Screenwriting : Writer's Manager and agents by Simon O'Corra

Hi there, Simon! You're in the right place as we certainly have numerous managers and agents who are a part of the Stage 32 community, and they're all fantastic. How are you feeling about your portfolio at present?

My portfolio is great thank you, I have gotten a long way on my won but now I wish to have others doing the graft of placing my works as I continue to write

I second Angela Cristantello's suggestion. Also, there are a few webinars about how to attract one. This one with Audrey Knox is a fantastic introduction: https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/classes/Stage-32-Screenwriting-Cla...

You might try getting a list from the WGA. As far as managers go I have no idea because I never wanted one so I never looked for one.

Write something someone with clout, ideally in the film industry, vouches your work. Or win/place in a major contest. Last year’s number 1 black list spec script was a semi-finalist for Nicholls contest; the writer cold-queried a manager/producer.

1) Start by looking.

2) Agents negotiate deals, so you are probably looking for a manager.

3) Take your list of recent sales and scripts that have gone out wide, and find the managers who handle material in your genre that you think might be a good fit for your work.

4) Query them with each new screenplay until they cave and ask to read something. 5) Some management companies have open submissions online. For the others - target the specific manager and figure out their email address. It's a combination of initials and full names usually. So I might be WMartell or WilliamM or maybe my middle initial is in there. @ the management company. Trial and error - but if you find one email address you can crack the code.

6) You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure that your script is ready. Read your 5 favorite screenplays, then read yours. Is one of those things not like the others?

7) Just keep plugging away.

8) While you are at it, query Production Companies that regularly make movies like your script.

9) There is no number 9.

10) The most important thing in your query is your logline - which needs to show that mind blowing amazing idea at the center of your script.

Good luck!

I've read many threads from managers on Twitter and other social media sites. The #1 take-away is that managers almost never take on clients from cold queries.

They are all about referrals. And this is all about relationships. Either through a friend (again, a relationship) who's repped, or - very much less common - through a forum (like S32's Script Services) where you meet and pitch a manager.

It's still about developing a relationship, even in that circumstance; the rep wants to get to know you, to determine if you both click with each other.

Production companies often DO respond to cold queries - but, again, they're gonna want to build a relationship before really moving forward.

Just my opinion based on my experience.