Screenwriting : Agency Advice by William Smith

Youre not alone. I struggle. I have contacts in the industry, contacts sign deals but tightlipped how they did it. I didn't ask for hookups, just what route they took like ..agent? Crowdfunding etc...I'm doing festivals, but only the big ones. Going to pitch next. I'm flying blind but I'm confident I'll get something good.

Jai Cullen thank you very much, I'll look into it. My ultimate goal involved working on a existing franchise so I have no qualms about writing similar stuff if it'll get me noticed.

Not to be the dick but is your writing hirable? Who's vouching for your writing? How many legit contest finalist wins? Hiring reps mean you gotta pay them standard 10% commission plus 5% for 3rd party lawyers because you cannot trust agencies. (Fact).

Ask union writers and majority will tell you they got jobs on their own, their own networking.

Again, is your writing hirable because many writers begin careers by rewriting other ppl's ideas. Your specs are auditions, calling cards.

I got my rep by giving a ridiculous action spec to a repped screenwriter and he forwarded to an agent. I never asked for a hookup. He just did it on his own because I showed potential on the page. Nobody ever talked about selling my spec. And once you're on someone's roster, then you gotta write more. Usually with rep's input 'cause they want be a part of the process. GL! This pro occupation ain't easy.

Personally, I believe it is harder to get an Agent to rep you than it is just to sell a screenplay. However, they are both difficult. You may try to get a manager first because they are usually more willing to work with screenwriters who don’t have much of a track record. If I was just starting out today I would write lower-budget film scripts and try to get a track record before contacting agents to rep me.

Great question. I recommend checking out some of Stage 32 education on how to get reps:

https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Find-and-Work-With-the-Right-Screenwrit...

https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Keep-Yourself-in-the-Running-Setting-Yo...

I talk about this all the time. When you're ready for an agent/manager we'll find you. Are you entering screenplay contests? Are you networking w/ like minded folks? Are you in a writers group? The more you're out there, the more we'll see you. Keep writing!

I've never had an agent, William Smith, but I got a manager once by having a portfolio of scripts and networking. There are agents on Stage 32 you can build relationships/network with. Check out the Browse Members Section (www.stage32.com/people?name=&location=&roles=Agent).

And be active in the Lounges (www.stage32.com/lounge). You could catch the eye of an agent or agency.

And like Jai Cullen said, check out IMDBPro.

Stage 32 contests are a great way to get meetings with agents and other industry pros (after the strike): www.stage32.com/scriptservices/contests

I got my manager thru a written pitch here on Stage 32. She asked for the script, liked it (even though it needed additional rewriting) and signed me. That was a year ago.

I’m looking for an agent myself and it’s hard. You gotta put yourself out there for agents to notice you. Try screenwriting competitions, go to film networking events, have someone vouch for you, etc. and the question is are you the type of writer that st agents want to work with and or represent?

Thank you everyone for your advice, and apologies if it takes my awhile to like and reply to your comments

You're welcome, @William Smith.