On November 20, I did something I rarely do. I sent out seven unsolicited query letters to talent agents and production companies and forgot about it. Then, last night, I received a response from a well-known talent agency in LA telling me to send my screenplay. So what did the trick on this one? I tried something a little different. I wrote a paragraph informing the prospective reader about what I’ve accomplished without an agent and that I’ve written fifty screenplays in every genre. I also provided a logline and one-paragraph synopsis prefaced by stating, “I won’t bore you with a long synopsis.”
Generally speaking, unsolicited queries receive no answer, a form letter response, and sometimes even an irritated response from the recipient. Nevertheless, some of them occasionally get through.
Remember, any action is better than none.
Yes, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny do exist.
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for 6 years in Russia, I have sent fifteen hundred letters to film companies. I was answered ten times, all with a refusal. therefore, I agree with you, need to do everything you can for the sake of your goal, the path is much more difficult than it seems.
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Congratulations Phil! Such exciting news!
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Arthur have you utilized the resources we have to offer to get your projects in front of executives through our Development Services? Shoot me an email at success@stage32.com with a little bit of info on the types of projects you're writing and we can help point you in the right direction. Cheers!
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Sam Mannetti, Many thanks! I'm not looking for a producer. I'm here to show my creativity and improve my level as a writer. Maybe in the future. Now I do not have the strength and opportunity to promote my projects.
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This is really inspiring Phil - a message to all writers to keep at it.
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What a wonderful way to wrap up 2022, and kickoff 2023, Phillip!
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MaxXxy: Very funny and though difficult, if you can research your recipient, anything you can put in your query to appeal to that person probably can't hurt.
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Arthur: You're very tenacious, and that's one of the key ingredients to success.
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Sam: Thanks for the positive waves. Much appreciated.
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That’s so cool and great to hear, Phil. Agreed - the only wrong action is inaction. Way to go!
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Molly: Thank you. Those queries were an afterthought, and I was sitting around one afternoon doing nothing.
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Lindbergh: Thank you. You have a great name. Perfect for a film noir screenplay.
Phillip "Uncle Phil" Hardy, Unfortunately, I'm not smart enough to succeed in the movie business.
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Arthur: Screenwriting is a great hobby, and if you get lucky...
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When I saw the picture, Phillip E. Hardy, "The Pro From Dover", I thought, "What in the world is this post going to be about?" Haha Congratulations on the script request! I think it's always great to find new ways to make a query letter stand out. I like to experiment with different query letter formats to see which ones get responses. I do the same thing with subject lines for my query letters.
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Well done Uncle.
I know I am about to poo poo on people parades.
But what I took from Uncle’s story was not that letters work. You have to present them with outstanding value. You have to be good, if not great.
If they had have found Uncle asleep in their doorway with his CV. They probably would have had the same reaction. Here is a talented writer we can make money from while supplying him a service.
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Congrats Phillip E. Hardy, "The Pro From Dover"! Keep me posted on what happens - I love that you put yourself in a position where you were successful without reps and THAT - taking control of your future - is what made all the difference. Great way to kick off 2023!
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Craig:
Thanks!
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Emily: Thanks and it's a long shot but I'll keep you posted if anything happens. To quote Pink Foyd, All in all, it's just another brick in the wall.
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Whatever works, is the best way.
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Congratulations! Happy for you! Hard work pays off!
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Ed: Thanks, but it's a numbers game and I try to pitch to as many opportunities as possible.
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Congrats! I just had a similar experience. Got a script request this week from a query email sent before the holidays. And they say it can't happen...
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Congratulations, Kim! :D It can happen!
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Kim:
Good luck. I hope something great comes out of it.
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Congrats and good fortune on the read. May they love it.