Back in January, I'd connected with a repped TV writer who offered to read one of my scripts. I sent it, and promptly forgot about it.
Jump ahead two months. I ask if they'd had a chance to read the script. Turns out they did and not only did they love it, asked if I'd be open to them passing it along to their reps.
Like I'm gonna say no to that?
This writer also mentioned they'd submitted scripts from other friends and acquaintances before, only to be turned down (it's a BIG firm), so I should be aware my chances of getting through were quite, quite small.
My response - "Totally fine. I appreciate you giving it a try, and will check back in a few months if I don't hear from you."
I set a calendar reminder and again promptly forgot about it.
Earlier this week, the reminder pops up. Since I hadn't heard anything, I assumed it was a pass. No big deal. Still happy to have even gotten that far. There was also the possibility they just hadn't got to it yet. I get that. I'm not a priority. Just to be sure, I emailed the writer.
The response:
"Sorry for the delayed follow-up. The truth is, it's not that they aren't interested; they just haven't read it. The industry is struggling right now, and agents are swamped trying to find work for their current clients. They simply don't have the time to consider potential new clients at the moment. Some reps are even being let go or leaving on their own."
Naturally, a bit disappointing, but also not surprising.
These are uncertain times, chums.
Not only are reps being let go, others are trimming their rosters - although I have seen a few writers getting repped, so there is that silver lining.
Summer movies that seem like slam-dunks are underperforming at the box office.
Studios are drastically cutting back on their output.
More than a few times I've heard or read somebody using the phrase "stay alive until '25!". In other words, do what you can to hang in there until next year - when things might start to pick up. Emphasis on 'might'.
Last year's strikes may have contributed to all of this, but they weren't the only factors. Things are just different now, and from my perspective seems like everybody is struggling to adapt and nobody has any solid idea how to do that. The harsh reality that some people don't mind waiting a few months, or even weeks now, for something currently in theaters to switch to streaming is causing a lot of headaches.
Also not helping - studios looking at AI to help cut production costs. That certainly doesn't bode well, for writers or for anybody behind the scenes.
From somebody in my position - just trying to break in seems even tougher now. The industry is being much more selective. It's getting tougher to get your script noticed - my experience, anyway. Seeing lots of mentions of them wanting pre-existing IP, so not as much attention being paid to original stuff. Another challenge.
Sometimes it's like the universe is determined to make any progress for somebody like me as difficult and as insurmountable as possible.
But like a lot of you, I'm stubborn as all get out, and not easily deterred. All I can do is keep trying, keep writing, make connections and establish relationships, and hope for the best.
I like to think things will eventually start to improve in some capacity. No idea when, but it'll happen. Probably a safe bet to say it'll be bumpy on the way there.
Just another storm for us to endure.
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That's a great attitude to have, Paul Zeidman! Your post is educational, and it could help other screenwriters, so I suggest moving it to the Screenwriting Lounge.
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Paul, from one fighter to another, thanks so DOGGONE much for posting this!
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Hey Paul! Nice to see you. I'm of the mind that 75% of the murmurs are just echo chambers on the hamster wheel. The hamster wheel that includes everything from competitions to reps touting IP. Most people don't even use the term IP properly. not to mention that fact that many well known IP projects have tanked recently so they are still echoing old sentiments because they are on a hamster wheel.
It's frustrating for sure and it will take a long time before the illogical lemmings go extinct but sooner or later things will right themselves.
Rather that stay on the wheel, I've stepped off completely and am creating an entirely new approach to producing and finding financing, one that delivers the same benefits of IP but does so with original stories. While everyone wallows in doom and gloom I've stepped into a much heavier producing role and just started making stuff. I've always managed to keep busy, but now I am busier than ever.
The point I'm trying to make is, step off the wheel and look for alternate ways to get your work seen or made. The industry has historically panicked when new technology looms as a doomsday machine, but it always evolves because the human race needs stories to make sense of their existence. The dust will settle sooner than you think, but if you're on the same wheel as everyone else, it will be just as hard then.
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Laurie - I totally agree. I'm splitting my time between working on specs and developing my first short, and really enjoying all of it
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Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks for the honest assessment.
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Work smarter not harder is the key.
Find a producer that believes in the project as much as you and keep it pushing
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I'm one of the writers who just (as in this past week) got trimmed from my agent's roster of clients. :( Trying to figure out my next steps.
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Another fact that plays into this is the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Today, the majority of people don't feel like going to the movie theater anymore and switch to streaming everything online.
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Paul Zeidman - Thanks for sharing. Not to worry - the industry is always going through periods of upheaval and change. My suggestion is to pivot and look for small dollar financiers and sales agents who will take on projects that are less of a lift with small budgets and great concepts. There is still a lot of opportunity out there. I have a friend who just released a film called HARD MILES that was a very small budget but pulled a great cast (include 2 stars from "Stranger Things") which helped get it sold. Studios will always be a tough nut to crack. Indie financiers are where there is opportunity to break in.
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congratulations
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Seems like you been write for awhile are you interested in a writing project desperately need help on.
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Adam - not interested in co-writing, but happy to give notes