Screenwriting : Now what? by Rod Seitz

Firstly. You are a professional, they are protecting themselves from nutters that send in an idea and then accuse them of stealing the idea.

How to get an agent may be difficult. You could contact them again and ask if they are willing to work through your lawyer. It is easier to get legal representation than an agent. Just a thought. Having a lawyer in the mix may settle their nerves as they know you will be professionally advised.

Matt Derin, thank you for your response, I really appreciate the information that you have shared and will attempt to use your advice.

Do you know of any attornies that you would personally recommend? % or hourly?

Are you pitching scripts that are ready to be produced, or just ideas?

Stephen Floyd... I am attempting to pitch both finished scripts, Plus, an idea for a new original (unscripted) weekly interview formatted show that would do one on one interviews with filmmakers for Shudder (a streaming service that offers only Horror genre films).

I don't know how Shudder works, but if they are a streaming platform like Netflix, they probably don't physically produce their own shows and movies, though they may fund them. So they probably don't accept script submissions from anyone. They are distribution, not production. Netflix funds shows and movies, but they don't physically make them. A production company brings a packaged project to them that is ready to be made - just add money. And they decide to add money or not. You need to target the companies that make the films for Shudder.

William Martell ... The goal is to get the funding to produce it myself, but that is a good idea if this does not come to pass. Thank you.

If you have scripts ready to go, try pitching them through Stage32. People can and do get professional offers if their work stacks up.

Stephen Floyd ... I have decided to send off an email with a pitch to the producer of the new "Creepshow" tv series on Shudder. Hopefully, they read it and consider my proposal.

You end your inquiry with the age-old question of how to find an Agent/Manager. The simple - but hard to accept - is that you don't. That Agent/Manager is actively looking to find you. Remember that without product to sell, that Agent/Manager goes broke. They need you more than you need them. So how do they find you? Many of then teach, offer retreats, seminars or judge script writing contests. Attend their seminars... have some REALLY GOOD scripts in your pocket, meet 'em face to face, socialize with 'em over a beer/coffee. Get to know 'em - they're just people after all. The simple answer is just get out there and smooze. All the best.

Dan hits the mark. So many people in the industry talk about how they would rather work with someone who is consistent than someone who is talented, because missing deadlines gets super expensive and frustrating. Better a mediocre script on time than an amazing story rattling around someone’s head.

If the goal is to make the movies/shows yourself, for them to care you have to be a production company that is already supplying them with successful content. So just make a few great movies and license them to Shudder, and after they have done well, come back and ask for funding.

Rod Seitz: I didn't read all of the replies, and my apologies if this was already suggested.

I would pitch managers/agents, and I would enter my scripts in horror contests. There are a lot of success stories from the reputable horror contests.

Do your due diligence on the contests, and the managers/agents who are hearing pitches. Your log lines sound interesting.

Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Rod!