Recommended Screenwriters
Some people look at agents as the savior who will guide their career and make them rich. Some see agents as the sharks of the entertainment industry. Some see them as a necessary evil.
In reality, agents are business people who have a certain function — selling screenplays and packaging movies. Their power comes from their direct connection to major players and agencies, and their ability to navigate the market and make deals.
That is why writers want an agent — to sell your screenplays and get your movies made. In order to accomplish that important goal, we need a perspective that makes sense in the world of agents and studios.
If you've read How to Get an Agent Part 1, you're ready for a more advanced conversation on the subject. Here it is…
WHY WOULD AN AGENT WANT YOU?
It may seem like a harsh question, but you need to ask it. Why would an agent, who already has plenty of clients, want to bring you on as a client? And before we look at the answer, please remember this:
- If you're not ready for an agent yet, you can grow into it.
Remember, everyone who has an agent today was a new writer at some point in their life. As they grew and improved, they became ready. And part of being ready is having this perspective.
KEY PERSPECTIVE: Come in as someone the agent will want to do business with.
I'm not saying you should fake it or lie about anything. Exactly the opposite. Just do what it takes to be a professional screenwriter. Learn the skills. Write great scripts. Learn the business. Present yourself through your writing. And if you want to speed up the process, join some of our classes.
For the agent, bringing on a new client is a lot of work. They have to get to know you and your writing. They have to find out what your strengths and weaknesses are. And they have to match your work to their markets.
One easy way to increase your "bankability" with an agent is to actually do some business of your own. Many writers don't know that you can make deals without agents, especially with small and medium-sized producers. Using the strategies of 15 Ways to Sell Screenplays Online, you can get scripts to producers.
If one of them options your script, you will be able to use today's pathway for getting an agent.
PATHWAY #3: You've been optioned.
Pathway 3: Get optioned –> Contact agents –> Agent reads your marketable scripts –> Discussion between agent and you –> Representation.
We have a lot of people in the ProSeries Alumni who are at this stage. They have been optioned by a producer and the deal is being developed, out to actors, or being shopped to Studios. Since the project hasn't gone into production, there isn't any real money that would attract an agent, yet.
Let's be honest on this. An option with a small producer isn't enough to get a major agency involved. But it could easily get your next script read for consideration. Saying "I'm an optioned screenwriter" gives you much more credibility than saying "I've written five scripts, but nothing has happened with them."
The option shows enough promise and credibility to start the conversation. It says many things about you.
- Your writing is good enough to a producer make a deal with you.
- You've been through at least one experience in the Biz…and will understand more because of it.
- You have risen above 85% of the writers out there and worth the agent gambling a few hours on.
In short, you are someone the agent may want to do business with.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
With your option in hand, you contact agents either by phone, query letter, or through a 3rd party. Since your current script is already optioned, the agent will want to see other scripts they can possibly sell. Naturally, you present them with another well-written script that has a great marketing hook (high concept, lead characters actors want to play, etc.), right? If so, they'll love you.
CAUTION: When you have an agent's ear, don't tell the agent about any scripts that aren't highly marketable. That will only reduce their interest.
One more thing: you don't have to seek agents the moment you get optioned. Instead, be smart about this and write another great script. Then start seeking agents when you have the goods. That way, you have an excellent pitch — "I've been optioned…and I have a great script you can sell right now."
Once the agent has seen that you are a great writer with scripts they can sell, they'll have a quick conversation to confirm you are ready for the Biz. If so, you'll get signed.
Having an agent is a business relationship for both agent and writer. For you, success comes from great writing, an understanding of the Biz, and applying strategies and pathways that work. The more you improve the quality of those three areas, the better your chance.
And as we add more pathways, you'll have more ways to land your future agent.
NEXT ISSUE: The easy way to find a hungry agent.