Most agencies I look into have a "no unsolicited" message and that representation comes from referrals only. And as a relative newcomer to the field, I know nobody in the industry to refer me.
I know the stock answer is to network, mingle and go to events to get your face out there, but, at the risk of looking like someone looking for a shortcut, is there a shortcut?
I've got a pile of screenplays and I like to start farming them around. Australia based.
Cheers, all
Fair response. And I actually have a few edge contacts I'm going to hit up after the holidays. (Someone who might know someone who might know someone who...) The movie industry in Australia isn't big, but it is busy.
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Most people start off not knowing someone in the industry. You might try attaching a known director to one of your screenplays and see if they can recommend you to an agent. I got my agent by calling them every time I finished a screenplay. I know that isn’t a short cut but I don’t think there is any shortcuts in this business.
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shortcut Is being successful at another medium like playwrights, journalists, novelists.
I go to a few stage plays by students and there’s always a handful of agents & show biz folks in the audience. They’re scouting for new Talent. Not about selling screenplays; more about hiring for adaptations, staffing, writing other people’s ideas.
Dan Guardino, how does one "attach a director"? I know a couple (parents of son's teammates).
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Tony. Attachments are only as good if they have some credits. After that all you need is a letter that says they want to be attached to it. Neither party is legally bound to it but it does show the director wants to direct it if possible.
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Tony - get a job on a set; volunteer to work on a set. Meet folks eye to eye. Learn not to knock over the light stands. Pay attention to what's going on. Speak with the Director and everybody else. Basically, that's how it's done.
This writer networked at a grocery store. Any grocery stores in Australia where filmmakers go shopping.
https://twitter.com/soulrebel365/status/1212168193801887746?s=21
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I think of the Aussie industry as the world’s best apprenticeship. It is large enough to grow talent, they leave for the USA, making room for the next person.
Hence Hollywood being full of Aussies. The economy of LA is bigger than my entire country. There is only 26 Million of us.
Each station in Aus have a development arm. Network into that. If they see merit, they may help with a local rep. Then off to LA.