releases and news from the film world.
The podcast of the show has been downloaded more than 50 million times and is one of the BBC’s most popular podcasts.
Controller of 5 live, Jonathan Wall, said:
We’re in the middle of the Hollywood awards season so it’s fitting Simon and Mark are nominated for an award of their own. The programme is on top form – anyone who heard Mark giving his thoughts on the 50 Shades of Grey movie would agree with that. The show has become a firm fixture not just for film fans but for lovers of great radio, which is why the nomination is so richly deserved.
The show is made for 5 live by independent production company Somethin’ Else. The awards will be presented on Friday 13 March 2015.
“Hedda Archbold is the real deal, one of the best kept secrets in British TV and radio. She is more than an agent: she is a talent-spotter, adviser, impresario, consigliere, producer, format shaper, buddy, manager, sherpa and guide through the media jungle. She is ace to work with, fun to be with, and a winner.”
Eddie Morgan, producer at Northern Town and former editor of The Culture Show
“Hedda cares passionately about her clients and she combines that with a very professional relationship with stakeholders. I have worked with her for six years and we have always maintained healthy respect for each other – even when the going got tough.”
Jonathan Wall, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra