I don't have an agent. Last year I sent out query letters to major producers for my screenplay - Ringling. Almost all were returned and I bet every screenwriter knows why - they don't accept "unsolicited material." I certainly understand and I was really excited when Martin Scorsese asked his manager Chris Donelly to hear what I had. Unfortunately I made the big mistake of giving him the treatment instead of the script (I had just finished a read of my draft #1 of the script and was nervous that it wasn't ready). They passed, by my heart still beats a little louder when I re-experience the moment. I have been fortunate to be able to get producers through networking to request the script when we have mutual acquaintances. Recently, however, a producer working for a [giant name] production company asked me if I had an agent. When I told him I didn't he replied "when you do have one I want to read "Ringling." The name Ringling goes a long way and is a hook for a pitch on it's own. HERE IS THE PROBLEM: every time I approach an agent they tell me that I need to have had an optioned and or produced screenplay before they will consider taking me on as a client. It's a real dilemma: no production no agent/ no agent no production. I would like to hear from screenwriters how they have been able to break through this barrier and get an agent.
Screenwriting : A true Catch 22 by Michael D. Lancaster
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Michael...Been awesome speaking to you the last few days and learning more about RINGLING. Can I ask why you are going after an agent first and not a manager?
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Thanks for asking Richard. Only because this particular producer asked if I had an agent. Actually a friend here in Santa Fe who has been working on Longmire has a mentor who is a manager and he has put out an inquiry to that manager on my behalf. I am looking for someone who can get me in the door. The right door. I have had some good mentors in writing, but I really don't know how the business works. I have read numerous articles, blogs, and books. However, it still seems that I need to have the right things happen at the very right moment.
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I would definitely seek a manager first. You want someone that is going to help guide you and put you (and your work) in the best position to succeed.
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Thanks RB - since your last reply I went and read 5 new blog posts on the subject. I see where you are going and it makes sense. Now how do I...?
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1) I second Manager. 2) I have had meetings at every studio with probably most of the production companies on the lots without an agent or manager. Queries can work.
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This is an interesting thread...I too cannot seem to snag a manager (forget about agent LOL)
I do have a query before a manager. In my recent exploration I discover that managers often act very differently than an agent, but can do what an agent does. I still don't have any real direction on an approach. Will it mean anything to a manager that a really important production company is asking me to get an agent or representation?
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More to the point, I would question going out with a query before you have a finished script. Nail the script, then shop it.
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^^ agree with Erik. Nail the script. I don't have a Manager/Agent and I sent my script to a Top 5 Agency in LA. Their website/company policy says 'NO UNSOLICITED SCRIPTS...." blah, blah, blah. Read in-between the legal lines, "NO UNSOLICITED SCRIPTS... unless it's good." that's Hollywood!
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Yes - thank you Dan & Erik. I have now written writer's draft 4 of the script. I am happy with it - however could work again and again rewriting. My mother was a 20th Century master portrait painter. She used to say there comes a time when you need to put down the brushes and walk away from the canvas.
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I forgot to mention what helped me was that failure with Martin Scorsese's manager. I went back and reread my script and hated it. I decided I needed to loosen up - somehow. Then it hit me: I had come up with a log line for a horror movie. I sat down that week and began writing it. The title - INK. Log line: One day in Nogales a young TV intern goes on the most violent adventure of her life when mutant flesh eating insects attack tattooed people. I had a blast! It helped me to loosen up - esp because Ringling, my family story, had been over 30 years of my life - in the making. I just let go and had fun and explored and found my voice.