Does anyone have any plausible idea how to get an agency or agents when you're a non US resident or live in Europe? I've sent emails, which I still do. Well quite honestly, a good majority of Africans living in Africa are very dishonest - A majority of them and they'll make you pay money for some irrelevant thing in the name of being an agent and all... "Short" they're unreliable even when you have to pay them to do their job when you're not supposed to. 1- I'm aware it might not be easy getting an agent since most responses I've had want that I meet face 2 face. 2 - Also that there could be the possibility to get an agent/agency representation in the circumstance So far, meeting an agent doesn't look like the option I have, 'cause I can't for now....
Screenwriting : How to get represented by agencies if you can't meet with 'em? by Conrad Ekeke
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doesn't matter where u live. u just need a great spec script. all the movie agents are in Los Angeles. spend $30 and subscribe to imdbpro.com or drop $50 on Black List . U can live on the moon and a great spec/concept will attract real Agents. (just have Internet access. everyone does 'skype'. trust me. if your spec is any good, someone will buy an airline ticket for you to come to los angeles and sign over the rights to your script. then they will send u home :))) good luck
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Thanks Dan. I'll make sure. I think it's the imdb/black list part that I would worry more about and yes, if a spec is good. :) Then I will return home :)
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@conrad good luck. do what I do. spend $20 on imdbpro , screenshot every page off the site, and THEN CANCEL your subscription before the free trial run. The site will refund your money .
Thanks Dan, I will. Thanks a lot Brother.
As someone in the same situation, if your script can't win a US contest or get a special mention, it's highly unlikely that it has the quality to draw the attention of the industry. Unless you climb up the ladder organically through who you know, it's very difficult to get a US or UK agent on cold calls. Win a feature contest and then doors might open, or get a working visa and work your way from there. But understand their position: they have plenty of resources where they are, why would they bother with someone from abroad? You'd need to be unique, or skilled enough to prove that you're better than their local talent. At best, through contacts or networking or contests, they will buy your script - but it does not mean that an agent will be representing you. An agent most of time only appears when you have a contract and he will represent you if he knows that you can bring more business or look good on his roster. It's that "simple"...
And on top of that getting a manager is way more important than an agent. Like I always say: instead of spending time to get noticed, spend the same effort making sure that your craft is right. I now spend every dime I have in quality coverage instead of contests and festivals... The day you can sell a script, you'll want to be sure that your craft is up to par. Just my two cents.
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Pitch sessions here and elsewhere are a great way to try to get representation. Entering contests are also a great way to get representation. Good luck, Conrad!
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^^^^ known as double dipping. more commission $$$$. Managers are all Producers now. A rookie writer will always get screwed on the 1st deal. and that's fine. The goal is to get into the game. be Known.
I'm honored with your responses and Fred, thanks for the advice.
This will go a long way helping others too, you know... :)
@Dan where am I getting my info? from real people who work and make money making real movies benderspink. zero gravity. circle of Confusion. brooklyn weaver..I can go on and on dropping names but it is your job (writers) to research and find real buyers.
I think what Max is saying is that most producers prefer to do the management than pay someone who would do what they can. However, if it saves cost, I think it's best but the roles need to be respected so a track is made for everyone "apt" to follow. Was that your idea Max? :-)
@conrad research the people u want to get in business with. everyone wants money. a Manager "double dips" with his fee repping a Writer and a fee as a Producer if the Writer's script goes into production. For example, Benderspink is a management company who produced "American Pie" franchise. American Pie made MILLIONS..... oh, benderspink also produced "HANGOVER" franchise.
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Thanks Dan and Dan... :) I'll do my search, I'll start small. The essential at my stage is to try as much to give top notch for as little as... Well that's the philosophy I guess
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We've had over 100 writers get signed through the Stage 32 Happy Writers. Over half of them live outside of L.A. With Skype and other video software, face-to-face meetings happen online much more frequently. Hell, even acting auditions have moved online in many cases.
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Great, Stage 32 happy writers is a positive route. He'll I didn't realize... And yes Dan, not all cases will insist on a meeting. Maybe I just kept walking through a misguided path. I hear y'all guys and thanks.
Now what has been hindering me is payment method as here, in my country, I've tried doing the PayPal stuff for like 5 years and they keep telling me to wait until they can see a possibility of operating with their terms and system in my country etc... Is there another payment method other than paypal or credit card? Something like skrill.com?