NewEnglandFilm.com

You may be a talented and brilliant screenwriter, but for many, getting an agent can be a tough and overwhelming challenge. Sometimes it might feel like the only way that you’re going to get an agent is if you open a fortune cookie that reads: “Today you will find an agent. Look at the person sitting at the next table.” And, poof, that agent is seated with arms outstretched, awaiting your script.

Yes, there is nepotism, egotism, and many other ‘isms’ in the film industry, but when you venture on your quest to seek representation, it’s time to check your pessimism and cynicism at the door. It’s time to take control.

Top Five Tips to Find an Agent

1. Write a brilliant script that demonstrates that you know how to craft a screenplay and shows you have an original voice.

Submit your script only if it is absolutely ready to be scrutinized. Your screenplay is your calling card; it is your audition piece to gain entry into the film business.

When you submit your script to a potential agent, know that once your script has been rejected it is nearly impossible to get that agent to reread that same screenplay (even if you’ve done a fabulous rewrite) or consider representing you.

Having doubts about the strength of your screenplay? Then it’s not ready to be submitted. Seek professional feedback from a screenplay consultant or industry professional. Keep in mind that if you ask a family member or friend, this person might not have the tools to determine a script’s strengths and weaknesses — and might not be able to tell you the truth because — they don’t want to alienate you!

2. Prepare a marketing package

Once you have received feedback from a professional script consultant, professor, and/or industry professional, and have completed your brilliant screenplay, it’s time to get the word out about your project.

Write a logline, query letter, one-page synopsis, one-sheet, and prepare an enticing pitch. (To learn more about these marketing tools see Susan’s other Screenplay Doctor columns…)

Here’s one scenario on how your marketing package will benefit you:

1. Agent reads your query letter and is interested to learn more about your project.
2. Agent requests a synopsis of your script.
3. Agent is wowed by your well-crafted synopsis that demonstrates you are a talented writer and have a screenplay that is attention-grabbing.
4. Agent reads your script, loves your writing, and asks you to meet with them in person or via Skype, for a pitch meeting.
5. You pitch your project and might be asked to pitch other story ideas (The pitch meeting will be an important part of the agent’s evaluation process because agent wants to see how well you represent yourself and your project.)
6. Agent loves your script and your pitch, and offers to represent you.
7. You jump for joy. (But only when you’re alone.)
8. You will not immediately jump into an agreement with the agent. You will trust your instincts to determine if this agent is the best person to champion you and your work. This is a business relationship, not a friendship.

3. Detective work

Creating compelling characters and stirring situations are just one part of the screenwriting process. Use your creative tools to uncover and discover agents who might be interested in you and your scripts.

1. Many screenwriting and film publications list spec scripts written by new talent that have been optioned or bought by production companies and studios. Often they will list the agent who represented the script. Track these agents and contact them.
2. Emailing potential agents can sometimes be effective and garner a response, but emails can also be easily discarded, dismissed and deleted. Although calling agencies can be tedious and time-consuming, it gives you the chance to confirm if that agent is currently still working there and seeking new writers, and it gives you the opportunity to make a personal connection to the receptionists and assistants. Today they are receptionists and assistants but tomorrow they just might be an agent.
3. Watch movies in the genre you’re working in and keep track of the screenwriters you respect. Find out who they represent and contact them.

4. Network and then network some more

Screenwriters can never sit back and hope that agents will be knocking on their door, begging to read their scripts. Agents must know you exist and that means you must be proactive in your networking.

1. Even your most obscure contacts may provide you with leads to finding an agent. Talk to everyone you know and spread the word that you are seeking representation.
2. Join and/or volunteer at screenwriting and film organizations.
3. Attend script and pitch conferences. Reputable agents are often there to speak on panels and to seek new talent. This is an opportunity to meet agents in person and/or follow up after the event with an email and/or phone call.
4. Take online screenwriting courses. Many of these online classes invite agents as guest speakers.
5. Contact your state’s film commission and find out what activities they have slated and see how you can get involved.

5. Educate and immerse yourself in how the film industry works.

As in any new business one is entering, it’s vital to understand how things really work. Yes, movies are categorized as entertainment but the film industry is a business. The savvier you are the better chances you have to break through the gatekeepers.

1. Keep up-to-date by reading screenwriting and film publications.
2. It’s not only the major Hollywood studios producing films — independent film production companies and cable networks are also vital to research.
3. Learn who’s producing and directing in the genre you’re working in, and also reach out to them.
4. Search only for an agent who is signatory to the Writers Guild of America (WGA). (Visit www.wga.org to learn more.) In brief, an agent signatory to the WGA must abide by the WGA rules; they cannot charge you a reading fee and may only take 10 percent of the fee you receive for a writing assignment or sale of your screenplay. You do not want to sign or enter into an agreement with an agent who is not signatory to the WGA.
5. Sending a script, synopsis or treatment without it being requested is unacceptable business etiquette and demonstrates that you’re an amateur and lessens, if not obliterates, any chances of having your work ever considered for representation.

For information about Susan Kouguell’s Screenplay Doctor consulting services and her business of screenwriting book, The Savvy Screenwriter: How to Sell Your Screenplay (and Yourself) Without Selling Out! go to: www.su-city-pictures.com.

As you persevere on your agent search, you may encounter rejection but try not to take it personally. (I hear you snickering: How can I not take it personally?) Your script must be a project the agent can sell, and your writing style must be the right fit for the agency. It’s business. Not personal. Put your best foot (script) forward.