ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 1 month ago - Marlom Tander

Hi,

I think you may be reading too much into the studio's response. What have they put in writing? "Will back it" - implies "fund it" but could just mean "will back it to the next exec's desk".

I also think that the stars might have done the polite brush off. You met them in person, you told them about your project, they smiled and said "sure, love to see the script". That's what they tell every writer. They smile, the writer smiles, everyone's happy. Means nothing. It's a social politeness.

So,

AGENT - by all means use this as a reason to contact top agents. If the studio letter is strong, they'll want to fight your corner for you and their percentage. They'll smell money. Good Luck :-)

STAR - if you have their direct contact info, send them the script with a cover note about when you met. If you don't, send it to their agent, with the same cover note and about how excited the Star was. The Agent will at the very least drop the star a line to effect that "A Robert Richter has sent us a script. His cover note says you met at Sweeties Bar in January, and that you loved the concept and wanted to read it?" If the star remembers you, he'll ask to see it. If not, ce la vie. To the star who remembers you and really loved your idea, your lack of agent wouldn't be an issue at this stage.

Order? I think I'd try and get an agent first - because then it's your people talking to them and that's always impressive as your having an agent validates you in the eyes of their agent, but if no one bites, then send it to the star before they forget who you are.

Cheers

11 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

I have to agree with Marlom. I've been on that roller coster ride a couple of times. I'm not sure about your post--it's a little unclear. A studio reader's only power is to move a script up the chain. Not "back it." 2nd, anybody could get a development deal with a star attached. You wouldn't even need a script. 3rd, how is it that you got it into the studio system without an agent in the first place?

It's not my intention to shit on what you've pulled off so far. It's a good start. But studios, agents, stars, et al, will be positive and all around swell people. They don't want to piss you off, just incase you write the next big blockbuster.

My suggestion would be this; if it went through the studio system, you'll have coverage that the reader did. If it has high marks, especially in "concept", send a copy of that good coverage along with the script to established producers (especially ones with a development deal with that particular studio). Send it to agent assistants (not the agent himself). Find out the name of the assistant and address it to the assistant personally. Not "Mr. Bigshot's assistant." If the coverage is from a major studio, and it has high marks, your script will get read, at the very least. Assistants want to move up the ladder, and are always on the lookout for a sellable script.