Get A Manager To Get An Agent?
So I have this script… I’ve worked on it off and on for approximately three years. I don’t need coverage. I don’t need anyone to tell me it’s good. Why? Because I had basically sold it before…
Long story.
But to make that long story short, suffice to say that it’s all coming back to distribution. LOL. Let’s just say that I have a deal in place IF I WANT IT. And to be honest, I do but the part I don’t like about the deal is that realistically, it could be another two or three years we can do anything with it.
Because of distribution.
Another long story that I won’t get into is why I currently don’t have any kind of representation… I have had representation before but it was almost always marginal and I’ve never felt I actually benefited from it. And I don’t blame the agent… Hell, agents are on the go 24-7 trying to get deals made. If they can’t get a deal made in a short amount of time, they move on to the next client — the next deal.
Let’s just say I’ve been OUT of THIS PART of the game for awhile so it’s been ENLIGHTENING to say the least… Using my own personal network, I was able to get my script out to over 20 producers/prodcos. Out of that list, everyone passed so far but five. Three actually made offers that I’ve subsequently turned down… Two are still discussing the script internally… LOL.
Whatever that means.
Why did I turn down offers? Because I didn’t want to outright sell said screenplay… I am part of the deal whether they like it or not which is why I am also entertaining the idea of producing it on my own and I am still persuing that thread when I can.
I even got an offer from a prodco I’ve never heard of — never sent the script to — to direct the flick. LOL. I almost jumped at that idea until I listened further… i.e., a $1 Mil budget and if I’m lucky, one “used-to-be-kind-of-had-a-name” actor. Gotta tell ya… If I had the right actor, I still might jump at that deal because I believe in the story. Unfortunately, they too lack distribution outlets… Meaning we’d very likely end up shopping a movie around to festivals and hope for a deal.
It’s interesting to have several of these opportunities exist… I FONDLY remember the days where all I gave a shit about was to sell a screenplay — take that money and go write another screenplay and make a movie out of it on my own which is in fact, the REASON I learned how to write screenplays.
I still live by that mindset but TODAY — in this economy — I realize we are not currently on solid ground financially. In a good economy, I probably would have had more bites on the script and the bites that I am getting are definitely worth less than they would have been just a short year ago. It forces you to sit back and really consider as much as possible because the longer one waits, the harder it could be to even make a deal… In fact, the word IMPOSSIBLE definitely comes to mind.
What I really find currently interesting is how I am getting calls from people I never even sent the script to… LOL. Most of these calls are coming from Managers. Gotta tell ya… I’ve never had a manager and several pro screenwriter friends of mine that have had managers got screwed by said managers so I’ve always kinda been leery of the whole MANAGEMENT thing.
Especially when these managers attach themselves to your script as a producer… Of course if they let you know UP FRONT that — that is indeed the plan — so be it. That didn’t happen with several of my buddies who opted for managers over agents. A couple of them walked away with a deal i.e., they sold their script but then later on found out that their manager ended up being one of the producers.
I guess that would kinda piss me off too unless I was told up front that that was indeed the plan. LOL.
Since I’ve been in this business, I honestly cannot believe the sheer number of managers that seem to exist out there… Whew! Which makes me think a little differently these days because hey… I want to believe the best about anyone. So based on this sheer number of existing managers, I also have to believe that there’s got to be quite a few who really do have YOUR INTEREST AT HEART.
I’m also seeing that there are a lot of management/production companies out there… Many more than I’ve ever seen before. Obviously, if you’re sending your spec to one of these outfits, you have to know up front that they may indeed not only end up managing you but producing your screenplay into a movie as well. Hence, the reason for this post.
I’ve spoken to a few managers over the last couple of weeks and thus far, I’ve been impressed. These managers SEEM to want to know what MY PLANS are — MY GOALS. Never had an agent really care about that too much and yes… I know that allegedly, a manager is supposed to be more concerned with their client’s career than they are about selling a script. I’ve definitely heard that before but hadn’t actually seen it take place… LOL.
In fact, I’d seen some managers take a few of my buddies on over the years — turn right around and hook them up with a decent agency/agent because from what I understand, a manager really can’t legally negotiate terms when it comes to selling a script. The only problem there is that you’re losing right around 25% of what you manage to sell your script for… 10% to the agent — 15% to the manager.
10% or 15% by itself doesn’t seem too bad to me at all… But lump them together along with taxes and now you know why we form Limited Liability Companies… LOL.
The only reason I can see for getting involved with BOTH would be if you’re writing as much and as often as Stephen King. Which means if YOU’RE NOT and you want both, you may want to kick your writing up a notch…
Or several. The material is going to have to continuously flow in order to keep these entities interested in your GAME. This brings us back to having several professional level screenplays ready to go. If not, then some very well polished ideas that you can pitch.
I am also seeing that not having representation seems to be some kind of implied permission to lowball you… LOL. Could be the economy too however… I would expect anyone to lowball you right off the bat anyway but from my limited experience in the last couple of weeks, it seems to be the norm.
We are definitely in hard times. And even if I go for one of these deals… The original problem STILL EXISTS i.e., the screenplay might not get produced for another couple of years which is REALLY, the only reason I went out with the script to begin with.
A vicious circle… LOL. I could just sit on my hands and write something else… I basically have a deal IN PLACE if I just sit on my hands. Luckily, the people at the prodco I work with are standup guys and understand my dilemma.
But it only seems like a dilemma to ME.
Unk
Comments
29 Responses to “Get A Manager To Get An Agent?”
Leave a Reply
-
Find It
-
Recently Written
-
Screenwriting Discussion
-
Categories
-
Screenwriting Stuff
- Screenwriting Affirmations
- Script Secrets
- Word Play
- Screenwriter's Utopia
- StoryLink
- Screenwriting Expo
- Celtx
- Cinergy
- Zhura
- Scripped
- Plotbot
- Script Buddy
- StorYBook
- FreeThesaurus.net
- Mobysaurus
- Open Office
- Open Office Screenplay Template
- Abiword
- U.S. Copyright Form CO
- U.S. Copyright Form CO Instructions
- WGA West Registration
- WGA East Registration
- ScriptGirl
- Simply Scripts
-
Scribosphere
- 101
- Ann Wesley Hardin
- Bamboo Killers
- Brook Brannon
- Burbanked
- DanielMedley.com
- Fencing With The Fog
- Film Utopia
- FILMMAKING STUFF
- Go Into The Story
- Holy Embers Of Dreams
- I Write With Pictures
- If It Ain’t On The Page
- Johnny Atlas Writes
- Living The Romantic Comedy
- ME
- Miscellanea 2.0
- My Excellent Adventures
- My Next One Will Be Better
- Mystery Man On Film
- Nicolle C. Jones
- Our Man In Los Angeles
- Paul Zadie
- Pro Screenplays
- Revealing Of The Soul
- Screamwriter
- Screenwriting For Hollywood
- Screenwriting Manifesto
- Script Doctor Eric
- Script Notes
- Sex In A Sub
- Shouting Into The Wind
- The Moviequill
- The Scherer Joy Of Writing
- The Screenwriter’s League
- The Unemployment Cafe
- Uninflected Images Juxtaposed
- Writer Joshua James
- Writing On Spec
-
Most Popular Posts
-
Monthly Archives
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
-
-
Great information. Most people seem to think you HAVE to have an agent to sell a screenplay though. If you don’t have a network like yours, all you get is “no unsolicited material accepted” how do you get around that without an agent?
C
Corey,
There’s still NOTHING like the Hollywood Creative Directory Online along with Google. Utilize BOTH of those tools and you’d be surprised at how you can contact almost anyone.
But SHOULD YOU?
I guess it depends how bad you want to be a professional screenwriter… LOL. I keep hearing from readers who, when I respond with the question, “How many people have you sent it to?” — end up telling me 1, 2, or 3.
Which really surprises me… AND MAKES ME THINK that this writer must think their screenplay really is the greatest thing since sliced bread… So much so that they figure one out of the 3 is going to BUY IT.
It surprises me because it’s such a numbers game… Know that up front. And as such, that means assuming you have an outstanding query — be prepared to send it out to at least a hundred entities… Be they Managers, Agents, Producers, Directors, WHATEVER.
But NO you don’t need an agent or manager to sell a screenplay. It might be EASIER but that really depends on the agent or manager and of course YOUR WRITING.
Unk
I recently subscribed to HCD and imdb pro… An awesome combination! It’s also cool to see behind the screens and check out the financial succes/failure of my favorite movies. And it’s easy to look for agents/managers whom represent X genre… Right?
I am still looking for a way besides the query letter to send out… Something more original.. something outrageous.
Any tips or tricks? Stick to the query? Run around Hollywood in a paper-mache-screenplay suit?
Great post. Although I’m sure many readers will think “Turning down deals… Yeah, right!”
The bottom line advice I found in this post: “you may want to kick your writing up a notch…
Or several.”
Thanks man. I’ll spread the word!
Unk-
By your title, I thought you were looking for an agent or manager, but by the end of your post I wasn’t so sure…and am still not sure. Ha.
Corey-
Unk is right – as usual. When your script AND query letter are ready, it’s a numbers game. I’ve posted about this on my site, but Ashley Meyers posts about it all the time on http://www.SellingYourScreenplay.com
But let me emphasize once again – make sure your script and query are READY.
Also, as someone who reads query letters on regular basis, I can say that more often than not that “no unsolicited material” line is just that: a line.
Again, listen to Unk, don’t take it personally, and if you love it, just keep going.
Onward!
-Eric
Good story, bad news. I’m almost in the same boat. HOOYAH!! I have a prodco or two interested in a script. I’m really kind of going slow right now cause my day job kicked in with a vengeance. They are also connected to management, well one of them.
But I am finding out how good it is to be in LA.
I have so many contacts it’s ridiculous but they’re 3000 miles away.
I’m only a few months away though. I’m also getting closer to the actor I want to work with A LOT. Or at least their management.
The cool thing is the assignment I was at doesn’t need me anymore so I have hopefully a week or so to finish some scripts I’m in the middle of.
LA,
Like I said… I like HCD Online and Google. I haven’t sent any blind queries out in quite a while but I would always try to do it via eMail instead of a query letter.
And as Eric says… The query has to be RIGHT. Too many screenwriters trying to break in send out great queries but the screenplay doesn’t quite match the query… LOL. Don’t let that happen to you… Make the query match the screenplay or vice versa as it were.
But I’ve been using HCD Online to perform a lot of research on distributors… Along the way, I’m finding a lot of managers and prodcos that are very much willing to take email queries… Some tell you to send them via email — some actually have submission forms where you upload and submit your spec right there on their websites.
Wasn’t quite sure how I felt about managers having built-in screenplay submission forms on their sites but then a little more research revealed that some of these managers are managing some people I know. A quick couple of telephone calls and I was assured that this is getting to be the way it’s done more and more these days because of the Internet. Quite a few of these management houses have outstanding reputations so who knows. Probably worth the risk as long as you’ve protected your screenplay.
As for wanting or needing a manager… Not sure. I guess I would have to take a hell of a good meeting to be convinced that I’d need one. I wouldn’t rule it out. But if I were a newbie with some outstanding (keyword being OUTSTANDING) screenplays, I’m thinking — based on what little research I’ve been doing — that a manager is probably a little easier to obtain than an agent and thus far, all the managers I’ve spoken to WANT you to get an agent as well. Hell, some of the managers I’ve recently spoken to used to be managers for one of the big agencies so I don’t see how that could really hurt you except in your wallet.
Unk
Hey Unk,
Impressive and inspiring headline/article.
Damn, you got talent and leadership and 100% unique, man !!!
If you write a book call “UNK and the Art of Screenwriting” – I’ll buy it.
Thank you for this article – got me working…
I’m just sitting down at a coffee internet cafe here and reading this article…
About your article: I have met some managers who work their ass off. They are the real deal. Sometimes they’re so busy that they have no time to explain anything. Be patient, some of them do make dreams come true.
Cheers!
Phoenix,
Be patient? LOL. Like I said… Not even sure I need or want a manager but if I ever get a sit down with one and it goes well enough… Hey, you never know.
Which is so weird because right after I finished my last response to the comments, I received yet another two emails from managers.
Impressive… Why? Because I keep hearing from Managers — not agents. I don’t even know how they are finding me. Obviously, my script is getting read by more than just who I sent it to.
Not quite sure how I feel about that… LOL.
Unk
thanks guys, this is all very helpful! I am glad you take the time to give knowledge. :)
Can I ask the dumb question – what is the difference between a manager and an agent.. and where does the attorney come in?
Corey,
I’m just STABBING in the dark a bit here… A manager is someone who helps GUIDE you in your career. I’ve even heard of some managers that have STORY knowledge helping out with screenplays i.e., brainstorming and story development. I haven’t met any of those kinds of managers yet… LOL.
An agent on the other hand… Is someone who gets you work and your script hopefully sold. They broker your services as a screenwriter.
That’s not to say that a manager couldn’t do this… I have friends with managers who tell me their managers do in fact do this but can’t sit down at the table when it comes to negotiations i.e., they cannot legally negotiate a deal like an agent can.
Which is where the lawyer comes in… LOL.
Unk
Ahhhh… makes sense…
Thanks for the words of encouragement (I take anything as encouragement) and the kick on the ass! ‘I better get going on this,’ I said to myself. I’ll spread the word too.
Do you think the firing in the dark, ie, sending out blind query letters, is a good idea? I thought about it, But your post has brought about a new way of thinking.
Rick,
I KNOW sending out query letters is a good idea. The fact that I can even write screenplays for a living let alone produce is because of a simple query email.
I’ve never been one for sending out a bunch of query letters… In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever actually sent out a query letter. It’s always been emails.
But I guess my question is this…
How are you going to sell a spec if you don’t query somebody? Win a contest? Your Mom knows somebody? Your brother?
And even on HCD Online when it says NO UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONS — means nothing. Send them a query. If they like your query, they’ll want you to follow up with the script JUST IN CASE.
And remember… It’s a NUMBERS game. The MORE you query — the more responses you’ll get and the more networking possibilities that exist in the future.
And if HCD Online doesn’t have a contact email address… There’s always Google. You’d be surprised how easy it is to find an email address with the right search and some patience… Just jam in the following search query:
“@prodco.com” (where prodco.com is the website domain of the production company, management company, agency, etc.
And don’t forget to search through PDFs… I’ve found more email addresses in PDF documents than I’ve ever found online.
Do a little due diligence… i.e., see if the prodco, management company, agency, etc. is even worth a shit. See what they’ve done. See who their clients are. All can be found in an easy Google search.
Unk
I like how you’re holding out instead of selling out. Like you mention, you have over three years invested in this, on and off, and plenty of interest, no need to take a quick buck.
Brian,
Like I said… I can just WAIT and keep the deal I already have so yeah… Makes it a little different.
Point being is that I want to make movies not sell screenplays. If I just wanted to sell screenplays, I’m pretty sure I could just get up every day and write write write and sell sell sell.
But to me… That’s not making movies.
Unk
Thanks for the valuable info Unk. I am 17 and recently completed a script that I started when I was 14. I no nothing of the industry except that I want to have my script produced to pay for my college education or used as a way in which to get a scholarship. Just this morning, I sent out a few query emails and received one response suggesting that I produce the script myself. I’m not sure what that means, but I have to focus on keeping my grades up. My dad thought that looking for representation would be my best approach. I also have begun to write my second script and hope to have this one completed in less than three years:)Can anyone write me a check? I will look into the HCD.
Regards,
Whitney
Whitney,
Just make sure your script is up to snuff professionally. You’ll get a LITTLE leeway because of your age but NOT a lot.
If your script is up to snuff — then you very well might benefit from pursuing a manager.
Unk
I just saw the documentary, Anvil – the forgotten 80s metal band struggling to recreate their brief success when they were in their twenties. They are now in their fifties doing day jobs that they hate but the band still exists! They still play and don’t get paid. The film has completely changed my perspective on perseverance, success and love for what I do: writing.
[...] Manager vs. Agent, Who will get you the gig? [...]
About 10 months ago I sent out an email campaign for my latest script. I searched out all management companies – thinking this may be easier than securing an agent first – and I sent out about 400 emails. All personally addressed after researching who the person to query was at said company.
I sent out to the biggest and the smallest.
I spent a lot of time honing the query. The perfect subject line. Then the perfect hook to get them interested in the concept. Just enough info to have them wanting more. I had dozens of people I trust comment on if the letter made them interested.
Then I sent it. Ten to fifteen a day over a month, to gauge if the letter created interest over the days and if not to tweak it. But each day that passed had my inbox recieveing responses.
At the end of the campaign, and sending 400 emails, I had 23 requests by the person I sent the emails to, asking for the script.
That sure felt like success to me. More responses than any other try. And I even had responses from companies that had the UNSOLICITED card up on their contact areas.
So I sent out the scripts and waited. Some got back quickly, some took their time, after a moneth after sending a script off to someone, I would check in.
All but 2 people got back to me, with either a pass or asking what else I had.
When it all came down to it, I had 2 managers/companies with significant interest in the script and me.
But one was more serious than the other, and their name was one I recognized as a name in the industry.
The dev exec was the one I pitched. She read it and got back to me in 2 days asking what else I had. I sent another script and she got back to me in 2 more days. She said she was passing my stuff on to a manager. 4 days later that manager got back to me and said he thought this script I pitched could be a great one for the studios.
We got involved and along with some great story people in the company, providing notes I could understand and working with me and my ideas and my story, we worked out a rewrite that really got the script to that next level.
So I now have a manager that believes in my writing, a great spec script being shopped around, and two new high concept ideas I am in the process of outlining.
And all because I took a chance and sent out some carefully worded emails for a script I believed in.
And I can tell you that it feels amazing to have someone on my side who is there to do all they can to help me write the best scripts possible.
Scott,
Like I said… I’ve been having managers call me out of the blue and while my gut always tells me to be skeptical, I have to admit that most of these managers seemed a hell of a lot more WANTING to work with me than an agent ever has.
I am especially glad it’s working out for you…
Unk
Thanks buddy, and thanks for the advice in the past.
I will never forget it.
DEAR GENTLEMANS,
I’m not American not either British. I ask for excuse for my possible grammatical mistakes.
But I felt in love with American culture-music and cinema- specially the time of big cinema and you know what I mean….just today I discover this webpage. It’s nice and valuable for many of you. Well…I wrote some screenplays too, especially comedy, of course I must be ¨compatible¨ with the market of today. If it was all up too me I will direct, or play with some image, portrait I have in my mind… only a Kafka’s work, which I think nobody will get interest in, because may…¨it’s too difficult to think¨- for majority . Anyway… I have do still some arrangement on the script and the probably I have to send it 400 times or else 402 -and then…and them maybe somebody will judge my effort. I keep on read yours conversations and if you don’t mind I let you know…..
Dude, you’re funny and smart… I like that. Question? How is that you have time to write and blog. I mean, this is my first time seeing this site, and it looks like quite the time investment.
I’m attempting to balance the both, but it’s difficult… I guess these are the things that separate the winners from the losers, huh?
Check me out http://brokeisthenewme.com/about/
Dana,
Assuming your comment isn’t just spam (had to approve it from the spam queue)…
How do I find the time? LOL.
JUST DO IT. These posts 9 times out of 10 just SPEW out of me. 20 to 30 minutes to write it, proofread it, publish it.
I will admit however, that a lot of thought goes INTO the post prior to ever actually writing it but even that time spent comes in small snippets of time thus, allowing me enough time to actually WRITE.
Welcome.
Unk
Ha! If only you could have heard the GASP when I read the word… SPAM! It’s b/c I put a link in my post, funny. I was simply introducing myself to you and saving myself the trouble of typing it up. At any rate, after graduating from film school, I shelved my dreams of being a writer/director to make some $ and ended unemployed and blogging about it.
I think your blog is a cool forum and resource for would-be writers. My reasons for blogging are more selfish, I see it as a creative release, a practice in daily writing, regardless of inspiration – and I have an audience too, so the pressure is on. Now it’s time to add the screenwriting element to the mix…
Aloha Unk,
With all these new High Tech Computers… Is it safe to say “Who needs a Studio to Produce my Screenplay (Animated Feature), cos I can just Produce it on my Computer at Home”?
I am in better Financial shoes than many (I.E. I have a Bed, a place to work & food),
But My Animation Skills are Amature, so my interest in going with a Professional Studio is not the Money…, rather it is gaining access to the Professional Digital Animators & Set Designers Etc. to get my Screenplay Produced the way I Envisioned it.
But heck, if they are going to be limited with the time they can work with me to get my Project Completed, I might be better off taking Adobe Illustrator Classes & just do it myself! LOL!
What about Distribution? We’re in the year 2010 Now!? LOL! Not 1978!
So what about iTunes? How much $$$ per Month do they charge for Vending Space?
Some of the Theatres I have been to lately are run down & discusting! The Popcorn I bought Tasted like 409 All Purpose Cleaner! Point Being: No matter how good a Movie is… If you have to view it in a Discusting Environment, it will not be a Pleasent Experience! LOL!
So is iTunes a Distribution Miracle or Will Profits be Lost by not Having the Film in Theatres?
Do you know of any Art Grants I can apply for to Purchase Production Equiptment?
(To Produce the Screenplay myself?)
I am a Single Guy, so I want to participate in the Business to meet Women… & by Producing my Screenplay myself is kind of Anti-Social, but at the same time there is so much Riff-Raff (People who are only after Money & not quality Art) that a lot of the time I concluded doing things myself at Home, away from the Rat Race is the better way to go! LOL! But then I don’t meet anyone! LOL!
Anyways…
Let me know your thoughts at your convienience.
Aloha
Antonio Gimbernat
AKA: Uncle Stoney or Stoney the Sailor