need a good recommended agent.

valen_sinclair · Sep 2, 2007

Hi all, after the bitter news that my email was not all it sounded too be. I was wondering if any of you know of a good agent in the states, that works with writers in the uk.
My script is solid Sci-Fi and is a brand new television show, fully created by me.
I have one full script and several other scripts in the works for the show, and a whole guideline as to the arc of each charater.
This is a strong idea unlike anything I have seen on tv. The closest i would get to a comparison is the remake of Battlestar Galactica. But it doesn't feature an alien of the week etc.
By the comparison I mean in the hard edged gritiness of it.

Thanks

Sunshine13 · Sep 2, 2007

My biggest recommendation would be to go to a bookstore and get The Writers Market. Or, you could sign up on sites like moviebytes.com (there are a bunch of other ones out there I am sure AW has a list somehwere) that give you lists of agents and prodcos.

But a good start. at least for me, was the Writers Market. It gives you their info, what scripts they take, and more. Good luck!

valen_sinclair · Sep 2, 2007

I have the writers handbook 2007, I am guessing that is the same sort of thing, but it seems to have a never ending list of agents who do not accept sci-fi!

Hillgate · Sep 2, 2007

Why not check out the BBC and channel 4 websites regarding writers' submissions? It's worth a try. Despite the fact you think it's more USA in concept, you may get a surprise...

NikeeGoddess · Sep 2, 2007

we all need a good agent. you think one of us would just hand ours over to you?! LOL! agents are not like lawyers. you can't hire one to sell your stuff. you have to sell yourself and your future marketability to the agent. you gotta have the stuff first because they won't sign you on a promise.

anyhoo - i'll make another suggestion. when you're ready sign up at http://www.scriptpimp.com. they have a bunch of agents (as well as producers and managers) listed as members. their contact information is always current, they tell you what they're looking for and they even tell you which ones will work with new writers.

managers vs agents - if you've only got one great script then find a manager because they only deal with one script at a time and will help you package it. if you've got several great scripts then you're ideal is the agent because they want someone who they can sell over and over throughout their contract.

nmstevens · Sep 2, 2007

valen_sinclair said:
Hi all, after the bitter news that my email was not all it sounded too be. I was wondering if any of you know of a good agent in the states, that works with writers in the uk.
My script is solid Sci-Fi and is a brand new television show, fully created by me.
I have one full script and several other scripts in the works for the show, and a whole guideline as to the arc of each charater.
This is a strong idea unlike anything I have seen on tv. The closest i would get to a comparison is the remake of Battlestar Galactica. But it doesn't feature an alien of the week etc.
By the comparison I mean in the hard edged gritiness of it.

Thanks

I'm not that familiar with how series are sold in the UK, but you should understand how things work in series TV here in the US.

Basically, those that are in the market to buy shows are not simply looking for series concepts. They are looking for writer/creator/producers. For "show runners" -- someone who already has a demonstrated track record in the business as a writer, either for TV or as a writer/producer in motion pictures who isn't simply going to present them with an "idea" or even with a script, but who they are going to *know* -- based on work that they have already done -- that they will be able to come in and supervise a staff of writers and turn out a show, on time, on budget, on schedule.

What they most definitely are *not* interested in doing is taking your idea/script/series concept and, because it is so brilliant, even though you've never done anything before -- go look for some other writer/producer to do the work of being the show runner on *your* series because you lack the experience and the demonstrated competence to do it yourself.

If you can't do it yourself, they don't even want to hear about it, they don't want to meet you. They simply are not going to be interested.

Maybe this seems unfair to you. Maybe things are done differently in the UK. If so, then clearly your best bet would be to try to sell this series there -- because unless and until you have accumulated substantial professional experience writing and selling your work in TV or motion pictures (and in TV that would mean writing on other people's series), you will simply never have the opportunity to pitch an original series at any level -- network, syndicated, or cable.

Having an agent is certainly important, because in the US, it is almost impossible to break into to TV writing at any level without one -- but that would be for series writing work. No legit agent would take an original series proposal from an unsold writer (and forgive me for presuming that you are an unsold writer) and attempt to get it set up anywhere -- because their time is their money and they know that there's simply no way that that's going to happen.

NMS

valen_sinclair · Sep 3, 2007

nmstevens said:
I'm not that familiar with how series are sold in the UK, but you should understand how things work in series TV here in the US.

Basically, those that are in the market to buy shows are not simply looking for series concepts. They are looking for writer/creator/producers. For "show runners" -- someone who already has a demonstrated track record in the business as a writer, either for TV or as a writer/producer in motion pictures who isn't simply going to present them with an "idea" or even with a script, but who they are going to *know* -- based on work that they have already done -- that they will be able to come in and supervise a staff of writers and turn out a show, on time, on budget, on schedule.

What they most definitely are *not* interested in doing is taking your idea/script/series concept and, because it is so brilliant, even though you've never done anything before -- go look for some other writer/producer to do the work of being the show runner on *your* series because you lack the experience and the demonstrated competence to do it yourself.

If you can't do it yourself, they don't even want to hear about it, they don't want to meet you. They simply are not going to be interested.

Maybe this seems unfair to you. Maybe things are done differently in the UK. If so, then clearly your best bet would be to try to sell this series there -- because unless and until you have accumulated substantial professional experience writing and selling your work in TV or motion pictures (and in TV that would mean writing on other people's series), you will simply never have the opportunity to pitch an original series at any level -- network, syndicated, or cable.

Having an agent is certainly important, because in the US, it is almost impossible to break into to TV writing at any level without one -- but that would be for series writing work. No legit agent would take an original series proposal from an unsold writer (and forgive me for presuming that you are an unsold writer) and attempt to get it set up anywhere -- because their time is their money and they know that there's simply no way that that's going to happen.

NMS

oh trust me, I am very happy on being the creator. Producer however no thanks...i will leave that to people witha more expert understanding of money than I do.
The thing is I have 1 script ready, AND about another 10 scripts in planning, PLUS a detailed "Bible" PLUS a season breakdown of what is too happen and where it should be going....and I don't want to give it up, it is much too a strong premise for that.

Mac H. · Sep 3, 2007

The thing is I have 1 script ready, AND about another 10 scripts in planning, PLUS a detailed "Bible" PLUS a season breakdown of what is too happen and where it should be going....and I don't want to give it up, it is much too a strong premise for that.

You may want to wander over to Larry Brody's board on www.tvwriter.com and pick up some tips there.

However, to quote his FAQ:

How do I sell my great idea for a TV series, so it can get on the air and entertain millions?"

This, believe it or not, is the toughest question so far. The quick answer is, "Sorry, pal, you can't sell your idea." Period. End of quotes. The more thoughtful answer is, "Sorry, pal, but I don't think you can sell your idea."

The very best answer I can come up with is, "It's a tough thing to do, my friend, very tough..."

It might also be worth putting a few pages of your completed script up for critique to make it as good as humanly possible.
(Edited to add: Just found your pages - have commented on them)

One bit of advice was given to me by a very successful TV writer - NEVER go to a pitch meeting with a series Bible.

There were a few reasons:

1. When pitching verbally you can react to what they are interested in, and emphasise that.

2. There are thousands of reasons that the exec can say 'NO' - and by giving them as much detail as possible you are giving them the maximum number of chances to say 'NO' before they fall in love with the idea. It's like turning up to a first date with a detailed plan of your wedding - with the double bed chosen for the room in the retirement village. Sure, you've shown that you can plan ahead ... but it's kinda creepy!

3. The aim of the exercise of pitching is to get PAID to write the BIBLE. If you have already written it, then there is no incentive for them to go to the next baby step. If they haven't invested in the next step, it makes it less likely that they are going to really get behind it.
(After all - which would they be more likely to support - a project they've already spent $30k on, or one they've spent nothing on?)

Good luck,

Mac
(PS: Sadly, the shows with premises I like seem to get axed. Remember Tru Calling? A cool premise - axed. Herman's Head .v. Everyone Loves Raymond. Which had the most interesting premise? Which one got axed?)

Hillgate · Sep 3, 2007

valen_sinclair said:
oh trust me, I am very happy on being the creator. Producer however no thanks...i will leave that to people witha more expert understanding of money than I do.
The thing is I have 1 script ready, AND about another 10 scripts in planning, PLUS a detailed "Bible" PLUS a season breakdown of what is too happen and where it should be going....and I don't want to give it up, it is much too a strong premise for that.

Hi: it sounds to me, from what you're saying, that you need to find yourself a money-savvy partner with experience so that, together, you are a writer/producer team and showrunner. Best thing to do is look for people who have the experience but have been quiet for a year or more. It may be they're looking, but can't advertise that they're looking...

Good luck!

nmstevens · Sep 3, 2007

valen_sinclair said:
oh trust me, I am very happy on being the creator. Producer however no thanks...i will leave that to people witha more expert understanding of money than I do.
The thing is I have 1 script ready, AND about another 10 scripts in planning, PLUS a detailed "Bible" PLUS a season breakdown of what is too happen and where it should be going....and I don't want to give it up, it is much too a strong premise for that.

I think that that's clear. But what you need to understand is that a successful sale consists of two parts. A product and a buyer.

It is clear that you, the maker of the product, are very happy with the product that you have made.

But that's not enough.

For there to be a sale, there has to be a buyer for your product.

Basically, what you're saying above is -- here is my product, simply a naked "series" -- the concept, a few scripts, a Bible, and nothing else -- nobody attached with any real world experience, with any ability to answer any questions about how much it will cost per episode, per season, whether it will actually be practical to make it at all -- no one attached with the ability to actually bring it to life.

And what I am trying to tell you is that there simply isn't a market, in the US, for that "product" -- however content you might be to sell it.

The market here is for series from experienced writers at the very least. Even better, series from writer/producer/show runners who already have a track record of successful shows already on the air.

It's a very conservative market, a very conservative business. You look up the credits for the creators of any new show and you will find that they have been working professionally in the business for years prior to their breaking in as creator/producers.

The only exception you'll find will be somebody like Michael Crichton who obviously brought a tremendous professional reputation as a writer and a producer in the world of motion pictures before getting a series creator/executive producer credit in TV.

NMS

odocoileus · Sep 3, 2007

vs,

was wondering if you considered radio, graphic novels or paperback fiction for launching your idea.

as nm stevens points out, the US TV market is out of your reach, unless you first establish yourself as a TV staff writer. 5- 10 year process, in my estimation

if you want to get something going now, the barriers to entry are lower, though still quite challenging, in the media I mentioned.

valen_sinclair · Sep 4, 2007

Radio is not my thing, never has been never will be, I tried writing a book, but I can not conjour up the imagery in full detail. Graphic novels is a way to go, but i can't draw to save my life, and wouldn't know who to contact lol.

zeprosnepsid · Sep 4, 2007

Yeah, Valen, listen to NMS. There isn't anything you can do with your show right now. I mean, I guess there are a few things - try to find an independent television production company? Maybe? Get a Producing partner, maybe? But in all the traditional ways there isn't much to be done.

You can't sell a TV idea and be done with it like movies. Although, I take that back a little. Sometimes you can, but you do need a background. Speaking of graphic novels, Brian Michael Bendis wrote the first episode of the newest animated Spider-man cartoon, has some kind of creator/producer credit and never did anything else on it except get paid -- but this was after he had been writing a Spider-man comic for a couple years.

The best thing you can do for your show is to get work as a TV writer (write a spec script, then look for a TV agent). Then, in a few years, you may have a chance to pitch it.

But there aren't a lot of traditional roads for you to follow at the moment. You can submit to agents but it's somewhat a waste of your time because the way TV agents work they're usually looking at produced TV scripts or spec scripts for existing shows. As NMS said, they're not going to represent someone who only has an original series to show them.

I think you should spend more time researching your options and learning about the process. There's tons of information out there. Once you've educated yourself on all aspects, then make the decision that is best for you and your project.

But as for your original question -- recommending an agent -- we can't, since there's no legitimate agent who would represent you on this.

need a good recommended agent.

valen_sinclair

Blowing bubbles in the wind

Sunshine13

Mom by day, writer by night!

valen_sinclair

Blowing bubbles in the wind

Hillgate

On location

NikeeGoddess

nmstevens

What happened?

valen_sinclair

Blowing bubbles in the wind

Mac H.

Board Visitor

Hillgate

On location

nmstevens

What happened?

odocoileus

valen_sinclair

Blowing bubbles in the wind

zeprosnepsid