How To's | Screenplay Doctor | Screenwriting

Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Getting Recognized

1 Sep , 2013  

Written by Susan Kouguell | Posted by:

You ask, she answers. This month, Screenplay Doctor Susan Kouguell helps readers looking to break into the business. Email screenwriter@newenglandfilm.com to have your screenwriting question answered in an upcoming issue.

Nangwe K. asks:
Hi I would like to know how can I as an abroad screenwriter find an
agent to represent me and my work. Thanks.

Since you didn’t specify the area in which you live, I cannot be more specific. However, I offer the same advice I have written in my previous columns for this publication — which is in brief: follow the trade publications to see which agents and agencies are looking to represent new writers. Also, there are industry directories, such as Hollywood Agents and Managers Directory, which list the agents and managers’ contact information, and online sites, such as IMDBPro, where you can track what projects are getting made and contact information to companies. Submitting your work to reputable screenwriting contests is another way to get your work noticed.

Ana T. asks:
What would you suggest for someone whose trying to get an agent in order to break into the film industry as a director for big screen movies?

Directing short films and building a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your strength and vision as a filmmaker will help get you noticed. Entering your work into short film festivals is another way to get your work noticed. Please read my response to the previous reader’s question, for further information that will also answer your question.

Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker Susan Kouguell teaches screenwriting and film at Tufts University, and is chairperson of Su-City Pictures East, LLC, 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; http://su-city-pictures.com/wpblog/). Susan wrote The Savvy Screenwriter: How to Sell Your Screenplay (and Yourself) Without Selling Out! (St. Martin’s Griffin) and SAVVY CHARACTERS SELL SCREENPLAYS! A comprehensive guide to crafting winning characters with film analyses and screenwriting exercises, which is available at $1.00 off by clicking on www.createspace.com/3558862 and using DISCOUNT CODE: G22GAZPD. To order the Kindle version: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009SB8Z7M (discount code does not apply). To read an excerpt go to: https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1089452. Follow Susan at Su-City Pictures, LLC Facebook fan page and SKouguell Twitter page to receive more Savvy Tips.

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Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Breaking into the Biz
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Bringing Novels to Life
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Contracts and Common Sense
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Converting Short Stories and Writing in Screenplay Format
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: From Music to Elves
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Getting Noticed
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Getting Recognized
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Getting to Hollywood and Tracking Down Agents
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: How to (and Not to) Submit a Query Letter
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: How to Break Into Hollywood
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: How to Find Agents and What to Write to Them
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Location, Location, Location
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: More About Agents
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: New Year’s Resolutions
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: On Film Schools and InkTip.com
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Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Script Structure
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Script to Screen
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Software & Submission Pointers
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Tips for Good Dialogue
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: To Write or Not Write … a Short Screenplay
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Top 10 Screenwriting Pet Peeves
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Top Five Tips … How to Really Find an Agent
Ask the Screenplay Doctor: Top Questions NOT to Ask a Film Industry Professional
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Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker Susan Kouguell teaches screenwriting and film at Tufts University, and is chairperson of Su-City Pictures East, LLC, 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; http://su-city-pictures.com/wpblog/). Susan wrote The Savvy Screenwriter: How to Sell Your Screenplay (and Yourself) Without Selling Out! (St. Martin’s Griffin) and SAVVY CHARACTERS SELL SCREENPLAYS! A comprehensive guide to crafting winning characters with film analyses and screenwriting exercises, which is available at $1.00 off by clicking on www.createspace.com/3558862 and using DISCOUNT CODE: G22GAZPD. To order the Kindle version: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009SB8Z7M (discount code does not apply). To read an excerpt go to: https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1089452. Follow Susan at Su-City Pictures, LLC Facebook fan page and SKouguell Twitter page to receive more Savvy Tips.

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