14.2 Working with Agents and Managers

Agents and managers are crucial allies for screenwriters in Hollywood. They negotiate deals, provide career guidance, and leverage industry connections to help writers succeed. Understanding their roles and how to work with them effectively is key to navigating the business side of screenwriting.

Building strong relationships with agents and managers takes effort but pays off. Clear communication, professionalism, and networking skills are essential. Writers must also learn to navigate the submission process, pitch meetings, and agency agreements to advance their careers.

Representation

Literary Agents

Top images from around the web for Literary Agents

• 

  Screenplay - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Negotiation - Clipboard image View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Business Negotiation as a Crucial Component of Sales - Research leap View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Screenplay - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Negotiation - Clipboard image View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Literary Agents

• 

  Screenplay - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Negotiation - Clipboard image View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Business Negotiation as a Crucial Component of Sales - Research leap View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Screenplay - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Negotiation - Clipboard image View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Literary agents represent screenwriters and negotiate deals on their behalf with studios, production companies, and other industry professionals
• Agents typically charge a commission of 10-15% on any deals they secure for their clients (screenwriters)
• Agents help screenwriters develop their scripts, provide feedback and notes, and guide them through the development process
• Agents have extensive industry contacts and relationships that they leverage to help their clients secure meetings, pitch opportunities, and ultimately, script sales or writing assignments

Talent Managers

• Talent managers provide career guidance and support to screenwriters, focusing on long-term career development and strategy
• Unlike agents, managers are not regulated by state laws and can produce their clients' projects, allowing them to be more creatively involved in the development process
• Managers typically charge a higher commission than agents, usually around 15-20%, as they tend to work more closely with their clients and are involved in a broader range of career-related activities
• Managers often have smaller client rosters compared to agents, allowing them to provide more personalized attention and guidance to each client

Agency Agreements

• An agency agreement is a contract between a screenwriter and their literary agent, outlining the terms of their professional relationship
• The agreement typically includes the agent's commission rate, the scope of representation (e.g., film, television, or both), and the duration of the agreement
• Agency agreements also outline the agent's responsibilities, such as submitting the writer's work to potential buyers, negotiating deals, and providing career guidance
• Screenwriters should carefully review and negotiate the terms of their agency agreement to ensure it aligns with their goals and best interests

Project Development

Packaging

• Packaging refers to the process of attaching key creative elements (e.g., directors, actors, producers) to a script to make it more attractive to potential buyers or financiers
• Agents and managers often work together to package their clients' projects, leveraging their industry relationships to secure talent attachments
• A well-packaged project can generate more interest from studios and production companies, increasing the likelihood of a sale or successful pitch
• Packaging can also help screenwriters secure better deals and more creative control over their projects, as the attached talent adds value and credibility to the project

Submission Process

• The submission process involves sending a screenwriter's script to potential buyers, such as studios, production companies, or financiers
• Agents and managers typically handle the submission process on behalf of their clients, using their industry contacts and relationships to get the script in front of the right people
• Before submitting a script, agents and managers often work with the screenwriter to refine and polish the material, ensuring it is in the best possible shape for consideration
• The submission process can be highly competitive, as buyers receive numerous scripts daily, making it crucial for the script to stand out and have a strong concept, execution, and potential market appeal

Query Letters and Pitch Meetings

• A query letter is a brief, one-page letter that screenwriters send to agents or managers to introduce themselves and their script, hoping to generate interest and secure representation
• An effective query letter should concisely convey the script's genre, logline, and unique selling points, as well as the writer's background and any relevant writing credits or accolades
• If an agent or manager is interested in the query, they may request the full script or set up a meeting with the screenwriter to discuss the project further
• Pitch meetings are face-to-face or virtual meetings where screenwriters present their ideas to agents, managers, producers, or studio executives, aiming to generate interest and secure support for their projects
• Successful pitch meetings require screenwriters to effectively communicate their story, characters, and vision in a concise, engaging, and memorable way, often within a limited time frame (e.g., 10-15 minutes)

Building Relationships

Networking

• Networking is essential for screenwriters to build relationships with industry professionals, such as agents, managers, producers, and other writers
• Attending industry events (film festivals, conferences, workshops), joining professional organizations (e.g., Writers Guild of America), and participating in online communities can help screenwriters expand their network and make valuable connections
• Building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships can lead to opportunities, such as referrals, collaborations, or even representation
• Effective networking requires screenwriters to be proactive, authentic, and generous, focusing on building long-term connections rather than solely seeking immediate gains

Maintaining Professional Relationships

• Maintaining strong, professional relationships with agents, managers, and other industry contacts is crucial for screenwriters' long-term success
• Screenwriters should be responsive, reliable, and open to feedback, demonstrating their commitment to their craft and their ability to work collaboratively
• Regular communication and updates can help keep agents and managers engaged and invested in a screenwriter's career, even during periods when projects may not be actively moving forward
• Expressing gratitude, celebrating successes together, and supporting others in the industry can foster goodwill and strengthen professional bonds over time