Just curious if anyone here has ever been "hip-pocketed" by an agent or manager. I got a read request from a manager a few months ago. Since then, we've emailed back and forth and he (with my permission) gave my script to a couple production companies. One of them likes it and we are now waiting to hear if they want to take it further. He's also said I am welcome to send along my next script to him once it's done. I'm assuming that if anything were to actually sell, I'll become an official client. But as of right now, it's a much more casual situation, and from what I understand, a very common one these days. Anyone else have this experience? Good/bad?
Screenwriting : Ever been hip-pocketed? by Jody Ellis
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It's always good when managers and production companies read your work. I've got an open door with a couple management / production companies and one actor / producer shopped a script around. My biggest problem is I write big budget stuff. Good luck Jody.
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Some of my former scripts have been picked and used throughout the years from this handling. Can't do much because they changed the general message of the story and just used elements. Sigh, part of the game unfortunately.
I'm not talking about someone doing things without my knowledge or consent though. Dan and Christopher, your scenarios sound a bit different. This is an agent from a pretty reputable agency, with a decent track record. And he has asked before showing my scripts to anyone, kept me informed of progress, and been very upfront with me, at least to my knowledge at this point.
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If interested, you can use it as leverage to get signed by a manager. "I'm being pocketed by XXX and looking for new management." That said, the manager may wonder why the agent isn't invested enough to help you find management. "If this agent likes this writer so much, why not help her out?" However, I really think it's a shot worth taking. Who cares if someone wonders? Use the leverage when you have it.
Jody. I am a little confused. Are you saying you already have an agent and this is another agent that is sending out your script and if so does your current agent know that this is happening?
@Dan, no this is a manager. I got a read request from him after querying, and he subsequently asked if he could share the script with a couple production companies. I "sort of" have an agent. He technically reps me but he is semi-retired and hasn't done a thing for me in the year I've been w him. It's been frustrating. So I'm seeking other representation at this point, both agents and/or managers. My mentor liked my most recent script enough to pass it on to his agent, who is a young go-getter and has helped him get a lot of work. So fingers crossed something comes through.
My mistake. I thought the agent was pocketing you, and that's why I recommended using the agent's pocketing as leverage to get a new manager.
Jody. Thanks for clearing that up. Managers are easier to get but a WGA Agent can get script read by just about anyone. If you manage to get an new WGA Agent that is good. If you manage to get a Manager you may want to keep your agent just to get your script read by those producers that will only accept material from a WGA Agent. I know it would cost money if you sell one but it would probably be worth the extra expense. I have a WGA Agent but I don't have to rely on her finding me deals because I have my own connections in the business that I like to work with. Anyway that was just a suggestion.
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Thanks Dan and Regina. I basically use his name when I query managers, so Regina I'm kind of doing what you suggested :-) And Dan I definitely want both an agent and a manager. If this manager eventually signs me, I'll keep my agent as well, at least for the time being. Seems like the "hip pocketing" thing has become more common. Managers can put the work out there, but don't have to do any more than that unless/until they get a bite. Which I'm okay with, it's just interesting how things seem to have changed in the industry in recent years.
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Sorry - to be clear for newbies out there - if you have management, you can't use that to leverage other managers. Managers have a "no poaching" policy. Meaning, you must end the relationship with your current manager before seeking a new manager. Agents do not have a "no poaching" policy. For example, if an agent is pocketing you, you can use that to interest managers or as bait for other agents. Sorry I misunderstood earlier posts, and didn't mean to confuse anyone.