So, Just how exactly do new screenwriters go about finding an agent? Everywhere I call says that they are not looking for new clients or that they don't accept or look at unsolicited works.
I mean. I understand that you should never give up and that you should always continue to look but, It's very depressing, to say the least, constantly dealing with rejection. I could handle having an agent read my script and then telling me flat out that my script sucks better than being told that they are not interested in even looking at it.
Are there any agents out there that take on new screenwriters?
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Hi Rod
It is a strange thing. But agents only want to rep people that are “ money in the bank”. They are not investing time in developing people, because they may invest in the wrong writer.
So, is finding a manager a better route to go then? Don't manager's charge you for there help?
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Yes they do. But you can improve by yourself. There are plenty of posts about finding work and selling scripts.
This is an industry with a super low barrier to entry. Therefore you have to rise above the noise made by all the people “giving it a try” or that “ have a great idea for a movie”.
You can win some contests, shoot a short film, find a filmmaker and help them out. Anything that builds your reputation. Only you know what will work for you.
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This question comes up almost every week; asked by new/entry level screenwriters and constantly answering the same question over & over gets a little old. Might I suggest S32 create a new FAQ forum to cover these more common concerns?
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Doug - You're not required to answer them.
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Hey Rod,
Dan is right. It's almost impossible to land an agent without having sold or set something up, or step out with a string of strong contest placements and/or wins. That's just the game. After the dust-up with the WGA, things have tightened up a bit, too.
I wouldn't say it's a lot easier to get a manager--neither is easy--but managers will help develop your career if you've got something special; it's typical for writers to land managers before agents. Managers typically want to see at least two completed market-friendly pieces. You aren't just pitching your work, but yourself as a writer, so know your brand (they'd rather see those samples be within a certain genre). With managers, too, contest placements will help garner attention. While you'll hear arguments on both sides of this one: it's also going to be very difficult to get representation if you don't live in L.A. When the ball gets rolling, your reps need to know you can get to meetings on short notice. If you have created some buzz around your work (via contests, produced shorts, etc) you might be able to find someone, but it's going to take a heck of a lot of calling and rejection. So there are a lot of hurdles--and rejection comes copiously with the process--but don't be daunted by hurdles, just understand them and keep running!
C
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"Cream rises to the top" is the saying that from what I can tell is at play here. Agents are looking to skim the cream and they allow all the rest of us to do the filtering.
So what we do is build networks of people who we read and who read us, we collaborate with, enter competitions here or there, etc. and eventually, if our scripts (plural) are of a very high quality, then at that point people become involved who want to represent you.
It's a long and arduous road. Requires continuing improvement of self and craft and an acknowledgement that we have to earn it and even then it might not happen. It might take years to a decade to get to that place.
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I honestly think outside of the great advice already posted that a show reel is a good way to get seen. If you are writing, then write something a film student might be able to film for you. A half dozen show reels for five shorts will really help you get seen. Todays youngsters are creating their own channels, their own websites and becoming a brand before they ever leave film school. So approach them, If you have cash to through at the production all the better. Look what Edgar Wright did as a student. There are new Edgar Wrights, all looking for exposure. All with talent, so find them write for them and you get your work out there. If they go further, they remember you and if you do they it's a win win for them too.
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The best comment on this kind of question was.
An agent isn’t a goal or achievement. They are a service that you should get when you need it.
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A producer I spoke with said it best: Agents are like sharks, they show up when there's blood in the water.
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Jeff = you're correct in that I'm not required to and there are a few in here who would just as soon I don't...I'm beginning t agree with 'em.
That wasn’t advice from me. Just want I have seen.
On a personal note... I would perhaps approach someone after my next indie completes or if I had a project that need bigger production money.
I am expecting that a producer will ask me to get an agent or lawyer to keep recognitions out of the relationship.
When I need a rep in a country I can’t attend readily or when Skype doesn’t cut it. I’ll look for a rep. When I need help with work. I don’t think I would use them to find me work, even though that may happen.
I am Skyping into rehearsals in New Jersey and I am in Sydney. So communication isn’t as hard as it was a decade ago.
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For starters I highly recommend using WGA.org Agent list. https://apps.wga.org/agency/agencylist.aspx (If you haven't already). Research each agent. Many have websites and more importantly Submissions info. There are several WGA registered agents that are accepting scripts IF you follow their directions. This doesn't mean these are the only agents you should be looking into, but it is always a good way to start. Research the agents and see what they are looking for.
Every few years I purchase a literary agent guide via my local Barns and Noble. What I love about these books is that each agent literally tells you what they are looking for and more importantly what you need to do to send a script to them.
Another way of getting an agent to read your script is by networking. Several years ago I was part of a web forum for Electric Entertainment, the production company run by Dean Devlin. I had a project that I thought he'd be interested in. I found out who his agent was and then I contacted him via his forum. He gave me permission via his CAA contact. I e-mailed his agent's secretary and she set up everything.
Now a days it is relatively easy to connect with movers and shakers via Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram (Although Twitter is my fav source). Follow people that you like. I've had several really cool convos with movie producers, screenwriters, and other folks in the industry. If they like you, it can open a door.
Breaking into Hollywood is an uphill battle, but that doesn't mean its impossible.
Dan Guardino so many people think an agent is a step. There are a lot of questions like that.
Actually, from what I have read on here (this web site not this post) they actually have pitch sessions that you can set up with actual production executives by clicking on script services.
It cost 35.00 to do but, you choose from different executives by the genre that they specialize in and set up an hour and a half appointment with them eighther via Skype, over the phone or you can choose to send a two page written pitch to them by email. The written pitch is basically a quarry letter and a story break down where you introduce your characters to them.
Eighter was you are actually talking to someone who if they're interested will take it to the next level and possibly further.
I am actually considering giving it a go myself.
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Ok so to get the great and powerful one, you first have to follow a road that has a strange sunny glow to it.. It must be because up ahead is golden or something. Then along the way you will meet a man with no heart, and man with no brain. Yep your definitely on the right road. Oh and then of course you find a stray cat who is just a right royal pain in the arse, " Siri where's the nearest cats home? " Of course, he's there to remind you constantly to " stay on target" because if you don't you'll let everyone down and the whole of the Rebel Alliance will be destroyed, but I digress..
Along the road you'll meet lots of nasty monkeys hell bent on pushing you off the tracks, or sometimes their boss who seriously needs to take a bath and chill pill. With your new mates along for the ride, hoping to find their own special box of happiness, you eventually make it to the...land of opportunity.
The Angels greet you and in you go. But wait oh no! there's no one home, the great and powerful one is in meetings until 2057! With wit and guile you find the allusive one dining at The Ivy ( is that still the thing ) and you convince him to help you. Which he does but well that pesky hag right, oh no wait the hag bought it I forgot, That's what you get for being a dirty girty. Anyhoo, things go belly up for reasons I can't recall.
That " good" witch pops back in after letting you suffer for what seem like forever. She says oh my dear just click those shoes and they will take you to where you truly desire to be. What ? these shoes you gave me back when you subcontracted that hit on your evil sister? These shoes? You could have saved us all a lot of effort love. Alas you wouldn't have made such good friends though. Sure there were some evil monkeys but they were just working for the big man dude. They're unemployed now so well done you!
With your new found friends you click your heels and find yourself transported to what looks like a western set. By gum by golly your only on your own show set! dreams really do come true. Of course it could have happened a lot quicker if that "good" witch had made the intro in the beginning but maybe the journey had some important shit in it. Like becoming an unwitting assassin for a witch hell bent on Oz domination. You certainly needed, a brain, a heart and that courage to get there. Oh and a pair of magic shoes won't hurt either.
Can someone please clearly define 'A-list Actor (Director, Writer, Producer...)' for me. Must be my old-timer's disease flaring up because I just don't remember.
As to finding/landing/capturing an Agent (this is a general observation/statement and should not be taken as a specific): You don't. If your writing is 'worthy' and exposed, an Agent will hunt you down. You are the source of his livelihood.
if your name alone is guaranteed to put a MAJOR boost in ticket sales, you're an A list actor in my opinion.
there are people in the world who would pay ten bucks to watch Leonardo DiCaprio make snow angels for 2 hours.
The “I googled you and found zilch” schtick is pretty tired. It says less about the person you’re targeting and more about your lack of creative problem-solving.
Doubt Leonardo would do it for $10 bucks lol
The art of the deal
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Children do we really have to name call and resort in diminishing peoples talent. A listers are A listers because somewhere along the road someone wrote, directed and produced something that made them so. Until that happened they were actors and probably damn proud just to be working. Sometimes I wonder if any of you really understand this shit can come back to bite you on the arse. Play nicely because it's embarrassing to have to see grown ass people fighting in the sand pit. As always peoples posts get high jacked like this. Help people or don't but leave the mans post out of this constant bickering. Maybe do something productive like oh I don't know... WRITE!
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Well said Karen
End of the day Rod...don't give up or lose hope , everyone has a time to shine and it will happen if you remain hopeful and if it doesn't at least you tried.
Each to his/her own thoughts good luck with your research Erik
lol no offence taken , its how we learn :)
Nothing worth seeing here...time to mosey on.
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These posts are a bit bizarre. I kinda would like to see kindness here, or at least reserved professionalism. I doubt something would degenerate this way in real life.
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When a thread goes left of center and bickering like children ensues, asking where the Stage 32 moderators are isn't the answer. We expect our members to step up with integrity and be respectful. If they can't be and resort to name-calling, it speaks to their character. We can't change their character. We can only ask that they step away from the thread and release their frustration off the platform.
Everyone here is entitled to their opinion. But I encourage you, gentlemen, to show your professional side. Because the unprofessional side is the one that people will remember, and I don't think that is what you want.
Wishing you all a safe, happy, and healthy 4th.