Hi everyone,
In my previous post I asked how to approach a writer about adopting their books into TV show. Sadly the answer I got from their agent was no.
I want to know why is it no and is there any way to talk about it. To do that I need an agent.
How do I find one? Is there someone you can recommend?
Thanks :)
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The "No" is probably due to your track record. Why would anyone in show business take your offer? If you got no $$ to pay, no one in show biz vouching for you, then why would they (published authors and salary reps) believe and trust you, and not waste their Time?
I know agents and managers but I wouldn't share my contacts with strangers. It's kinda tacky to meet ppl for the first time and you're asking , "Who do you know so I can make my tv series?"
Anyway like most writers I wrote spec scripts and an agency signed me because I showed potential on the page (it cost 0 money for agencies to sign talent) and then the agent/agency said, write something cheap that they can sell/put me in the game at the bottom. Not number 1 on call sheets.
Good Luck.
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Dan MaxXx Hi Dan,
I understand that my track record is none and that is first reason for everything. This isn't my first post, but I'm sorry if its tacky. :(
Currently I'm rewriting an old script I have and I'm working on a research for new script.
Because of that (and me still thinking about those books) I wrote this post.
Thank you
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Sorry that you got a "no," Lucija Steficic, but glad to hear you're taking steps to get a "yes."
Here are some managers and agents:
https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/screenwriting-managers/ (This comes with a list of managers)
https://www.networkisa.org/isaconnect
IMDb Pro has a list of reps (managers and agents). https://pro.imdb.com/signup/index.html?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpro.imdb.com%2F%3... IMDb Pro costs $19.99 a month. There's a 30-day free trial though.
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You might be interested in this, Lucija Steficic: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-To-Land-A-Manager-and-Create-The-Ca...
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Great recommendation Maurice Vaughan! Here is another upcoming webinar that may also be helpful: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/The-Ultimate-Writers-Guide-To-Selling-Y...
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Thanks, Sam Sokolow. And thanks for the webinar recommendation.
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Agents only care about one thing and that is money. It had nothing to do with you. Agents who only rep authors are usually pretty clueless when it comes to how things are done in the movie business. That is enough reason for me not to waste my time talking to them. It is difficult to get an agent because thousands of other screenwriters are trying to get them. However, most screenwriters just send query letters which in most cases never even get read. If you really want one you will pick up the phone and call the smaller WGA boutique agencies because they are more likely to consider a screenwriter without a track record. If that doesn’t work you can try to get a manager to rep you. The only drawback with a manager is they can only get certain people to read your screenplay so it really does depend on who they know.
Now if you want to adapt a novel I would avoid any of them which you would have to go through their agent, manager, or publisher. Also if it is going to just be a spec screenplay partner with them because you don’t want to end up with a spec screenplay you can’t sell because the option period ran out. The only thing I will ever invest in a spec screenplay is my time.
Good luck.
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As an Independent Author and a Screen Play writer the biggest difference is how it’s written. Details that usually take up anywhere from a page or 2 can be shown in a few seconds on film. When writing a book you include as many details as possible. With a script it has to be minimal. Perhaps a better word is condensed.
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The age old question "how to find an Agent" and the age old answer, "You don't". When you're ready - an Agent will find you. Spend your time & effort on creating some absolute top-notch work. Attend all/every writer seminars, workshops and conferences that you can Actively participate and show your stuff. Eventually someone will approach you, give you their card that announces them as an Agent/manager and they'll say somethin like this; "I'd like to read some of your stuff, e-mail it to me." Worked for me.
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Read "Uncle Phil's" post down...
I'd say start building track record, don't let this books ure keen to adapt hold you, let it drive you in...
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I've emailed questions directly to authors, merely asking if anyone has approached them regarding screen adaptations. Depending on their answer, you can tell if they're willing to consider it. Some aren't because of the heavy cuts needed. When they say "I haven't found one I liked yet" they've read a few already. I'd never approach an author cold with an adaptation, this only tells me if they're open to the idea.
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Maurice Vaughan and Sam, thank you for links! I will checked them out. :)
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Thanks to Manuele, WIlliam, Doug and Kiril,
Right now I'm working on something that will be let out in the world. Hope it works out. :)
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Dear Shelly, yes. I should have gone with that first. I didn't have direct contact tho :(
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You're welcome, Lucija Steficic.
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Lucjia: I was going to provide an opinion. However, I don't think I could add anything to what Dan Guardino provided. Very nice job D.G.
Kiril: Thanks for mentioning my post on being your own agent.
Some of my experiences are embarrassing. I was so reluctant to succeed that I let others take advantage of me.
Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.