Screenwriting : Finding an agent by Daniel Dore

Thanks a lot Dan, I will try that. It might be what I've been doing wrong.

I have a friend who got an agent because his screenplay won several awards. It got him the recognition he needed. Try that!

You mean in contests? I was going to try that next. That is a great idea, thanks.

Thanks Dan, I'll go see the site.

Contests are a good route towards and agent. So are websites like Inktip.com where you post your work. I was able to sell a couple of shorts off Inktip a few years ago. Those shorts went on directors reels and it wasn't long I started getting request to work on projects. Some paid. Some spec. I've met with agents, but not signed with anyone yet. Not sweating the agent thing at the moment because we have been fortunate enough to be contacted directly by directors and producers. Bottom line- get your work out there.

Hey Daniel, I wrote a blog about this very thing. So here's my take on it. Hope it helps! http://screenwriterwriting.blogspot.com/2012/03/do-you-get-manager-or-ag...

Thanks Denise, that blog is helpful. I've already made a few contacts since this was first writen, and this site is the reason for it. Thanks again for your help.

I'm glad you liked it and glad you've made contacts lately! You should start another post saying what you did. I'm sure it would be helpful!

Thanks Denise for the advise. I have writen a part 2 on this.

BTW, that link--http://www.agentquery.com/--is for querying literary agents that represent novelists not screenwriters. Also, before trying to get an agent, really, really, and I mean really make sure your material is good. Don't "think" your material is good... get extensive feedback from others that it's good. And I don't mean feedback from your friends or relatives, but feedback from people within the industry. Pay the $100 dollars to have your screenplay read by a reader and get proper coverage. After doing that you'll get a sense of where your screenplays are at. THEN, submit to contests and agents and the like. If you finally land your meeting with a Producer or get that opportunity to send your script to an agent, and your script is only okay or sub-par, you will lose big time. One thing is getting rejected because they didn't like your idea or writing style, another is getting rejected because your script was poorly executed or lacked structure, or had a plot hole you overlooked. I always submit my material when I feel that it has reached 90% of it's potential as a story. Even then, I'm wary. But I always get the appropriate feedback from several sources to check the potential of my work. My two cents, and good luck to you!

Thank you Bradley, I will do that. I already have someone in mind for this specific job, someone I actually found on this site. Thank you again Daniel

Do everything yourself. If you want one of your screenplays made into a film, use the social media outlets at your disposal to connect with people who are willing to help you launch a successful fund-raising campaign

It would be a good idea to attend screenwriting conventions. I attended the recently concluded Screenwriters World Conference in Hollywood and found it extremely helpful. They will have another one in New York this April. http://www.screenwritersworld.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=33553&tabid=67504

Thank you very much Lyse. I know it gets expensive, and money is tight right now, but I will try out a few of these ideas as soon as my situation gets better.

The best way to get an agent is to enter into screenwriting contests and place high up. Then you have to look for an agent (boutique -- small 'mom' and 'pop' agency) and get started with them. I've placed in two contests (quarterfinalist in the PAGE and Moondance competitions) and I still haven't attracted any attention. The saying in Hollywood goes though, "You really don't know how to write a screenplay, until you've written seven," and even then, I've known writers who have written ten and twenty who still aren't able to get an agent or manager to take notice. The other option is... write it, produce it and direct it. Then get it onto the web or into competitions. They want to see you can do it, make money at it (hopefully) and then they'll come knocking.

Quite right Robin - It is largely impossible to get an agent or agency. Mathematically, your odds of getting representation is 0% no matter how skilled you may be. In the community where I live the vast majority of citizens have a few scripts in their trunks. The population of said community is several million. See the odds? Even writers working on 2-1/2, How I met, Big Bang and others can't get a rep. I was in the lucky minority. My pilot sitcom LIVING WITH MORRIE placed at Scriptapalloza and I was picked up by CAA Century City offices. This was on my first script ever. Took longer to understand CELTIX software than write the script. This is, however, the exception to the rule. Simply win every script contest (at $65 per shot) and you may, eventually get a rep. Important to not quit your day job as it may take several decades. Good Luck.

It is probably a good idea to think about being your own agent until you land a possible sale. I agree with Lyse that your time would be better spent finding a manager. One tip I took seriously was e-mailing producers directly asking if it was okay to send queries and constructed a contact list for those that said yes. I haven't gotten to the eye popping sale yet, but have a few low-buget ones under my belt and a script in the hands of a big producer. It takes time but it pays off. Good Luck!

Thanks Robin, Amy and David. All the help I can get is very welcomed.

hey rich im looking for an cheap agent for commericial,film,and or tv. I no u said i should be my own agent but its hard to get into the bussiness that way. I totally agree with u no body can sell me better than me.If u dont have a name yet they dont even wanna talk to u.I no im another out of work actor im pretty good but i just need to get my face out there, any help would be greatly needed thanks will be in touch. I have a great resume just need some help thanks talk later