Screenwriting : When to start looking to sell a screenplay or looking for a manager or agent? by Rachel Meyers

You can do both - and more. The agent/manager route will yield the best results in terms of sales if you can land one. But you can also pitch it yourself at a variety of pitchfests (Stage 32 has one coming up soon). And you can enter contests where, if you place high, you might garner attention. You can also post it on The Black List, and if it rates high enough, you will gain attention. Good Luck.

The main issue I have with contests and pitchfests is having the money to be able to do it. I will look into black list as well as other contests. Thank you for the comments. What are/were your experiences with pitching? And do you have any tips for a noob?

When pitching, maintain eye contact so you can read the facial expressions of the person you're pitching to. No matter how good or well rehearsed your pitch, if you start losing them, you'll have to adjust on the fly. And if you're given a certain amount of time, make sure you leave half of it or more for questions. Questions and direct interaction are good.

ok thank you very much!

The advice you have gotten is sound; you should have several finished, polished screenplays before you approach an agent. A writer with one script isn't going to be as desirable a client as a writer with several scripts - no matter how good it is. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to find one now, it means you should understand that if you get a meeting, one of the first things an agent is going to ask is, "What else do you have?" If you have a couple of great ideas, that isn't going to be as impressive as pulling out five, really good finished scripts. As I'm sure you know, there are tens of thousands of writers who deeply believe their script is good enough - and some are. But an agency is a business, they are limited in how many scripts they can cover each year and how many new clients they can meet with so they do several things to narrow down their options. One way is to look at writers who demonstrate how serious they are - not how the writer feels about writing but how the writer writes. Two truly excellent, high concept screenplays, one well written character driven screenplay and two TV scripts really shows the range and dedication of a writer. Even if none of the five sell it shows an agent not the potential of the writer but exactly how well they write. And that will lead to representation because the agent can immediately book the writer on jobs.

The attitude that I have is one where I am looking to have my ass handed to me in the worst way and to see those negatives and use them as a way to better my work and hone my skills. I see my work as a stepping stone for someone else to perfect but at least I will be a part of a greater whole. Eventually I hope that I will be able to create a script that I will be in from start to finish but I understand the reality of the business and the position of a noob screenwriter. I will only ever learn from my mistakes and the questions I ask and experiences I have. I have a ton of ideas for films but I am not sure about TV. I am always up for a challenge but should I try and add a few TV scripts to my stack of papers? Should they be all pilot episodes or just run with something that is already running to show the diversity? Thank you for your help with this! I really appreciate your advice!

Great attitude, and the one you'll need to be successful. Be resilient and always strive to get better.

have a look under Screenwrighters some one there will or maybe able to kelp

IMDb costs $16.00 a month. There you will have all the email addresses of managers, agents, producers and others in the film industry. You can look up what they have produced and who the agents Rep. Try to get a manager first, that's the easiest root. They will take your story to and agent, who will take your story to a production company. Yes, it's weird, but that's Hollywood. Everything in the film industry is subject to who you talk to, everyone is an expert. Few have written one screenplay, most have written none. *If you want to take your story to an agent or producer instead of a manager. Have a great story line and very short synopsis (one or two paragraphs) ready, you'll need this for a manager too. The Gate Keepers are usually less experienced then you, working for nothing trying to get a position in the company they are working at, it's ture when they say, they started in the mailroom. They will pass it up the latter. So be nice to the assistance and underlings, they will be the first you contact, even if the email or phone call you make is the the head person. Good Luck, you'll need it.

Check out ScreenwritingU and Hal Grossman. He gives free teleconferences that might help you. Also, Willamette Writers of Portland, OR costs $36 a year to be a member and there is a newsletter that gives good info. It's lead by Cynthia Whitcomb, a very well established screenwriter with many movies to her credit. If you have one polished screenplay and more in the works, it's time to try and sell. Don't shoot for the moon right off the bat. Better to get in with an assistant at a production company than try to get to a big name. The key is to expect reject and don't let it effect. Best of luck to you.

I have 12 screenplays and am trying to sell three. When should you try? How about right now? Writing is easy, selling is hard!!

Check into speckscript.com, definitely a way in for newbys' George DGA director.

MAXIMA VISION FILMS is now accepting original feature film scripts and scripts for television projects for consideration in our production company producing them. We have two major investment groups, one of which has already committed to funding four feature films or television productions each year for the next five years. At present we have only three of these four slots slated for production this year, leaving one slot that you the writer may have your dreams come true by having your story unfold on the big screen. Also accepting applications for non-pay internships to study under the direction of our senior writer and script doctor, Dr. Randall Maxwell. For these internships you must have completed work that you have done that you may submit as an example of your writing along with your most current resume. For either you may check out our site at www.maximavisionsproductions.com or call our production offices in Virginia at (757) 636-8163. Also; OPENING PRODUCTION OFFICES NOW IN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE!

Hi Rachel -- your plight is a common one, now that you've written it what do you fo with it. The bad news, there is a Catch 22 in screenwriting, to get representation usually requires you be a produced writer -- to become a produced writer usually requires representation to get your script to anyone who can actually get it made. The good news, you have chosen a genre, horror, that bends/breaks all the normal conventions. Look for an entertainment attorney who is willing to take you on as a "hip pocket" client. If you can BS with the best of them you will find the mission difficult but not impossible -- they know the rabid demand for horror scripts that currently exists. Good luck with your voyage...

Wow! Ms. Beck hit one out of the park with what she wrote. Very, very, good advice. One more thing I'd like to add is, write a few short screenplays under 10 pages. Then look up websites that post producers looking for shorts. This is how I got my first credit on IMDb and now when I query I have that as my opening, I'm a IMDb credited writer. Remember, even the biggest producers started with shorts. And what Ms. Beck said is ture, I now have a manager, but he first asked me to write a TV sitcom episode to see if I could cover all areas before he even looked at the four features I submitted.

I like your advice, Kent, about the short screenplays. And your advice, ,Lyse, on having a few screenplays ready first. I would add it would be a good idea to enter one of the screenplay contests and also to signup for the feedback offered in the contests.

I've got four and a short done, i've been entering them in contests, the ones with feedback are best. I've tried a few out at the local writer's group for the feedback. Guess if anything ever places or wins in a contest, then I'll pitch the idea to a producer.

Why not go ahead and pitch with your best shot to a professional producer, especially one who is also a professional director who has funding behind him to make movies??? MAXIMA VISION FILMS is now accepting original feature film scripts and scripts for television projects for consideration in our production company producing them. We have two major investment groups, one of which has already committed to funding four feature films or television productions each year for the next five years. At present we have only three of these four slots slated for production this year, leaving one slot that you the writer may have your dreams come true by having your story unfold on the big screen. Also accepting applications for non-pay internships to study under the direction of our senior writer and script doctor, Dr. Randall Maxwell. For these internships you must have completed work that you have done that you may submit as an example of your writing along with your most current resume. For either you may check out our site at www.maximavisionsproductions.com or call our production offices in Virginia at (757) 636-8163. Also; OPENING PRODUCTION OFFICES NOW IN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE!

This is a great thread with some truly insightful comments. I'll remind all that this is EXACTLY what our first NEXT LEVEL WEBINAR is all about - The Do's and Don'ts of Landing a Manager or Agent. No better teacher on the subject than Lee Jessup. I've seen her teach this class. It's fantastic! https://www.stage32.com/marketplace/The-Dos-and-Donts-of-Landing-a-Manag...

I get paid on Friday so I'll give her a listen! I have a few friends in the business but I don't want to use them like that, but when I decide I do want to I want to make sure that my work is much more polished and I have a few more writing pieces available to show off. The ability to get feedback here has really helped me in focusing on specific areas and knowing what works in my head and what really works. LOL

Hey Lyse. I have to tell you, I'm really looking forward to it as well. Lee never fails to bring the goods and is one of those rare screenwriting coaches that's not just about the craft, but the business as well. She always has her finger on the pulse of what's going on in the spec marketplace and, as important, what reps are selling. Going to be a great show.

I think that's a really solid approach, Rachel. The only thing more important that having contacts that can move the needle is having top drawer material at the ready.

Material is key. Can't stress that enough.

If it hasn't been mentioned before, pick your best script and get notes from a service like ScriptShark, and revise as needed.

I have quite a number of them, but that can work against you, not putting enough emphasis on The One...you have to find that agent first, then when he or she asks what else you got, you can promote them...

Finally, don't expect to focus on selling a script. The agent or manager will expect to hear that you are eager to work on writing assignments as this is where most of the money is made.

Thank you guys for all of your help and advice! I am certainly taking notes!!

I'm having a ball! Trying my best to succeed....Curtis, good luck!