This is probably the most commonly asked question by aspiring screenwriters. After all, you can’t get work as a screenwriter without an agent, but no agent wants to represent you unless you have work. So how do you do it? The first thing is to write a great script! No easy task, mind you. But know that great scripts do stand out. To agents, producers, directors, actors, studio execs. Hell, to every busboy in the greater Los Angeles area. And word travels fast. So learn the craft, write a great story, rewrite it till your blue in the face, then send it out. To who? Anyone you know who has a connection to agents in Hollywood. It could be your Aunt Martha’s dentist in Poughkeepsie who has a son-in-law who is sleeping with a girl whose roommate is an assistant to Tori Spelling. Remember people aren’t always crazy about being asked to help, but often take a fancy to being asked for advice. So ever so politely inquire if they have the bandwith to tell you what they think of your script. If they think it’s good, then ask if there’s someone they know at an agency that might like to read it. More often than not they do. In the perfect world, they’ll want to play some part in the project as well. Thank them profusely for sending it over and go with God. That’s it? That’s it. Sure, you can do the requisite follow-up with the agents, but don’t hock ‘em. They have 80 other scripts on their desk to read, and chances are the folks who sent those probably know someone who slept with someone too.
Welcome to Screenwriter School
Welcome! I'm happy to announce that I will be teaching my own screenwriting workshops in Atlanta starting in January. Guest lecturing for groups and colleges the last few years has enabled me the opportunity to build a fun and engaging course that offers an entertaining window into what I have learned writing for DreamWorks, Disney, Paramount, Universal, Fox and more. When I was growing up I had a great teacher unlock my passion for the craft of writing and I love being able to do the same for my students. The lessons shared and movies discussed will help all writers, novice and expert, know how to create great characters, tell great stories and make their screenplays salable. Check us out on Facebook and be sure to follow us on Twitter. Hope to see you there!