
UTA TV literary agent Elise Henderson is leaving the agency for a job as head of the television division of Nicholas Sparks Productions. Sparks, who is a UTA client, and his publishing agent and creative partner Theresa Park launched the company in April with a two-year, first-look deal at Warner Horizon Television. Henderson will oversee all development of series and other TV projects based on Sparks’ novels. “We are absolutely thrilled by Elise’s decision to shepherd our brand-new television venture,” Sparks said. “Her energy, skills and wide-ranging industry relationships are already yielding incredible opportunities for NSP in the world of television.” Henderson joined the TV lit department of UTA in 2009. Before that she was a rising TV agent at William Morris Agency but was caught in the wave of layoffs following the WMA-Endeavor merger. “Elise will be a terrific steward of the Nicholas Sparks brand in television,” said Jay Sures, managing director of UTA, “She’s been a great part of the UTA team, and fortunately it won’t feel like she has traveled far.”
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Elise is a dream to work with. This is an exciting move for her, but her soon-to-be former clients are losing a wonderful agent!
Seems like a lot of agents leaving UTA lately….does no one want to move in to their new building?
Elise is the best. She’s going to be fantastic in her new role. Congratulations to her!
Elise is wonderful. Excited for her, but selfishly I’m disappointed to lose such a talented and caring agent.
Way to go Elise!! Big congrats to you.
If you told me Stephen King was opening a production company – I get it, but Nicholas Sparks? – makes no sense.
Say what you will, but the fact is that Sparks is big money.
The guy is an industry. People have launched prodcos with considerably less bona fides.
Sparks has already had seven of his books made into films. We all know there’s no guarantees in this business, but this is hardly a nonsensical idea.
“there are no guarantees” (sigh) caffeine and proofreading don’t mix well
Great move – at least for anyone who wants to go from getting 70+ calls a day to getting about 3.
She was the only classy person in TV lit at UTA. I’m sure she’s happy to be out that locker room.
I’m happy for Elise but bummed she’s leaving. Hardly a bunch of rocket scientists over there with Matt Rice and Jay Sures running the show in TV.
The best agent I ever had. I’m very happy for her but so sorry to see her go.
This is a great pairing. Elise is brilliant, and Nicholas is lucky to have her!
Elise is one of the nicest people working in this industry. I’ll wish her well but I know she won’t need it.
Elise was a rarity in the agent world – bright, hard-working, genuine and utterly devoid of snark. I will always be grateful for the key role she played in getting my show on the air – and especially for her vision, intelligence, keen instincts and warm personality. Mr. Sparks is indeed “the lucky one.”
I’m so sad she’s leaving! The agent mentality at UTA is Sammy Glick personified. She was the real deal. The one bright spot. I wish her nothing but success.
I have known Elise since she was an assistant at William Morris and her work ethic, compassion for her clients, and artistic integrity were impeccable and remain so today. One of the real good ones! Fully deserves whatever success she obtains!! I think that she will enjoy being out from under the restrictions of the agency world. I know I am!!