GUILD SIGNATORY AGENTS & PRODUCERS

Let's Hop Right on it...

So... you've completed a screenplay! You feel it's structurally sound, with memorable characters, crisp dialog, and it tells a compelling story that you're SURE could be the next blockbuster! Congratulations! Now the biggest misconception is that you need an agent to sell this remarkable baby of your gray matter...

It's true, having an agent is favorable to having to go it alone. But don't let the fact that you're without representation stop you from marketing your script. While you're shopping for an agent, go straight to the source - the production company. You should be approaching agents and production companies simultaneously.

To accomplish this task, I recommend the Hollywood Creative Directory and the Hollywood Agents/Managers Directory. These online directories provide you with updated staffing and address information on a weekly basis at various agencies and production houses, along with contact and partnership information. I subscribe to HCD ON-LINE (at approx. $200 a year) but you can also purchase the books (check out my bookstore).

Part of shopping for an agent includes research. There are various resources available that will enable you to compile a list of suitable candidates to query. Check the trades magazines and subscribe to services such as WHO'S BUYING WHAT. I also recommend reading the following books: The Script is finished, Now what do I do? by K Callen. Also, The Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents by Jeff Herman is especially helpful if you write more than just screenplays.

Queries to agents

Your query to agents should be no more than a page and include an introductory paragraph about yourself and your credentials if you have any, your logline, an extremely compelling synopsis paragraph of your script, and your contact information. If you have more than one script available, you may want to mention that, but DON'T provide a logline or synopsis paragraph for them. Remember, you're selling yourself as well as your project in your agent query.

Submit your query by mail (by e-mail only if specified as a preference). Faxing your query to agents is a no-no.

Queries to producers

Your query to producers should also be no more than a page. Include a very brief intro (1-2 sentences), then list the loglines for all your scripts, and provide your contact information. Remember, you're selling YOUR PROJECTS to a producer and they'll know by reading your well-written logline if they're interested or not. Faxed queries are more widely accepted at production houses. However, If you fax your query to a production company, do it early in the morning so you don't prevent their important correspondence from getting through. Keep in mind that when you fax a query, you don't know how it will look on the other end.

Don't call the office to query! Their phones ring constantly as it is and you risk leaving a bad impression with your cold phone call.

Include a SASE with your query if you want a response. I recommend limiting your queries to Guild Signatories only.