Not sure if this is the right place....

I'm just parroting, rather than sharing direct experience, but you probably want to purchase the most recent edition of the HCD--the Hollywood Creative Directory--the Representation version (rather than Production), which lists agents, managers, and attorneys.

It's possible you can subscribe online.

Remember, too, that not every production company uses agents. Some deal directly with the screenwriter.

Maryn, who'll wait with you until someone more knowledgeable comes along

I dunno if you've seen post #3 in the screenwriting tips thread, which offers a push in the right direction, I hope.

Guru advice I've read over the years suggests that agents aren't so much interested in taking on clients with only one script to sell, as they are in finding writers with a whole bunch of spec scripts to offer, which not only showcases their talent potential but also suggests they can write to assignment. If you only have one completed screenplay then perhaps querying prodcos directly might give you better odds?

Hopefully our more experienced members will chime in and correct any fallacies in the above.

-Derek

My advice: Complete another script.

If I look back on the first movie script I ever wrote, it's practically a joke, compared to what I write these days.

Write 5 or 6 or more and keep writing...you will just get better and better if you also read other good screenplays and maybe a book like The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier for formatting and structural pointers. Good luck...profligacy, speed and flexibility are important to someone hiring you to work on a preconceived idea or underlying work.

Again parroting others here and elsewhere. (Hey, it's what I'm good at.)

[Phone rings.]
SuccessfulWriter: Hello?
Agent: Hello, may I please talk to SuccessfulWriter?
SuccessfulWriter: Speaking.
Agent: This is Bigshot Agent. I was impressed with your script.
SuccessfulWriter: Thank you.
Agent: Trouble is, there's another one by Charlie Kaufman a lot like it circulating, and Shane Black's is pretty similar, too. What else you got?
SuccessfulWriter: Ah, I'm working on another one.
Agent: Same genre?
SuccessfulWriter: Yes, it's what I do best.
Agent: No romantic comedies, no family dramas, no action?
SuccessfulWriter: No, but I'm sure I could--
Agent: Damn, I need something now. Nice talking to you.
[Agent hangs up.]

Apparently this scene has played out for real too many times to count. You write a really good script, it impresses the agent, and he or she knows they cannot sell it now. They call, and if you have others of equal quality in two other genres, you'll get a reading based on the good one they can't use. But if you don't, your shot with that agent is gone. And worse, if that agent can't sell the one which impressed him or her, neither can the other agents, all working the same market.

I know screenwriters online who recommend having a minimum of three screenplays in three genres, each your best work ever, before you attempt to market the one you think is your strongest.

Maryn, suddenly eager for a cracker

I think you need to write another script if your first script is just mediocre.

A writer doesn't need three scripts or ten scripts to break into the business. Most agents, managers, producers and execs don't have time to read ten of your scripts. They can only read one script. Your best script.

If your first script is that good. Then it's all you need.

It only takes one script to break into the business.

But, realistically speaking, most scribes need to write many scripts before really finding their voice, before their scripts have polish and feel professional.

Personally, I wouldn't necessarily recommend writing in different genres. While writing in different genres allows you to find which you like best, you might never become a master.

For instance, with each comedy you write, you'll improve within that genre. If you write a mediocre comedy the first time. You're second comedy might get better. And you're third even better. But if after writing the mediocre comedy, you write a mediocre thriller and then a mediocre drama, you're not improving. And you'll never have anything to show to a producer or rep.

The industry will brand you regardless. If you have twenty scripts of all different genres but sell the action screenplay, you'll be branded the action writer. Your work will all be in that realm. Execs will not be interested in other scripts outside the genre you sold.

So, master that genre now. Be the very best action writer or comedy writer or horror writer. Later in your career, you can diversify.

Most agents who can really move a career are only interested in writers with scripts that can sell. The business model has shifted over the years, and many agents don't have the time to develop new writers. As a result, the "manager" has become quite popular and helps to fill a void. So, you might want to look for managers who could read your script and say, "I can't sell this one but I like the writing. What else do you have or is there an idea that I can help you develop into a screenplay?" Working with a manager can help prepare you for the marketplace. Also, when the time is right, he'll introduce you to agents.

So, you might want to put your energy into finding a manager. Do your research, as most managers are ineffective and there's only a handful that can really advance the careeer of a new writer.

BTW, in regards to an agency for a "first-timer," the big five agencies are much harder to get into, and you might want to look for a smaller (boutique) agency. Ditto with managment companies. That being said, you never want to limit your search either. Swing for the bleachers but be realistic. Read the trades to see what managers and agents are selling scripts. However, never be afraid to take a chance with a new agent or manager, provided he has reputable experience (like he worked as the assistant to a big lit agent for a couple of years). Beware of reps who might have had success years ago but have been out of the game for a while. You want a rep who has energy and is out meeting people in the business, advancing his platform and yours. Reps who are outside of town are not worthwhile, IMO.




P.S.

Sorry for all the typos in my previous post.

Hillgate said:

Write 5 or 6 or more and keep writing...you will just get better and better if you also read other good screenplays and maybe a book like The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier for formatting and structural pointers. Good luck...profligacy, speed and flexibility are important to someone hiring you to work on a preconceived idea or underlying work.

Click to expand...

I've been wondering...can someone mention some [legal] online sites where you can read successful scripts?

Thx

talking to myself said:

I've been wondering...can someone mention some [legal] online sites where you can read successful scripts?

Click to expand...

See section d. in the tips thread?

-Derek