Ever wonder why screenwriting agents don't take time to read your script? I mean think about it… Somewhere in the world someone has just finished the first draft of her first screenplay, ever. Full of enthusiasm, the unknown screenwriter breaks out a hammer and puts the final touches on the two brass brads that hold the 90-120 pages together.
It is at this point when this writer asks himself the obvious question:
“How do I get my movie script produced?”
This is the point when things get confusing. Should the unknown screenwriter send his screenplay to contests, to screenwriting agents, to the family friend attorney who is willing to pose as the “entertainment attorney” and hopefully shepherd the script through the guarded gates of Hollywood?
Or should the first time screenwriter decide instead to send the work to producers? And what if somebody steals the idea? And why don't producers accept unsolicited screenplays? UGH!
Screenwriting Agents
One of the reasons I am excited you're reading these words is because I can help you avoid my early mistakes. What I just described was me a decade ago.
I was still living in Pennsylvania. I had just finished the first draft of my first screenplay. And frankly, I thought I was brilliant. I thought my story was awesome. And I actually thought Hollywood would just knock down my door. Of course it didn't happen like that.
After I wrote my script, email was the new thing. So I started sending email query letters to various production companies and screenwriting agents. And surprisingly, a few folks did respond to me. But after I sent out my script, it wasn't long until I either got a rejection letter or heard nothing.
Back then, I still had a lot to learn. . .
“Would you like me to tell you the secrets of getting your work produced?”
I don't have all the secrets.
The truth is, if you have an amazing script that is totally polished, marketed towards your intended audience of producer types (or screenwriting agents) who have a history of producing your type of work – and you have a way of accessing them and getting your brilliant work read, then your success is (a little more) probable.
But for the rest of us, taking that route is an eroded path and (in my humble opinion) requires that you ask too many people for permission. I mean, doesn't it make you feel a little whorish to ask so many people for validation?
“Please read my screenplay, it's great!”
UGH. I hate asking for permission.
And screenwriting agents? Forget that route. At least right now. Yes, you can send out query letters and market the heck out of yourself. But if you're an unknown screenwriter living outside of LA, the odds of getting your work read by legitimate screenwriting agents are slim to none.
Remember, screenwriting agents make a living getting material sold. And chances are, those folks already have a dozen clients. They don't have time to take notice of your material unless your work already has buzz.
So how do you break through?
Here are some screenwriting tips… But I don't think you'll like them.
- Quit asking permission. Production is less expensive. Start producing.
- Start with genres that sell. Horror. Women in peril. Girl with a horse story.
- Relationships are everything. Not in LA? Then attend major film festivals.
- There are contests. Most suck. Some are good. At lease you get read.
- Cold call filmmakers. You will be surprised how accessible they are.
If you start thinking and acting like an entrepreneurial screenwriter, you will be amazed how many people will start to take you seriously. Of course, a large majority of screenwriters will think these ideas are bonkers. And if you think I'm bonkers, then please ignore me and keep writing query letters to screenwriting agents.
But if you're willing to go the distance, then do whatever it takes to get your work on the screen. If this means you grab a camera and make a dozen, 2 minute movies for YouTube – At least you're doing something. And in my very humble opinion, it is far more valuable to get small projects produced than to put your work in a dark drawer, only to never be seen.
If you'd like more information on getting your screenplay finished, check out the Indie Producer's Guide To Writing Movie Scrips that Sell.
