ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

9 years, 7 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

... And there's the issue. Without having anything to be able to show, you have no real value, so aren't worth representing at this stage. Thousands of scripts get written each year, maybe 0.1% make it to the big screen, and even then the fee might be £3000 on a £20k deal. It's far easier for an agent to say 'here's a script from the guy who wrote (modest hit)' than go on a completely cold approach.

Frustrating, eh? You need to not need an agent to be able to get one. As is, I know a couple of screenwriters who went out and hustled production deals - their movies are either made or being made, but they decided not to take agents because why would they if they don't need to?! Probably better to just keep on hustling your scripts until you get some traction and don't need an agent ;-)

9 years, 7 months ago - Steve Deery

I have largely been of similar sentiment. The only reason I raise the point is it was suggested by an interested party it might help.... I much prefer the hustle and have an a pathological indifference to perceived wisdom... cheers for reminding me of my instincts Paddy

9 years, 7 months ago - Peter Spencer

Steve, I've never been able to get an agent and now don't even bother trying. I'm on my 30th screenplay, sold eleven, had three (modest) indie features produced and three more more ambitious ones on the way to production. Best thing is to get out there and make things happen for yourself by finding people who like your material enough to want to get behind it.

9 years, 7 months ago - Charles Harris

Hi Steve - the two are not mutually incompatible. I've had three agents so far in my time. One got me loads of work in one area, but only that area. The second was highly prestigious and didn't even get me a single meeting or anyone to read my scripts.

The third has got me good work and with all three I still had to/have to get out and hustle on my own. I'd get out there and move your projects forwards and look for an agent at the same time. Allocate a percentage of your time for each. To get a project moving you need someone on your side - that could be a producer or an agent - or both.

If nothing's moving even then, rather than blaming the lack of an agent, get good professional advice on your pitch. There may be something you're not aware of that is causing the problem and may be easily fixed. There are people looking for good projects if you have a good pitch and persistence. But you need both.