Comments on: How Screenwriters Get Hired: The Unspoken Truth! http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/ Insider screenwriting stories, plus occasional stuff on how to write a screenplay, by Phil Gladwin Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:06:36 +0100 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: ankit http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-16844 ankit Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:02:36 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-16844 hey phil, that was informative, but how do you contact these producers and directors and stay refrained from agents...especially when you want to protect your writing , at the same time getting an ok amount of money and recognition for it. hey phil, that was informative, but how do you contact these producers and directors and stay refrained from agents…especially when you want to protect your writing , at the same time getting an ok amount of money and recognition for it.

]]> By: asif http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-14300 asif Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:28:44 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-14300 i have many stories prepared..i want them to be on the screen can u help me out..... i have many stories prepared..i want them to be on the screen can u help me out…..

]]> By: seds http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-14041 seds Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:57:00 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-14041 This is truly whats makes it a screenwriters goldmine. The debates, the dissent, industry professionals sharing experiences. A goldmine indeed. This is truly whats makes it a screenwriters goldmine. The debates, the dissent, industry professionals sharing experiences. A goldmine indeed.

]]> By: Dezra http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-10296 Dezra Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:30:18 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-10296 I'm looking for an agent for a stellar, branded new kids tv variety show. I’m looking for an agent for a stellar, branded new kids tv variety show.

]]> By: Mark_g http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-10126 Mark_g Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:59:30 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-10126 Apparently my post got a few reactions. It appears a few of you got the wrong message I was trying to convey. My point was, if you ask someone else to read your script; then take their suggestions and make the changes recommended, even if you think your ideas are the best. After all, if your not willing to make changes after hearing what others like or dislike, than why bother asking someone else to even read it. (just because you come up with an idea, doesn't mean everyone will agree it was a good one.)As far as writing a script with some friends, because it was fun, that's why. They came up with the basic storyline, I still was in charge of the creativity. Not everything written needs to be, or should be intended for sale. Writing is an outlet for relaxation. And for those few hours a day of writing, a chance to immerse yourself into the fantasy world you're creating, forgetting about the outside world and the day to day problems, even if just for a little while. Apparently my post got a few reactions. It appears a few of you got the wrong message I was trying to convey. My point was, if you ask someone else to read your script; then take their suggestions and make the changes recommended, even if you think your ideas are the best. After all, if your not willing to make changes after hearing what others like or dislike, than why bother asking someone else to even read it. (just because you come up with an idea, doesn’t mean everyone will agree it was a good one.)As far as writing a script with some friends, because it was fun, that’s why. They came up with the basic storyline, I still was in charge of the creativity. Not everything written needs to be, or should be intended for sale. Writing is an outlet for relaxation. And for those few hours a day of writing, a chance to immerse yourself into the fantasy world you’re creating, forgetting about the outside world and the day to day problems, even if just for a little while.

]]> By: Amit http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-10102 Amit Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:47:09 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-10102 It appears Mark thinks writing is a manufacturing activities rather than a creative endevour. Writer has a vision and style/signature of his own in telling the particular story and this is his prime mover. He does many re-writings before he is confident enough to try market it. Once the script is accepted to be made into a film, writer becomes a part of the project team that wishes to complete the project successfully and at this stage at Project team meetings, if something is suggested to a writer to plug some weak points or from budget point of view, it is understandable and it's not a bad idea to be open and listen. But to accept suggetsions from each and every corner right from the very beginning shows lack of vision and conviction on part of writer. He can be a factory worker but not a creative person with his own vision and conviction. I would rather wait for my time rather than take the route that Mark G suggests. Colleen , I am totally with you in this regard. It appears Mark thinks writing is a manufacturing activities rather than a creative endevour. Writer has a vision and style/signature of his own in telling the particular story and this is his prime mover. He does many re-writings before he is confident enough to try market it. Once the script is accepted to be made into a film, writer becomes a part of the project team that wishes to complete the project successfully and at this stage at Project team meetings, if something is suggested to a writer to plug some weak points or from budget point of view, it is understandable and it’s not a bad idea to be open and listen. But to accept suggetsions from each and every corner right from the very beginning shows lack of vision and conviction on part of writer. He can be a factory worker but not a creative person with his own vision and conviction. I would rather wait for my time rather than take the route that Mark G suggests. Colleen , I am totally with you in this regard.

]]> By: WriteFree http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-10085 WriteFree Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:47:20 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-10085 Great point Colleen...I think what Mark was trying to say is that he does not let his ego get in the way of things; which is good advice if you are already an established writer. But if you are trying to make it...you need to be writing your tail off; with extreme confidence and never holding back your talents. The truth is that no one has ego's, we are all just trying to make it in a turbulent field--where writers are replaced every day. If every writer had this mentality then there would be better films created. So to all my writers out there, let the Producers and Directors have the egos...for we are nothing but the backbone of the entertainment economy, and like Colleen said, let's not depend on people to create ideas for us! If we depended on other people to eat, we would starve to death. -Moses Great point Colleen…I think what Mark was trying to say is that he does not let his ego get in the way of things; which is good advice if you are already an established writer.

But if you are trying to make it…you need to be writing your tail off; with extreme confidence and never holding back your talents. The truth is that no one has ego’s, we are all just trying to make it in a turbulent field–where writers are replaced every day.

If every writer had this mentality then there would be better films created. So to all my writers out there, let the Producers and Directors have the egos…for we are nothing but the backbone of the entertainment economy, and like Colleen said, let’s not depend on people to create ideas for us!

If we depended on other people to eat, we would starve to death.

-Moses

]]> By: colleen http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-10083 colleen Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:13:23 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-10083 Mark_g, are you a writer, or are you the editor of an anthology? It's YOUR JOB to come up with ideas. That's part of being a writer. The method you describe will result in a mess, not a coherent expression of a clear vision. Have more respect for your craft, and give yourself more credit. There's a difference between being open to constructive criticism, and just being a willow that bends whichever way the wind blows. Mark_g, are you a writer, or are you the editor of an anthology?

It’s YOUR JOB to come up with ideas. That’s part of being a writer.

The method you describe will result in a mess, not a coherent expression of a clear vision.

Have more respect for your craft, and give yourself more credit. There’s a difference between being open to constructive criticism, and just being a willow that bends whichever way the wind blows.

]]> By: Mark_g http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-10018 Mark_g Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:03:28 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-10018 I read Curt's post, and I have to say, He is right on the money. Ego probably ruins more potential writers than makes them successful. I have written four screenplays, and have two more in the works. Although I am still trying to get my break. I welcome any producer, director, or anyone else already successful in the business to give me a shot at writing a script based solely on their ideas. I recently wrote a horror script with some help from three co-workers. They would give me ideas, and then at night, I would go to work. Next day,week however long it took me to write the script from the ideas, I would print them out and take them back to work. Everyone would read them, and give me input. some good, some critical whatever, I didn't care. I never once let my ego influence the story. Next day I write more from the previous day's comments then print out and get more input...you get the idea. The bottom line was, I wrote a damn good movie script from four peoples ideas, but it was still my creation. It was also the easiest script I've ever written. I think I completed that one in six weeks. So, if you're a producer, director, or whoever, and you have an idea for a movie. Please, and I do mean please; call me, write me, email me....just get a hold of me. I know together that we can create the next Blockbuster movie together. Bottom line, I want to write for a living. I refuse to give up because writing is my passion. P.S. I promise you, my ego is in check and if you don't like it, it goes, and we try again until we get it right. Thank you for entertaining my rant. Mark_G I read Curt’s post, and I have to say, He is right on the money. Ego probably ruins more potential writers than makes them successful. I have written four screenplays, and have two more in the works. Although I am still trying to get my break. I welcome any producer, director, or anyone else already successful in the business to give me a shot at writing a script based solely on their ideas. I recently wrote a horror script with some help from three co-workers. They would give me ideas, and then at night, I would go to work. Next day,week however long it took me to write the script from the ideas, I would print them out and take them back to work. Everyone would read them, and give me input. some good, some critical whatever, I didn’t care. I never once let my ego influence the story. Next day I write more from the previous day’s comments then print out and get more input…you get the idea. The bottom line was, I wrote a damn good movie script from four peoples ideas, but it was still my creation. It was also the easiest script I’ve ever written. I think I completed that one in six weeks. So, if you’re a producer, director, or whoever, and you have an idea for a movie. Please, and I do mean please; call me, write me, email me….just get a hold of me. I know together that we can create the next Blockbuster movie together. Bottom line, I want to write for a living. I refuse to give up because writing is my passion.
P.S. I promise you, my ego is in check and if you don’t like it, it goes, and we try again until we get it right.
Thank you for entertaining my rant.
Mark_G

]]> By: scriptie http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-9626 scriptie Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:03:27 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-9626 Thank you, Moses, for the advice and reminding me to stay focused on determination. :) Have a wonderful holiday! Rachel Thank you, Moses, for the advice and reminding me to stay focused on determination. :)

Have a wonderful holiday!

Rachel

]]> By: WriteFree http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-9618 WriteFree Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:59:11 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-9618 Hey Rachel, To answer your question it is hard to make it anywhere. The key is to develop relationships. Try submitting your resume on Mandy.com This is where many Producers and Directors look for unsigned Screenwriters. To be a successful Screenwriter it takes 25% skill, 25% knowledge and 50% luck. If you can get 50% of either, it would give you a great chance. This past summer I had an upcoming Producer call me at 11pm on a Saturday night--he said he read my resume, and he was flying to LA in a few weeks. We met and it was history,my script Harlemites is now being read by one of his connects who is Tony Taurantino- Quintin's father. So Rachel I encourage you to stay determined--For a determined person is like a rock, and criticism is a pat on the back. Moses Hey Rachel,

To answer your question it is hard to make it anywhere. The key is to develop relationships. Try submitting your resume on Mandy.com This is where many Producers and Directors look for unsigned Screenwriters. To be a successful Screenwriter it takes 25% skill, 25% knowledge and 50% luck. If you can get 50% of either, it would give you a great chance. This past summer I had an upcoming Producer call me at 11pm on a Saturday night–he said he read my resume, and he was flying to LA in a few weeks. We met and it was history,my script Harlemites is now being read by one of his connects who is Tony Taurantino- Quintin’s father. So Rachel I encourage you to stay determined–For a determined person is like a rock, and criticism is a pat on the back.

Moses

]]> By: scriptie http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-9607 scriptie Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:31:41 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-9607 Thanks Phil and Curt! I'm a screenwriter with an agent and I understand the feeling of a standstill. Many producers and execs have read my scripts and say, we love it... but pass. It was nice to read another seasoned writer with a similar experience. I recently got so frustrated with continuing to hear that and wondered if they were lying to me. Ha ha! Just kidding, but I'm sure you know what I mean. I do have one question... What is either of your experience with the New York film community? Recently, people have told me to work harder toward New York because my scripts tend to be more "indie" or "intellectual". Just curious if NY is any easier. Maybe I'm wishing and being hopeful, but any info is greatly appreciated. Have a wonderful holiday season! Rachel Thanks Phil and Curt! I’m a screenwriter with an agent and I understand the feeling of a standstill. Many producers and execs have read my scripts and say, we love it… but pass. It was nice to read another seasoned writer with a similar experience. I recently got so frustrated with continuing to hear that and wondered if they were lying to me. Ha ha! Just kidding, but I’m sure you know what I mean. I do have one question… What is either of your experience with the New York film community? Recently, people have told me to work harder toward New York because my scripts tend to be more “indie” or “intellectual”. Just curious if NY is any easier. Maybe I’m wishing and being hopeful, but any info is greatly appreciated.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Rachel

]]> By: Spunk http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-9157 Spunk Mon, 24 Nov 2008 04:41:44 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-9157 hey Amit, Nice to see another fellow Indian around. And i absolutely agree with your views. hey Amit,
Nice to see another fellow Indian around. And i absolutely agree with your views.

]]> By: jack123 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-8426 jack123 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:02:48 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-8426 Hi Yeets, Yeah, it certainly is a rollercoaster from praise to reality. Years ago I experienced similar things when I worked in the music bizz. The A&R people used to follow each other around looking for talent similar to the latest headliners-signed-by-so-and-so, by-passing all else, regardless of quality. If, by some quirk, another band came through, these same A&R would set off on a search for something similar -ad infinitum. They weren't referred to as the sheep patrol for nothing! The point is, they didn't have the courage to take a risk on something they genuinely liked, unless it was qualified by one of their peers. I think this is, to some degree, the problem here. Agents have so much in their favour they're unwilling to take a risk on someone new, unless, of course, he/she comes in already succesful (qualified-by-so-and-so!) then, all of a sudden, there's plenty of room in their books for another!! This is why I really warm to Curt's post as it is the way for us to get ourselves 'qualified' - and only then will the agents will open up their 'too-full' books. Once more into the breach, my friends.... Hi Yeets,
Yeah, it certainly is a rollercoaster from praise to reality. Years ago I experienced similar things when I worked in the music bizz. The A&R people used to follow each other around looking for talent similar to the latest headliners-signed-by-so-and-so, by-passing all else, regardless of quality. If, by some quirk, another band came through, these same A&R would set off on a search for something similar -ad infinitum. They weren’t referred to as the sheep patrol for nothing! The point is, they didn’t have the courage to take a risk on something they genuinely liked, unless it was qualified by one of their peers. I think this is, to some degree, the problem here. Agents have so much in their favour they’re unwilling to take a risk on someone new, unless, of course, he/she comes in already succesful (qualified-by-so-and-so!) then, all of a sudden, there’s plenty of room in their books for another!! This is why I really warm to Curt’s post as it is the way for us to get ourselves ‘qualified’ – and only then will the agents will open up their ‘too-full’ books. Once more into the breach, my friends….

]]> By: Yeets http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-8395 Yeets Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:50:08 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-8395 Yeah, you know, Jack, that situation makes me sick. You send a script out, people like it, you think you're going to have to be buying the house with a ballroom for all the hot celeb parties you're going to be giving - then nothing! There's like some basic gap somewhere - we got to work out how to bridge it! Yeah, you know, Jack, that situation makes me sick. You send a script out, people like it, you think you’re going to have to be buying the house with a ballroom for all the hot celeb parties you’re going to be giving – then nothing! There’s like some basic gap somewhere – we got to work out how to bridge it!

]]> By: jack123 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-8349 jack123 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:07:40 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-8349 This advice is superb. Thanks Curt and Phil for making it available. It's obvious from other posts that the subject of agents is a prickly one. It seems we all want one but they already have too many writers to represent. What can we do - a cull, perhaps; I know I have a big stick around here somewhere! One of my scripts, for a low budget British film, was recently assessed by the UK Film Council appointed, The Script Conection, who said "..you give us an interesting world, delivered in a confident, original voice and there is every reason to continue with this project as it really stands out from he crowd." They also gave me some poignant notes to absorb, which I'm currently engaged with. What they, or anyone else, it seems, can't offer is the 'what next?' Curt and Phil have done that with this blog. No more wasting time and energy on agents, for the time being. Procuring working directors, working producers that's surely the way forward - so, mother, put that big stick away for me please and pass me the phone book..... This advice is superb. Thanks Curt and Phil for making it available. It’s obvious from other posts that the subject of agents is a prickly one. It seems we all want one but they already have too many writers to represent. What can we do – a cull, perhaps; I know I have a big stick around here somewhere!
One of my scripts, for a low budget British film, was recently assessed by the UK Film Council appointed, The Script Conection, who said “..you give us an interesting world, delivered in a confident, original voice and there is every reason to continue with this project as it really stands out from he crowd.” They also gave me some poignant notes to absorb, which I’m currently engaged with. What they, or anyone else, it seems, can’t offer is the ‘what next?’ Curt and Phil have done that with this blog. No more wasting time and energy on agents, for the time being. Procuring working directors, working producers that’s surely the way forward – so, mother, put that big stick away for me please and pass me the phone book…..

]]> By: dee http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-8336 dee Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:05:03 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-8336 Hummmmm...I've read so many opinions about this subject of a closed Hollywood circle. I'm a good writer...damn good writer. I have not tried yet to market anything or even get an agent because of the walls that exist. So I have decided to just film something that I have written. A short. I am in the process of looking for people who fit my characters once I have them I will film my short, show it to a few people. Then enter it in some film festivals. I think from all I have read and heard this gives me a better chance of being noticed as a writer with potential. Hummmmm…I’ve read so many opinions about this subject of a closed Hollywood circle. I’m a good writer…damn good writer. I have not tried yet to market anything or even get an agent because of the walls that exist. So I have decided to just film something that I have written. A short. I am in the process of looking for people who fit my characters once I have them I will film my short, show it to a few people. Then enter it in some film festivals. I think from all I have read and heard this gives me a better chance of being noticed as a writer with potential.

]]> By: Writefree http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-5793 Writefree Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:39:26 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-5793 Good points... What also makes the selection process difficult is the fact that every time an agent accepts a new writer that agent is putting his/her reputation and career on the line. So I can image the high level of agony and pressure one has to go through when making this arduous decision. If you're an Agent or Screenwriter, I would recommend reading Robert McKee's book "Story". This is a masterpiece, and will sharpen your conscious mind in a laboriously challenged industry. *As a writer you want an agent who would risk their career on quality. *As an agent you want a writer who doesn't hide from the truth, but lives deeply, and observes closely. *If you can find this quality in each other, then people will come to you! -Moses Good points…

What also makes the selection process difficult is the fact that every time an agent accepts a new writer that agent is putting his/her reputation and career on the line. So I can image the high level of agony and pressure one has to go through when making this arduous decision.

If you’re an Agent or Screenwriter, I would recommend reading Robert McKee’s book “Story”. This is a masterpiece, and will sharpen your conscious mind in a laboriously challenged industry.

*As a writer you want an agent who would risk their career on quality.

*As an agent you want a writer who doesn’t hide from the truth, but lives deeply, and observes closely.

*If you can find this quality in each other, then people will come to you!

-Moses

]]> By: Screenwriting Compass http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-5779 Screenwriting Compass Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:59:20 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-5779 Kailua, That's an interesting post. That's a post a lot of screenwriters would have written. Let me give you the view from our side of the business. First off, getting clients from other agencies/management companies is a great thing for us. The answer to that is obvious...already proven and they have a quote (of course, i'm talking about working writers, there are many not working at the bottom of the list). However, you have to understand MOST agents/manageres have to start from the bottom as well. A young rep can't sign the top talent. So yes, they have to look for new and UNKNOWN talent, and it happens all the time. I have a stack of about 20-30 scripts right now of NEW unrepped and UNKNOWN talent. The question is, with so many scripts to read, why would I keep adding to my heavy pile by answering YES to every query? My stack would be 1000 scripts by the end of the week!! The key for you guys is going to be making it to that select pile. Kailua,

That’s an interesting post. That’s a post a lot of screenwriters would have written. Let me give you the view from our side of the business. First off, getting clients from other agencies/management companies is a great thing for us. The answer to that is obvious…already proven and they have a quote (of course, i’m talking about working writers, there are many not working at the bottom of the list). However, you have to understand MOST agents/manageres have to start from the bottom as well. A young rep can’t sign the top talent. So yes, they have to look for new and UNKNOWN talent, and it happens all the time. I have a stack of about 20-30 scripts right now of NEW unrepped and UNKNOWN talent. The question is, with so many scripts to read, why would I keep adding to my heavy pile by answering YES to every query? My stack would be 1000 scripts by the end of the week!! The key for you guys is going to be making it to that select pile.

]]> By: The Kailua Kid http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/how-screenwriters-get-hired/2008/06/10/comment-page-1/#comment-5774 The Kailua Kid Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:21:26 +0000 http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/blog/?p=89#comment-5774 Literary agents are like cops, they're never around when you need one. One can spend all the money in the world on screenwriting books, on classes and seminars to learn how to write that perfect "query letter". One can send this perfectly composed inquiry to a hundred agents listed on WGA's list of signatory agencies. The "query letter" still comes back to the sender, stuffed inside the agency's own letterhead envelope (despite my own convenient SASE)along with a terse letter from their legal department stating "it is our agency's universally accepted practice not to accept any "unsolicited material". Consequently, we have returned your material to you unread." What "unsolicited material"? It was only a "query letter". I only asked whether or not they would like to receive some real-live solicited material. It's one thing to have your screenplay rejected; it's another thing all together to have a simple query letter regarding possible representation get tossed out as well. Literary agencies are not unique when it comes to talent. A lot of businesses become satiated on "low hanging fruit"; enticing already proven writers to leave another agency for their own. The hard work is taking the time to read the work of someone new. If they had, THEN it would be interesting to watch while that agent works the room and successfully sells the work of an unknown writer. That, to me, is the sign of a great agent. If "Screenwriting Compass" is interested in showing how good an agent he/she really is, I've got a couple of screenplays I'd love him/her to read. You know where to get hold of me... or do you? Literary agents are like cops, they’re never around when you need one.

One can spend all the money in the world on screenwriting books, on classes and seminars to learn how to write that perfect “query letter”. One can send this perfectly composed inquiry to a hundred agents listed on WGA’s list of signatory agencies.

The “query letter” still comes back to the sender, stuffed inside the agency’s own letterhead envelope (despite my own convenient SASE)along with a terse letter from their legal department stating “it is our agency’s universally accepted practice not to accept any “unsolicited material”. Consequently, we have returned your material to you unread.”

What “unsolicited material”? It was only a “query letter”. I only asked whether or not they would like to receive some real-live solicited material. It’s one thing to have your screenplay rejected; it’s another thing all together to have a simple query letter regarding possible representation get tossed out as well.

Literary agencies are not unique when it comes to talent. A lot of businesses become satiated on “low hanging fruit”; enticing already proven writers to leave another agency for their own. The hard work is taking the time to read the work of someone new. If they had, THEN it would be interesting to watch while that agent works the room and successfully sells the work of an unknown writer. That, to me, is the sign of a great agent.

If “Screenwriting Compass” is interested in showing how good an agent he/she really is, I’ve got a couple of screenplays I’d love him/her to read. You know where to get hold of me… or do you?

]]>