Company/Organization Profiles | Screenplay Doctor | Screenwriting

Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Agent Directories

30 Jun , 2011  

Written by Susan Kouguell | Posted by:

Looking to acquire a screenplay agent? You have to find one first, and Screenplay Doctor Susan Kouguell gives you tips on where to look. E-mail screenwriter@newenglandfilm.com to have your question answered in an upcoming issue.

Before contacting agents and/or managers, make sure they are a right fit for your project. Several of my previous columns for this publication focus on finding representation and writing query letters, so please refer to them for more information.

Keep in mind that many film industry folks change jobs and positions (here today, gone tomorrow) so it is best to make sure that their contact information is current. And finally, follow the company’s submission rules. For example: If they request a query letter only, that’s all you send them. Do not include a synopsis, a treatment, a screenplay, or a monetary bribe!

I was wondering if you knew of a directory or a place where I may purchase a directory of agents that represent screenwriters. Any help that you could provide is most welcome. Thank you in advance for your help, I realize that you are extremely busy.

Best Regards-

Tony Lisi

Dear Tony,

There are a number of directories and websites to find managers and agents who represent screenwriters. The following are two popular directories: The Hollywood Representation Directory and IMDbPro. Reading the trades and screenwriting publications will also keep you in the know about who is representing who, and who might be seeking new writing talent.

The Hollywood Representation Directory

Here is some information directly from their Web site:

“- Over 2000 companies
– Over 10,000 individuals
– Talent agencies and management companies nationwide
– Entertainment Attorneys/Business & Legal Affairs Departments
– TV & Film Casting Directors and Publicity Companies
– Includes addresses, staff & titles, email addresses & web sites, phone & fax numbers

“The Hollywood Representation Directory is the most complete, reliable and comprehensive reference book on Hollywood talent and literary agents and managers. In addition to talent agents and managers, the directory has been expanded to include separate tab sections on Entertainment Attorneys, Publicity Companies and Casting Directors — a one-stop shop for representation and getting work in Hollywood. Released every April and October, this directory is a mainstay for New York and Los Angeles producers, studio and network executives, agents and managers, and top talent seeking new representation.”

For more information visit: http://www.hcdonline.com/index.php.

IMDbPro

The following information was taken directly from their Web site:

“IMDbPro began serving the entertainment industry back in 2002. During these 8 years we have been able to maintain our same, low price, while we have added new features on a continuous basis. Some of the more popular and valuable improvements have been:

‘- People Directory
– Company Directory
– In-Production Directory
– Expanded Box Office Data

“Plus, we’ve recently added a complete subscription to IMDb Resume within every IMDbPro account.”
For more information visit: http://pro.imdb.com/.

Susan Kouguell, author of The Savvy Screenwriter: How to Sell Your Screenplay (and Yourself) Without Selling Out! is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. Susan teaches screenwriting and film at Tufts University, and is chairperson of Su-City Pictures, East, a motion picture consulting company founded in 1990 where she works with over 1,000 writers, filmmakers, and film executives worldwide. ( www.su-city-pictures.com; su-city-pictures.blogspot.com)

You can follow my Su-City Pictures, LLC Facebook fan page and SKouguell Twitter page to receive more Savvy Tips about how to write, structure, and sell your screenplay.

Related Article: Ask the Screenplay Doctor: How to Find Agents and What to Write to Them


Susan Kouguell, author of The Savvy Screenwriter: How to Sell Your Screenplay (and Yourself) Without Selling Out! is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. Susan teaches screenwriting and film at Tufts University, and is chairperson of Su-City Pictures, East, a motion picture consulting company founded in 1990 where she works with over 1,000 writers, filmmakers, and film executives worldwide. ( www.su-city-pictures.com; su-city-pictures.blogspot.com) You can follow my Su-City Pictures, LLC Facebook fan page and SKouguell Twitter page to receive more Savvy Tips about how to write, structure, and sell your screenplay.

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