How to Get a Screenwriting Manager – Examples & Resources
Webinar hosted by: Conrad Sun
Manager at Meridian Artists
Conrad is currently working as a TV Lit Manager and Development Executive at Meridian Artists, a literary management company with offices in Canada and the United States. Originally from Canada, Conrad made the move to Los Angeles over five years ago where he attended the University of Southern California’s Peter Stark Producing Program. After attaining his masters in film & TV producing, Conrad went on to work in both TV lit management at New Wave Entertainment, and TV production at Motion Theory Films. Conrad currently heads the Los Angeles offices of Meridian Artists and reps TV writers in both the comedy and drama space. Conrad boasts a successful short, Giri, starring Lauren Mary Kim (Star Trek), in which he produced and wrote. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
It's the question every screenwriter eventually wants an answer to: How do I get a manager. There's a lot of information out there, and probably even more misinformation, on the proper approach toward attracting and securing a manager. The truth of the matter is that most managers are tremendously busy. They are not only reading their clients scripts, they're helping them flesh out new ideas. And when they're not reading their clients' work, they're reading scripts recommended to them by trusted sources and staying on top of industry trends, as well as production company/network/streamer mandates, wants and needs. So how best to break through and make sure you have the most solid chance to land a quality manager? What if you had the chance to pull back the curtain back and hear directly from a successful literary manager as to what makes them interested? Now you can.
All writers think they have the next great screenplay. And maybe you do! But to get the proper feedback, get the script into market shape, and have a confidant on the business side of your pursuits to get your work out there, having a great manager who's plugged in can make all the difference. Unlike agents, managers are there to make sure all of your screenplays are molded toward marketability. Additionally, they're in the career building business. They'll help you hone and shape not only your existing screenplays, but your ideas for the next one and the one after that so that you go from novice to experienced and in demand.
Conrad Sun currently working as a Film & TV Literary Manager and Development Executive at Meridian Artists, a management company with offices in United States and Canada. Originally from Canada himself, Conrad made the move to Los Angeles nearly 10 years ago where he attended the University of Southern California’s Peter Stark Producing Program. After attaining his masters in film & TV producing, Conrad went on to work in both film & TV lit management at New Wave Entertainment, and TV production at Motion Theory Films. Conrad currently heads the Los Angeles offices of Meridian Artists and reps film & TV writers in both the comedy and drama space. Conrad writers have credits including BLINDSPOT, BOJACK HORSEMAN, 2 BROKE GIRLS, MOTIVE and SLASHER.
In this jam-packed 90-minute plus webinar, Conrad will give a complete and thorough overview of the screenwriter/manager relationship. He will explain the often confusing world of managers vs. agents and explain which one you need first, what each does for their clients and whether you'll ever need both. He will explain how a manager works in the day-to-day so you can understand how to best help your manager to position yourself toward success. Then, Conrad will dive into the nitty gritty of how to get the attention of a manager, the importance of writing samples, how to utilize writing groups, the psychology of your reader. From there, Conrad will use real world examples by breaking down the pilot for BLINDSPOT. Conrad will also go over the merits (or lack thereof) of query letters, screenwriting contests, pitchfests and more. And in one of the most important but overlook aspects of the building of a screenwriter's career, Conrad will discuss the importance of defining, building, and explaining your brand and the brand of your work.
You will also receive a list of resources from Conrad to help you on your screenwriting journey. This is an all out, fully comprehensive look at how to find, secure and build a relationship with a quality literary manager.
Praise for Conrad
"There are so many 'experts' out there giving advice on how to secure management. This webinar proved how much of it is BS. Thanks to Conrad for giving the straight skinny."
- Steven L.
"So much logic. So much common sense."
- Gina P.
"Eye-opening and immensely helpful."
- Heather P.
"I've wasted so much time taking the long, winding road. Thanks for putting me on the highway."
- Drea T.
"My 5th Stage 32 webinar and I get more impressed with each one I take."
- Michael M.
What You'll Learn
- What is the Role of a Manager?
- Key Differences Between an Manager and an Agent
- Do You Need Both?
- Which Should You Look for First
- What Managers Do (and Don’t Do) For Their Clients
- How To Get The Attention Of A Lit Manager
- The Importance of Your Writing Samples
- The best litmus test for your sample
- How a manager like Conrad receives samples
- Resources you can use to help you get the best samples
- Understanding the psychology of the reader
- INCLUDED DOWNLOAD: Breakdown of the pilot for BLINDSPOT, written by Conrad's client to demonstrate what makes a good writing sample.
- Query Letters
- Are they a waste of time?
- Tips on writing a query letter
- Example of a mock query letter to demonstrate what makes a good query letter.
- Screenwriting Competitions
- Are they a waste of time?
- Which ones should you submit to?
- Is the Blacklist helpful?
- List of contests Conrad feels are effective
- Finding Managers to Reach Out To
- Which ones to reach out to first
- How to reach out
- The power of a hungry assistant
- Resources available to find contact information for managers.
- How To Focus and Know What Your Brand Is as a Writer
- The Importance of Your Writing Samples
- Q&A with Conrad
About Your Instructor
Conrad Sun
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Testimonials
"The topic covered exactly what I need to know at this point in the development of my career. Conrad's take was extremely helpful and insightful, he was able to convey not only the manager's perspective but industry executives' in general. I will definitely revisit the recording over the next few weeks." - Ian K.
"Conrad was very clear and easy to understand." - Betsy G.
"Very proficient and informative speaker." - Mary G.
"Always outstanding." - Kirk A.
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