Recommended Screenwriters
Whether you need a screenplay agent right now or next year, you should bookmark this series of articles. Over the next two weeks, I’ll give you a list of strategies to get an agent.
These are strategies that are working for our ProSeries Alumni writers. But rather than just listing the strategy, the real value here is that each article will give you the PATHWAY that our writers are traveling.
Why the pathways?
Because I believe in providing practical solutions and strategies that work. Below, you’ll see that the pathway gives a more complete understanding of the process. It also fills in the gaps that trip most people up when they go for an agent.
Most important: Don’t go to agents unless you have scripts that are “agent worthy.” To me, agent worthy means an agent can take it straight to buyers; because it is that good. No holes, no flaws, no boring parts, and most important – it is has a great hook that makes it easy to sell.
It fits the 10 Commandments of Screenwriting.
For an unproduced writer, agents serve one primary function – putting together deals on scripts that are salable. If you need feedback, get it from other writers and script consultants. If you need to improve your writing, join us for Screenwriting U classes. If you need someone to help you come up with ideas, get a partner. In general, agents don’t do any of those things.
THE PATHWAYS TO A SCREENPLAY AGENT
Pathway 1. Win contest –> Email query letter announcing contest win –> Script read by agent or manager –> Phone call with agent to confirm the writer understands the biz –> Representation.
This pathway depends upon you having some kind of contest success – either a win in a smaller contest, a finalist in a midsize contest, or even a semi-finalist in one of the larger contests. That “win” means that your script has been vetted by the contest and that gives you credibility.
The email query announcing a contest win is better than an email query that just pitches a script. Again, it shows that your script is higher quality than most.
If the screenplay agent or manager loves the writing, it is likely that you’ll receive an email or call. That call is to determine what kind of person you’ll be to work with and see if your future projects are something the agent could sell.
What does the agent want to see about you in that call?
- Committed to creating a career, rather than making the “big media deal.”
- Focused on creating marketable screenplays in the future.
- Willing to make changes that help make the sale.
- Psychologically healthy in a business environment.
If you pass the phone test, you’ll get representation.
Pathway 2. Write great script –> Get it to friend who is represented –> Friend puts reputation on the line and recommends script to agent –> Agent reads script and believes he can sell it –> Agent meets with writer to confirm writer understands the biz –> Representation.
We just had this pathway pay off for one of our writers today.
As always, the quality of your writing is a big factor in your success. As you get other writers to read your work, you’ll hit upon writers who are represented. If one of them loves your writing, she’ll ask if she can give the script to her agent or manager. It happens often with our group, so I know this strategy works.
Like the first strategy, the agent contacts you if they love your writing and believe it can sell. Another important thing to note is that an agent or manager may request another of your scripts to make sure you are truly ready to enter the industry. If you’re local, they’ll want to meet with you. This puts a face to the voice, but it also shows them how you take meetings.
In meetings with agents, you want to be friendly, open, and have at least one other logline to pitch. Be honest about your experience, but let them know that you learn fast and are willing to do what it takes.
IMPORTANT: If the agent/manager says they want to represent you (assuming you want them to), stop pitching immediately and agree. I’ve seen people pitch themselves into an agent, then they keep pitching until the agent changes his mind. When you get the deal, stop talking and accept it.
There are many paths to getting a screenplay agent. The more you know, the better your chance…as long as your scripts are “agent worthy.” And if your writing isn’t to that level yet, we can help you with that. It’s all a matter of taking the steps, learning the skills, and applying them to write a great script.
In three days, Part Two will outline more pathways and a UNIQUE perspective on getting a screenplay agent.