Screenwriting : Agents &/or Managers by Arial Burnz

From a practical standpoint, it's easier to obtain a manager than an agent.

That's good to know! Thanks, Eric!

A manager helps guide your work and get it (and you) prepared for whatever comes next. An agent sells your script.

What C Harris said. Also agree a manager might be easier to get than an agent. And to my understanding, a manager can also be a producer whereas an agent cannot produce. In my experience, I've had much more positive interaction with managers and producers as opposed to agents. I say reach out to producers over any other exec. The producers I've connected with have been much more open and willing to read my scripts than any other kind of exec.

John's contribution aside, managers and agents can't charge for their time. It speaks volumes when either read you, it's true. A manager is for the career trajectory for sure, the agent pens the deal and helps to keeps sharp eye out for all peripheral product possibilities in addition to the sale of the spec itself. Writers must take meetings and or MAKE meetings happen. Stage 32 helps the networking process in a marvelous way. Ok, gotta read now, stay frosty, kids.

Wonderful input from everyone! Thank you so much! I hear ya, John, but that money is definitely well spent. Agents and Managers work just as hard as writers do. They're your business partners, so their piece of the pie is WELL DESERVED! ;)

Can a manager have a better chance of helping you get an agent versus one on your own? I would assume they know more about how well and agent will match with the author they're repping...yes? I'm exploring the world of representation before I jump in. I still have screenplays to write before I approach anyone, but this is good to know when I have those scripts written!

Arial it is good to know, but if you haven't written a screenplay yet, you should probably just concentrate on the writing first. It's a long road between screenplays and representation, usually years. And most writers don't get repped until they've got several scripts under their belt. Although you do have some industry connections from what you've said so maybe you'll be able to land an agent or manager quickly.

Totally understood, Jody! And thank you for the caution. Believe me, I AM entrenched in writing AND studying the craft. I have one screenplay done, which I'm tweaking as I'm learning, half a stage play written (started a few days ago) and I'm also converting three of my short stories to screenplays, which are in various stages of drafts. Again...all in the two weeks I started doing this.

I'm one of those weird people who insanely multitasks and has more energy than nuclear power plant. Yeah, I know...sucks to be me. LOL

I'm finding a lot of the experience I've gained through the publishing industry is translating over. My biggest problem right now is jargon, protocol and screenplay formatting. I really do appreciate your concern and I do take it to heart. There's no way I'm approaching anyone until I get those screenplays written, formatting nailed and at least one short produced...which is also in the works. :D

Yes, a manager can not only help you get rep, they can get you rep when you need it, and the kind of representation which best fits your needs. That's part of what they do (as I have been told, I don't have a manager). :)

Ahhhh! That's also good to know. So I guess I'll keep my eyes open for a manager first. Duly noted. Again...not submitting or courting until I have screenplays.

I always had a WGA Agent and never had a manager. I know managers are easier to get but they aren't regulated so you have to be a little more careful when you hire one.

I don't really see any benefit in paying two people to do the same job. Managers aren't regulated so they can charge whatever they want and it is not unusual for one to to charge 15%. WGA Agents are regulated and they can only charge 10% and they can't charge anything up front. WGA Agents can usually get script in front of just about anyone in the business which is not always the case with Mangers. Good luck!

From what I understand, a manager is more long-term. They help guide your career -- give you advice on what projects to pursue, whether or not to focus on a specific genre or format, give you a kick in the butt to get you going or a shoulder to cry on, and that kind of thing. Agents might do that, but generally don't; they just handle the transaction(s). You wouldn't pay one up-front, though -- I don't think you pay one unless, and until, you sell something.

Here is Stephanie Palmer's blog on what an Agent wants "to see" in a screenplay.

https://goodinaroom.com/blog/how-to-write-a-screenplay-agents/

GREAT article, Dan!!! I just bought her book and I was going to see about taking some of her classes. Thanks for the article. That REALLY helps me focus on what to write!

Thanks for the additional input, Dan G!! Good to know all that and I will definitely keep my eyes open for any opportunity. Getting a clear understanding of their roles has helped, but I see there is some crossover in their roles...yes?

I took that as complicated and multiple plots?

Hmm, I guess "interweaving story lines" mean don't write a Tarantino-style movie?

^^^ That's an excellent point: These cats work for you. Hopefully in time, I can share some stories I can't really tell right now (should I be around) -- and not because I'm afraid or I'm kissing anyone's butt! Some of these folk are babies, and they're doing the best they can. It's (allegedly) a "creative" industry, and all of these things are subjective and dependent upon the people involved, the dynamics, the situation, the politics...

And you absolutely cannot send unsolicited to most places. I've had a very famous actor all but put his hand over my mouth and scream, "STOP DEVELOPING!" just for trying to... sell him on something he apparently wanted to do anyway. In my defense, he only got famous because he's pretty.

Arial. You are right there are some crossover in their roles. Personally I think if I was starting out today I would try to get a manager because they are more apt to take on a screenwriter that doesn't yet have a track record and work with them. Just my own pinion of course.

From what I understand Arial, a manager is more of a career guide (who can also charge a larger percentage - usually 15% - sometimes 20%) who can open doors... while an agent initially just wants to sell your work a la carte (and in California charge 10% as required by CA law for licensed agents... which you can find/request a free list of... from the Writer's Guild of America).

It's all about bypassing that "no unsolicited material" thing with a third party to represent you... and be the "bad cop" to your "good cop" when negotiating your best deal possible while keeping you and the studio/producer on excellent creative terms).

You then want to add an entertainment attorney... who may charge hourly or 5% of your deal. An entertainment attorney told me that paying the hourly fee (even if it's $500 per hour) is always cheaper if you sell a six-figure script.

Honestly, lawyers should have a limit to what they can charge per hour. It's INSANE and way out of hand, but I won't finish that rant. (grumbles)

Thank you, gentlemen, for all of your input. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open and ear to the ground for manager or agent opportunities.

And you can bet your tushies I'll be sending private messages to a lot of you when I eventually get someone to bite. I want to do my research and find out what the word is on someone. You all have been doing the screenplay thing longer than I have and I'm sure you've heard the stories and whispers behind the hands about certain reputations. Though I'll be doing my homework, word of mouth is something that will help me weigh my options. We're in this together, right?

UPDATE: Squeee!!!! Almost finished with my second script and I am just jumping up and down in my seat as I write. OMG SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Gawd, I feel like a kid again!)

Brian. It’s the WGA that sets what an Agent can charge not the State of California so I it makes no difference where an WGA Agent is located. I am not sure why anyone would with an Agent.

I’m not sure why someone would want to hire an entertainment attorney if they have WGA Signatory Agent because the WGA Attorneys will review the contract for free and they do a great job of it.

Arial. Congrats!!!

Aaaaaaaand....DONE with first draft! Woot! Two short film scripts done in three weeks. (Hot Rod Haunting - 18 pages)

Going to let it sit while I work on a few administrative and marketing stuff for my best friend (fellow author). Need to get her drip campaign going for an upcoming release she has.

Then I dive into edits for the 2nd script. This is a horror...light at first...but ends reeeeeally creepy with a twist ending that STILL gives me chills. I do love a good whiplash twist at the end. TTFN!!

Dan, I bow to your expertise and experience... thanks for clarifying. Arial... you go girl!

Thank you, Brian!!! :D

Looks like Arial already has the writing skill. It won't take her long to get up to snuff on the screenplay. (Disclaimer: I'm not her agent or manager!) :)

Arial - why don't you post your scripts on your profile - I'd love to read 'em and provide a little feedback if you'd like.

Interweaving story lines are the process of seamlessly weaving the A story, the B story, the C story... into the whole. Watch The Hurt Locker.

Hey, Doug!! I actually have one up there now - Mystery Shoppers - adapted from a short story I published. I've posted the logline for the next screenplay (Hot Rod Haunting - another one of my short stories), but it's going through edits. Once I get that one done, I'll post that.

Thanks for your vote of confidence, Jeff! (Arial slips Jeff a $20)

I'm wondering if the term interweaving story line means between movies versus in a single movie.

Owen - Who in the world ever told you that you should avoid showing stories with multi tiered story/plot sub stories? That's nutz! Multi layering/intertwining story lines are the sign of a skilled screenwriter.