Nearly every week in the screenwriting forum, I see something like this:
I’ve written a couple of fantastic screenplays and now I need an agent. How do I get one?
During the last six years, I’ve endeavored to put my work out to as many folks as possible. I’ve never had an agent or a manager; nor have I had anyone offer to take on the job of representing me as a writer for my large body of work. What I have is ten option and right to shop agreements under my belt with different parties, including an agreement with De Pass Jones Entertainment https://www.depassejones.com/.
In other words, I’ve secured people with connections to represent me on specific projects. And, I’m currently working with a producer to get a pilot and show bible into a major cable television network. Last year, I answered a blind ad for a treatment writer and wound up briefly working with a well-known television actor with a main role on an ABC sitcom. My point is that if an agent wanted to sign me up, I’d sure as hell be open to discussion. However, I spend little trying to secure an agent or manager.
Yesterday, I writer I know with several films to his credit told me he needs a new agent. However he doesn’t want to share the proceeds of a six figure deal he negotiated last week. And, why should he? He did all the work to secure this opportunity. He really only needs help reviewing the contract. I mean think about it. This writer just completed a film with a famous actor and doesn’t have a manager that wants to represent him.
In spite of having no representation, I currently have several scripts being reviewed by indie producers, a production company and possibly a network. I’ve stated many times I’ve had work in front of big players because I’ve developed a long term relationship with a producer I met via Inktip. He works with other writers but still comes back to me when he’s in a pinch for a quick turnaround. After I finished polishing some projects yesterday, I worked late into the evening sending queries to producers looking for various other projects. I do this because I’m certain if I wait for someone to make things happen, I’ll wind up with cobwebs covering my body.
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You & I been readin' the same playbook. The worlds full of talkers but there are damn few doers out there.
Doug:
Definitely.
I often say I have the same agent as Bill Murray, who has never had representation. You call his voice mail. If he rings back, you can negotiate with him.
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Great post, Phillip! Thanks!
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Jim Boston: You're most welcome.
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I aspire to have this same work ethic and mindset Phillip. If I get an agent, great! But, I'm not going to sit waiting for someone to come along to do the work for me. I'm going to put myself out there with all the effort I have.
Congrats on all of your accomplishments, bro. It's both motivating, and inspiring reading your journey.
Thanks for the insight. I never thought about it this way!
There are about 9000 un-repped WGA writers. They're finding work.
MaxXxy: Thanks for constantly keeping it real and presenting good information for others.
Personally I think it's a lot better to do it yourself. Rep yourself and find other like minded folks as a support/partnership opportunities. 99% of industry just wants to buy you out for fractions of pennies on the dollar, then turn around and make millions after they remove you and put someone else's name on it. Essentially you are helping their decades long monopoly. Get out there and make those connections, embrace the adventure and find out what you are really made of.
I don't know why some always bad mouth Agents. They gotta be doing something right to earn commissions.
Derek: Thank you! You too.
I agree somewhat Dan, but there are also the folks who self sustain in that regard. If you do your homework and don't mind hundreds of hours of meetings and conference calls, you can do anything an agent can.
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I work for an agency in the late 80’s for a year. They specialised in actors and extras. It was a numbers game. We tended to focus on the relationships with the production companies. If they didn’t call no one ate.
An agency is the true definition of a middle man. They are supposed to do the grunt work for both sides. Just like being the manager for a band, which I have also done when I was a younger man.
They are a person, not a thing to collect or aspire to obtain. If they do not serve a purpose do not get one.
I don't begrudge my Agent at all - he's done me good and sure saved me a lot of shoe leather and time. He's well worth his %.
I can dig it Dan G. I've met some decent ones and some that are a detriment to those they represent. I've just always preferred to make the connections myself.
Dan - I agree fully (I do the same).