In Hollywood's complex ecosystem, understanding who does what can mean the difference between a script gathering dust and a project getting made. Let's break down why producers are essential and when you might be able to skip the manager middleman.
Producers are the engines that drive projects from page to screen. They:
Find and secure financing
Package your project with the right talent
Navigate the buyer landscape
Shepherd your project through production
Secure distribution deals
Think of producers as your project's CEO - they're responsible for transforming your creative vision into a viable business venture that actually gets made.
Traditionally, managers serve as the bridge between writers and producers. They:
Build relationships with producers
Know which producers are looking for what material
Present your work to the right people
Guide your career strategy
In essence, managers help you get to producers. But here's the thing - they're not the destination.
In today's landscape, writers have more options than ever to connect directly with the decision-makers who can champion their work. Whether you go through a manager or take the direct route, remember: the producer is your ultimate target. They're the ones who can turn your script into reality. Everyone plays a crucial role in this ecosystem. But there isn't only way to make your project happen.
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Gotta be a salesperson, expert in find raising, social media expert....writing the script doesn't seem high on the list IMHOP.
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"Everyone places a crucial role in this ecosystem. But there isn't only way to make your project happen." You're right, Geoffroy Faugerolas. I had a manager back in 2009/2010, and he was great, but I've been getting interest in my projects and script requests other ways since then, and there are some ways I haven't tried yet. And even when I had a manager, I was networking and pitching too. We were a team.
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Absolutely Maurice Vaughan. Reps like to joke that they earn 10% because writers need to do 90% of the work but there's a lot of truth in that!
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I agree Geoffroy Faugerolas. I think both strategies work well, but it depends on your own objectives and how far you want to go in your career. On the other side, some screenwriters are their best managers. As you say: ‘ The producer is your ultimate target. They’re are the ones who can turn your script into reality ‘ and I think that’s the focus. I love a Rumi’s quote that says everything: ‘When you start to walk on the way, the way appears’.
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WHO'S WHO - Useful link: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/highest-paying-jobs-film-industr...
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Geoffroy, I hear you!
I've had better luck hooking up with a producer than with a manager...in fact, last year, a producer found me (it was on LinkedIn, though). Since he doesn't consider himself a real screenwriter-TV writer (and he's better at generating backstories), he was looking for someone who's actually written scripts, so...he and I got together to flesh out one of his stories.
He liked the script I came up with based on his story, a psychological thriller.
Now...getting a contract together that he and I can both sign is the sticking point. (He's got a manager, someone from RLHTalent!)
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Right on! I will say, trying to/Doing it all yourself is exhausting & ineffective - collaborate, people! Have a great week!
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Jim Boston Make sure you're protected. It's worth having an entertainment attorney look at the agreement.
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Thank you for the insight! Geoffroy Faugerolas