Question about agents: how to get one, what do they do? etc.

[Jack the Writer]

I did a search and couldnt find anything, so here is my question(s)

1) What does a writers agent do exactly? Does he pitch the screenplay (assuming he/she likes it) to producers? Does he merely throw the script to producers and say "hey if you like it contact the writer"????


2) Does a agent "push" for your story to the producer or do you have to do that during a pitch session? And is it the "norm" for a writer to have to come in and pitch his story to a producer/studio?

3) Also, if someone is living outside of Hollywood, like on the east coast, how do you go about getting a agent? Does a agent accept people based on their work or does a agent pick up a person just as long as their willing to pay them?

Thanks

[SimonSays]

Jack -

Agents ONLY sign writers based on their work. If they think you are talented and that your scripts are commercial so they will make money off you - they will sign you. They may think you are talented,but don't think they can make money off you, in which case they won't sign you.

Legitimate agents will not take on clients that are willing to pay them because legitimate agents do NOT, under any circurmstances take fees from their clients. They take a percentage of the money you make off selling scripts and getting writer for hire jobs. Any agent that wants money from you is not legitimate.

Agents try to sell your scripts and sell you as a writer. They have different ways of doing this depending on their style. They will generally pitch and talk up your script and you to interest producers in reading it. If they are good at their jobs, producers will read your scripts. If an agent is pushing your script, you should not have to pitch it to anyone - they are pitching if for you. But if a producer passes on your script but likes your writing, then it is common for your agent to set-up a pitch meeting so you can pitch your other scripts and story ideas to the producer.

Agents will never have a producer contact the writer. They are your represenatives. They negotiate for you. When an agent sends out a script to producers they replace your cover sheet with one of their own - which has the contact information for the agency.

I have to admit I'm a little surprised by how little you appear to know about agents considering I get the feeling you came to LA to pursue your screenwriting career and you have been working in the Entertainment Industry. Have you even tried submitting your script to any agents while you've been here?

It is very difficult to get an agent. Many will not even look at a script unless it is referred to them by someone they know. Have you made any connections during your time in LA who could help you get to an agent?

[JustinoXV]

If you can't be in Los Angeles at the moment, query agents in LA and in New York (there are a few good screenwriter agents there). Query letters do work.

[JustinoXV]

Jack,

in your time that you have been in LA, what have you done to get an agent? If anything?

The limitations of anyone being able to advice another is that we only know what the person asking for advice is telling us.

Just curious, how many screenplays have you written? Have you ever tried query letters?

It can be hard to pitch agents and producers unless you have the money to go to a pitch fest, or else you have connections that can set up meetings. Then again you may be able to save up the money and go. I do think thatp eople here maybe able to throw more ideas towards you if we have more details in terms of where you're coming from.

[kojled]

jtw

become a good writer


zilla

[Jack the Writer]

I have to admit I'm a little surprised by how little you appear to know about agents considering I get the feeling you came to LA to pursue your screenwriting career and you have been working in the Entertainment Industry. Have you even tried submitting your script to any agents while you've been here?

Simon,
I moved here to be closer to the industry, I am in no way a professional writer and only have 3 scripts that are roughly 60-75% complete so therefore I never bothered looking into the process of "agents" because Ive never needed one.

As far as my past entertainment work experience, I have worked as a PA and recently in the film distribution business. Im just a guy trying to learn as much as he can, didnt mean to mislead you or anyone else

[Jack the Writer]

Jack,
in your time that you have been in LA, what have you done to get an agent? If anything? The limitations of anyone being able to advice another is that we only know what the person asking for advice is telling us.

havent tried to get one because I dont have a finished script yet, like I said to Simon....I just want to learn as much as I can


It can be hard to pitch agents and producers unless you have the money to go to a pitch fest, or else you have connections that can set up meetings. Then again you may be able to save up the money and go. I do think thatp eople here maybe able to throw more ideas towards you if we have more details in terms of where you're coming from.

ive seen people talk about "pitch sessions" where you talk to a producer and pitch your storys to him (for a fee)....isnt this a rip off? Are all "pitch fests" set up as to you have to pay inorder to sit with someone to pitch your ideas?

[SimonSays]

Jack -

Even working as a PA or whatever, you may be able to network through the people you meet on the set.

As for pitch fests being a rip off that depends on how you look at it. Yes the writer's pay to attend - but the producers etc. who come do not get paid. They come on their time and they are looking for new talent. I know a number of producers and agents who attend them and have found projects for their develoment slate.

Hollywood by the Bay is a well respected pitch event organizer.

If you have access to a producer through someone you know, that is always the preferred route, but pitch events can give you direct access to some well-established producers - with credits you've heard of.

Do not waste your time or money going to a pitch event until your scripts are completed, polished and ready to go out. Also be sure to have a good "pitch".

[Writing Again]

Do not waste your time or money going to a pitch event until your scripts are completed, polished and ready to go out. Also be sure to have a good "pitch".


Can you go as an observer to see what is going on?

Sounds like it would be interesting to watch.

[NikeeGoddess]

Can you go as an observer to see what is going on?

yes but you probably won't be able to hear others pitch unless you're at a roundtable like Lets Do Lunch or some kind of open forum amongst a panel

but if money is no object then pitch when you're ready to tell your story.....for practice ;)

[SimonSays]

Writing Again -

Generally speaking they are not open to the general public but you might be able to walk in and watch. Although I'm not sure how much you 'd get out of watching. They're pretty chaotic.

20 or so producers at little tables, a hundred or so writers.

I went to one recently to hear pitches for a producer friend because his development person was sick. I'd never been to one before. Kinda reminded me of speed dating. But I actually did hear a couple of pitches that sounded like they might be right for my friend's co. and had the writers send the scripts.

One thing I noticed was that many of the writers were really bad at pitching. Maybe because I'm a writer, I was able to look beyond the other writer's nerves, but my guess is that many may not be as understanding. So I'd suggest that anyone who is going to pitch, whether it be at such an event or at a producer's office, really should work on their pitch and make sure they've got it down. Stuttering and going "uh- uh- uh" can really ruin your chances.