First off, howdy everyone. I'm slipping over from the short story forums. I didn't even realize until recently that we had a screenwriting forum, as well. That makes me happy.
Now, my question. In the past year I've worked on 2 big screenwriting projects with a director - one on spec (unpaid, unproduced) and the second by contract (paid, unproduced). Neither will make it to the screen. I've also written several short scripts, many of which are in excellent shape for competition and will be sent out soon.
I'm familiar with most paths to representation - good showing in script contests or a hot spec script that gets repped and shopped. But what about using a finished script as more of a writing sample? Let's assume I have the director's and producer's permission, which I can get in writing if needed.
My goal is to win contract writing gigs - not sure what the proper term for that is. I have excellent writing samples of both feature and short form. But I have no "hot spec" to serve as a calling card. I have several specs that still need to be cleaned up, but none as good as the gem I wrote for this director. It's by far my best work. The idea, sans reality check, is to find an agent on the strength of my existing work so I have someone to send me to pitch meetings for new non-spec work.
Is it possible to use the contract and the short scripts to get representation? I have a few respectable agents in my personal network that I can be introduced to when I'm ready.
thanks!
Now, my question. In the past year I've worked on 2 big screenwriting projects with a director - one on spec (unpaid, unproduced) and the second by contract (paid, unproduced). Neither will make it to the screen. I've also written several short scripts, many of which are in excellent shape for competition and will be sent out soon.
I'm familiar with most paths to representation - good showing in script contests or a hot spec script that gets repped and shopped. But what about using a finished script as more of a writing sample? Let's assume I have the director's and producer's permission, which I can get in writing if needed.
My goal is to win contract writing gigs - not sure what the proper term for that is. I have excellent writing samples of both feature and short form. But I have no "hot spec" to serve as a calling card. I have several specs that still need to be cleaned up, but none as good as the gem I wrote for this director. It's by far my best work. The idea, sans reality check, is to find an agent on the strength of my existing work so I have someone to send me to pitch meetings for new non-spec work.
Is it possible to use the contract and the short scripts to get representation? I have a few respectable agents in my personal network that I can be introduced to when I'm ready.
thanks!
