Hello! Just a question as I am a rookie at this - seeking an agent to shop my scripts to appropriate producers. I recently had a phone conversation (no one on here that I am aware of) with a self-described "script agent." I had sent several emails to agencies that claimed that they were accepting new clients, and this man responded. Everything sounded good until he got to the part about charging a $500 "consultancy fee" for one year to allow him prepare materials to shop to producers, then 10% of the sale, if there is one. Is this the norm for agents to charge any type of fees? As a published author, I know that an author never pays to be published unless that author so chooses to go the vanity route. Not sure how the script agent business is set up? Any help is much appreciated!!
Screenwriting : Fees? by John J Zelenski
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6 people like this
No. Tell that dude you'll talk to him never.
2 people like this
it is maybe not nrom but can be common but check the agents ability to produce results .. don't just hand over money with no proof he is worth it .. a good agent is worth 5000 if he makes you millions, right? just make sure he has the connections to get your work out there. no one works for free .. and the better you are at your job is the more you want for your work .. so think about it like that and you are still looking at a 90-10 split I would question the fee of the % is same as everyone else .. that's the question .. and what studios has he worked with in the past and has a good relationship with still .. who has he handled and what work he got deals for .. what films has he got served out to the point of at least preproduction of post ? ask all this and if he is in willing to give answers then you don't hire .. remember they still work for you .. like a lawyer ..
5 people like this
The reality is, there's a high influx of screenplays and a low output of talent. This leaves new writers whatever their talent, open to being scammed. Charging fees outside of the norm, certainly isn't standard practice amongst well thought of agents. I'd pass.
2 people like this
Thank you all for the input!
4 people like this
Scam artist. Any agent who charges up front is someone running a quick con on gullible people. Caveat Emptor, my friend
5 people like this
No! Run away!
5 people like this
It's a scam, just don't respond. Real agents do not charge writers to represent them.
6 people like this
It’s illegal for agents to charge but Ive noticed a new trend of Managers/Producers/Life Coaches/Entertainment law firms charging for reads or parlay Consultant services to writers.
My 2cent advice- speak to working writers. Actors. Crew. Your peers. Ask for referrals. We’re supposed to earn income from corporations, not from each other.
2 people like this
Thank you to all...I had some red flags immediately go up when the agent mentioned fees, so I am glad I asked here.