A Talent Agents Perspective on the Logline & Query letter with Marc Pariser | Screenwriting

Former CAA agent Marc Pariser tells us what managers really think of about logline and being queried.
Marc Pariser has spent over 25 years as an agent in LA working for the top agencies such as CAA and William Morris. Marc sits down with Geoffrey and discusses savvy ways on how you can land an agent as a screenwriter. You can visit Marc's site here marcpariser.com
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[@TomMillerArtist]

Excellent.

[@thesuccessfulscreenwriter]

Thank you!

[@DAMON409]

I get the sense that nobody wants to say yes to something or even look at a query unless they know someone else recommends it.

[@thesuccessfulscreenwriter]

That is why you see so many writers getting coverage on their work. But even a recommend doesn’t guarantee a query will be successful. It’s tough out there. That’s why I recommend not just sticking with querying as your way of trying to break in and build relationships.

[@DAMON409]

@@thesuccessfulscreenwriter I hear that a lot. I've tried contacting producers on LinkedIn and Twitter, but their accounts are closed to unsolicited messages, of course. I did get through to a Director, but the conversation didn't go very far when they understood there was no Producer attached and therefore no budget. So it seems I may have to be my own producer initially. I put together a brief pitch deck and teaser. May think about attaching an actor.

[@thesuccessfulscreenwriter]

I am seeing more writers becoming producers as well. That is def one way to make things happen for yourself. Have you been trying any local filmmakers in your area as well?

[@DAMON409]

@@thesuccessfulscreenwriter I was an actor for years, so I am familiar with the local scene, but it would be a big risk to go down that road. They wouldn't have a budget, so i would be basically giving my work away until the film sold, which may not happen.

[@thesuccessfulscreenwriter]

I had the same concern when I started working with local filmmakers. So I made sure I worked with the ones with a proven track record. I had to cut down my scripts for their budget. But in the end the projects were made.

[@alioncaci]

Nice interview, but please try to not interrupt the guest.

[@thesuccessfulscreenwriter]

Thanks for listening

[@danecaldwell9470]

Yes, if you ask a question let them answer it!

[@thesuccessfulscreenwriter]

Thank you. Aside from that was there anything else you picked up on this episode?

[@alioncaci]

It's been a while now and I don't recall it exactly, but I remember I liked his hints :)@@thesuccessfulscreenwriter

[@thesuccessfulscreenwriter]

Great! I’m glad you got some value from this episode.

[@troymedley752]

Hey people, you don't have to grovel. it's ok to give a thumbs down.

[@thesuccessfulscreenwriter]

Don’t worry they do.

[@Robertsmith-un5cu]

You only make them curious by giving them less information But how do you make them bi-curious? Jk. That’s a good nugget of wisdom.

[@thesuccessfulscreenwriter]

🤣 thanks!

[@DAMON409]

I find many log lines are long lines. Way too long.

[@thesuccessfulscreenwriter]

Ha! True.