Screenwriting : What next? Need advice.. by Matthew Walsh

Congrats. Agents and Managers will probably want “repeat business” to use a term. They will probably be interested in someone that can produce consistently. That is where the advice “have something else to show them” comes from.

I have never used a service. So this may be dumb. They have you a recommend, ask them. Who would they recommend you to?

Again, well done.

it's just a writing sample. Maybe spec a current tv series similar to your original pilot and use both samples to solicit Reps for tv staffing jobs. Practice writing fast turnarounds like two weeks to write an episode, practice writing long outlines & treatments too.

I'll use my writing friend as an example. She wants to write tv; she has about 5 or 6 original spec pilots. She gave her spec to a showrunner and the showrunner loved her sample, passed sample to a Manager and after one phonecall the manager signed her. Now, she is auditioning for tv staff jobs. The spec got her into the game. She knows and her Manager knows she isnt ready to create a tv show but she is ready to work in a writers room.

Do you have a look book ready?

Which script service? Stage 32 send recommended stuff out to a pool of industry members. Plus, if it's Stage 32 (from a named professional) or ScriptReader Pro, you can get your script highlighted on Script Revolution.

As soon as you know Matthew, please let me know!

Hey guys, thanks for the awesome insight/responses. Very interesting Dan MaxXx , I'll try to look into that idea.

1. Yes, I have a show bible written (16 pages).

2. The recommend came from Script Reader Pro.

I've also pitched this Pilot to a seasoned actor with 120+ credits to his name (Lethal Weapon, Bad Boys, CSI, 24, Last Ship, and more) and he loved the script and sent it to his agent and said he'd sign on for a role if its picked up. So we'll see if that goes anywhere.

I guess I'm just, in the interim, trying to see "what" I can do while I wait... and get a Screenwriter Manager or Agent.

I also have 4 Feature scripts written that do well in competitions and with feedback services. So I definitely feel I have the chops to attract someone... I just need to know where/how to fish.

Matthew Walsh congratulations on all your success! Echoing what CJ Walley said, I would submit it to get a recommend through Stage 32, then you get into their look book. Also, I'd use Stage 32 to pitch - if you have five projects ready to go - pitch away! If your doing contests and nothing is coming from it, then I would probably stop doing that, and consider a different avenue. Is it possible for you to ask the actor for a meeting with his agent? Between this site and Script Revolution it seems like someone as talented like you will just have to pitch and prod...and in the meantime you can consider writing a micro-budget or short to start building credits or even a sizzle reel/trailer. Remember - have fun! (And take my calls when you're famous!)

Hi, Matthew Walsh! CONGRATS on your RECOMMEND! That's amazing! May I suggest emailing Jason Mirch (j.mirch@stage32.com)? He's the Director of Script Services here at Stage 32. He is amazing at guidance in the next steps for your career and is so helpful.

Thank you Noel Thompson and CJ Walley /others -- This is my 2nd month with Stage 32, so I'm still feeling it out. I'm hesitant to fully devote my heart and wallet to them, since so many other services promise the same sort of exposure... the last thing I want is to spend more money that'll eventually lead to nothing new.

But so far, yes, it sounds like @stage32 actually gets people noticed and signed, so I'll try a stage32 coverage on my Pilot and see if the Recommend carries through.

I'm currently writing my 5th Feature, a micro budget, that has a director, DP, and crew signed on to film as soon as I finish the script. And yes, Noel Thompson, I'll take your call (and everyone's!) :)

Thank you Monica Mansy , I'll hit him up ... I still have that "small town boy" in me, where I fear feeling like I'm a bother or overstepping, lol. ... definitely need to get out of that habit if I'm ever going to make it in Hollywood.

Oh, please don't feel that way, Matthew Walsh! Jason is just as nice as they come. He heads up our Writers' Room here on Stage 32 and is just the best. I've been on a mentor call with him and have asked him so many questions throughout my career and he's so kind and encouraging.

Matthew Walsh, if you upload your script to Script Revolution and send me proof of the Script Reader Pro recommendation, it will be highlighted in all listings. You don't have to upload the script pdf itself if you don't want to and it's 100% free.

Matthew. I don't know why you want to keep submitting to competitions/festivals if you are looking for representation. You might try picking up the phone and calling managers and agents if you really want one.

Cool, Matthew, what is your endgame? To write for television?

Now, streamers do shorter eps per series, it's harder to climb up the tv ladder. (Helps if you can act, produce, direct, or own a best-selling book adapted to a tv series).

Here's the sequence/steps of staff titles:

Staff Writer

Story Editor

Executive Story Editor

Co-Producer

Producer

Supervising Producer

Co-Executive Producer

Executive Producer/Showrunner

CJ Walley oh, dang, thank you! I'll message you. I've never used Script Revolution (I'm very new to all of this). I sincerely appreciate the guidance, it's very helpful to me - and hopefully others reading this.

Dan Guardino ha, yeah, i'm starting to learn that expensive lesson - I've never tried calling a Manager, I was under the impression you needed to win something, etc, before you could get their attention. I'll try the more direct approach, respectfully of course.

Dan MaxXx thanks for that breakdown, I've never actually seen that, thank you! good education. As for my endgame, I just love writing/telling-stories... I prefer to write Features and but wouldn't be opposed to the occasional TV show if I connect with the story/characters. If I can be successful enough, I'd definitely like to get into the production side of things too.