I want to get an agent. I have some screenplays that are ready for the screen. Any pointers? I'm reading through the listings in Writers Market 2018, and it the literary agents who will handle screenwriters are few and far between. Is there a BETTER LIST I could send queries to?
Screenwriting : How To Get Representation by Gregory McGee
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You won't get an agent/manager - the agent/manager will get you. A personal, true story. I volunteered to work a few film festivals where I attended every screenwriter workshop & retreat that I could. They were given by film industry working folk and I made it a point to actively participate in the discussions. One afternoon during a bathroom break the presenting Literary Agent handed me his card and said that he'd like to read some of my stuff. That was over three decades ago and he's still my Agen to this day (he's made a few bucks off me.) So I think the answer to your question is; Write some DAMN GOOD stuff and float it around. It's all done in person.
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just pay to submit. Plenty of legit reps to choose.
The majority of NYC literary agents don't rep screenplays.
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Agencies have offices in nyc and la. Airfare is a cheap expense when you’re repped and employed.
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Most Hollywood literary agents do - at least the ones I know. (Book & Film deals combined).
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Thanks for the comments. I’m in Austin TX. Flying to LA or NYC is not something I can afford . However I’ve entered my script in 4 festivals, and paid for feedback from the judges. Hopefully I’ll get some useful input. I think my script is brrrrrillliant, of course. I’m looking forward to some opinions.
Hi Greg, Literary Agents are protected by walls writers are not meant to go through. It's tough. But I'm hopeful... If I succeed I'll be happy to tell you how I did it - if I did it!
Hi everyone - sorry about the duplication something seems to be wrong. This one may duplicate as well. -
Greg! - Doug Nelson is right... 'they find you'! You've just got to do all you can to lure them. - Laura is right... IMDbPro permits you to check them out. Be sure the one's you're targeting are (a) interested in receiving scripts (b) list the genre in which you work (c) have the capacity to handle your script i.e. done similar before - have the financial and distribution connections to get it done.
I don't know everything about this, only what I have done -- hopefully it will result in me getting signed.
PS. I think IMBd is around $150 a year - (?).
Good Luck with it all.
Sorry Greg... should read IMDb - you'd think I'd get it right - been on the site for about 5 years.
Hi Doug, we don't get to talk one-on-one often. But perhaps you can help; I have been contacted by a Lit Manager who likes my project [one], if... and its a huge IF... he likes it would he then take on all my scripts or should I continue to flog them to others?... and, how much time should I give before I realize he really isn't going to take it anywhere? Would greatly appreciate your time in answering these.
A friend went on a writer’s cruise. There are boat cruises where guests mingle with legit writers, producers, agents. A different & fun way to show business.
WOW Dan MaxXx really? How great! any more details?? Thank you!
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Enter screenplays into legit competitions and if yours get to finalists, you should have an easier time reaching out to agents...
Hi Ivo, have won a number of Festival but I think one needs to attend the events to gain mileage. I live in Oz - a little difficult to attend all Festivals I've gained Finalist and/or won. I'm hoping to make films out of some of my scripts this year. Sorry, this is not my blog and you may not have been directing to me at all. Sorry.