ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXAgents....I can't get one!
11 years, 3 months ago - Christopher Green
Hi Shooters
This isn't a woe is me appeal, although it might read like one! But I'm really struggling to get myself an agent despite doing all I can [I think] to get one. I have applied to every agent in the writers handbook, some that aren't and even been recommended to a fair few by producers, to no avail and it's getting a little bit frustrating. Over the last three years I've had 3 features go into production, one with a Bafta winning director and all three films featuring some great actors including Maxine Peake, Stephen Graham, Ricci Harnett, Stephen Lord, Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje and David O'Hara. My latest feature 'The Caravan' features Shirley Henderson and I have two features good to go with highly respected directors attached.
I'm confident that the writing samples I'm submitting are of a good standard and I outline in my letter/e-mail that I'll be pro active in finding work....it's the 'No unsolicited scripts' barrier that I really need an agent to help me with. But they don't seem to be interested.
Is it because I'm a Manc? :)
Does anyone have any suggestions? tips, or even recommendations?
Have a great Bank Holiday weekend...
Chris Green
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11 years, 2 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
@Christopher Green I don't think there's a client freeze, just an oversubscribed sector with everyone hoping to get seen. And it really isn't the panacea people hope, I've a friend who's been with ICM or whatever they're called now since winning prizes whilst younger - they didn't get him any work in over a decade, he got it all himself -until he could make himself attractive enough for them to be able to take a slice of his fee. Probably best to not get too hung up on it, but accept that one you're making money from it, you'll soon find someone ready to take 15%
Response from 11 years, 2 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
11 years, 2 months ago - Christopher Green
Hi Marinella
I've tried honestly, actors, producers, directors...I think there might be some sort of client freeze going on, but I'll keep going.
Thanks :)
Response from 11 years, 2 months ago - Christopher Green SHOW
11 years, 2 months ago - Christopher Green
@Deva Palmier
Hi Deva. Thank you for your words of support. I've not yet seen The Caravan myself yet as they are taking it to Cannes to try and sell it, so not got a link as yet I'm afraid. :(
Response from 11 years, 2 months ago - Christopher Green SHOW
11 years, 3 months ago - Stephen Russell
Hey Christopher, that's amazing what you've accomplished! I'm curious though, how were you able to submit your work initially in order for them to then go into production?
Good luck with it, sir, and I look forward to hearing back. :)
Response from 11 years, 3 months ago - Stephen Russell SHOW
11 years, 3 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Have you tried to get an agent in America? With 3 produced pictures, I'd be shocked if you couldn't get one. Try it this way: find an agent you want, and send a cover letter and script to his/her ASSISTANT. Assistants want to move up the ladder, and a hot project will allow them to do that. Start with the larger agencies like CAA and work your way down.
Response from 11 years, 3 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
11 years, 3 months ago - Richard Anthony Dunford
Do you really need an agent? You've already had scripts produced with name talent so just keep doing what you're doing.
My experience with agents and managers when it comes to writing is they're there more to negotiate contracts then actually find you the work in the first place which is the hard part.
Since you've already had work produced you should know what a fair contract looks like so just refer back to them or look through WGGB or WGA guidlines.
Oh and as Frank above has eluded any agent, manager or production company that want's money from the writer is a con. No grey area
Response from 11 years, 3 months ago - Richard Anthony Dunford SHOW
11 years, 3 months ago - Marinella Setti
I would ask someone to recommend me to their agent. You said you've done this already, but try asking high profile actors to help you, or anyone with a bit of visibility. These people don't need more clients, and they'll most likely approach people who are on the rise or whose work they really like - but again, not a cold call! Also, don't just go for anyone. Look at their books, and curiously you will see lots of people who have not done anything in a long time. Good luck!
Response from 11 years, 3 months ago - Marinella Setti SHOW
11 years, 3 months ago - Anna-Maria Nabirye
Sorry this isn't really a helpful comment. But you are doing so well, do you really need an agent? If you manage to attract good directors and good cast- your work obviously speaks for itself! Well done!!
Response from 11 years, 3 months ago - Anna-Maria Nabirye SHOW
11 years, 3 months ago - Franz von Habsburg FBKS MSc
Oh yes, I found an agent alright. He wanted a retainer of £1,000 per month...
Response from 11 years, 3 months ago - Franz von Habsburg FBKS MSc SHOW
11 years, 3 months ago - Christopher Green
Hi all. Thanks for taking an interest and offering words of support and advice. I guess I'm doing OK, but my main problem is that I'm really limited to a certain number of contacts [mainly existing] that I can get my work in front of because a lot of producers/production companies won't accept unsolicited scripts. I must say as well, that although I've had 3 features go into production, one I produced my self, Best Laid Plans only secured a limited theatrical release and the latest one - The Caravan is currently trying to secure a distribution deal.
Thanks again to all of you for taking the time out to respond, it's much appreciated.
Chris
Response from 11 years, 3 months ago - Christopher Green SHOW
11 years, 3 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
'...go into production' - did they get distributed? That could make a difference - if the public can actually see the work and pay for it sets a certain value to it.
Also, did you get paid for the work? Again, may make a difference - agents aren't managers, they have less incentive to back you for the long haul and more to take their 15%.
If you're getting regular paid gigs in distributed features, I'll represent you myself ;-)
Response from 11 years, 3 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW