A good Agent is a definite positive.

Without question and it's very difficult, but getting a good Agent can provide many opportunities for any screenwritier. So what do you do? First you have to find one of the many screenwriting agents who is willing to view new writers. Do they actually read the script or have a reader who reviews your script and then gives an assessment? Are they a decision maker? What's their process?

It just isn't easy. Especially if you aren't where they are. Now what does that mean? Do you have to move to LA or New York? The answer is no, but it sure wouldn't hurt. With the advent of the internet a screenwriter's location isn't as important as once before, but many people in the film industry still believe if you're truly hungry, you will find a way to be close to the screenwriting jobs. Besides, it is the best way to generate contacts, and contacts are everything!

Another reason it is difficult is that there are so many more screenwriters. So much more competition. In the Golden Days of Hollywood, screenwriters were like actors. They were slowly groomed into better writers. Old time screenwriting agents made money off their writers not from them.

Now what does it mean to make money off a screenwriter instead of from them? Before I answer that question, let me ask you a question that I will ask again when I talk about movie production. Name the movie that DIDN'T get produced because there was too much money attached?

Let's be realistic. There really aren't any secrets of screenwriting. Yes, creativity is an important and guiding part, but it's still all about money. Remember FOLLOW THE DOLLAR? Ok, now back to making money off a screenwriter not from them.

From my very limited experience, a good agent or rep would rather make their percentage from a script sale than being paid a monthly expense retainer. Doesn't it just make sense that if they really thought your script was marketable, they would be shopping your script to everyone?

I promise, if you write a good script and someone makes an offer to buy, one of the easiest things you will ever do in the film industry, is find someone who will want to represent you. Also, in the long run, it would be a good idea to have a proven professional negotiate your script sale.

So be realistic and aware. The film industry is filled with people who will play on your passion. Do your research! Listen to your gut! Don't let your passion cloud your judgment. It's a business; the business of filmmaking.

From Agent to It's All Business