How to Get a LITERARY MANAGER | My Experience as a Represented Screenwriter and Film Director

[@RyanDawsonFilms]

100% agree with you. Sorry to hear that your lit manager gave you the run-around. Putting so much time and effort into a project deserves, at the very least, a read-through from your rep. Thanks for sharing your story and have an awesome and productive 2022!

[@melissam5116]

Thank you for sharing such a personal experience, I know it isn’t easy to share such things and put yourself out there to help other filmmakers. I really appreciate your honesty!

[@sagestudy]

Rejections are good to hear they didn't hurt. But silence kills!!!! Stabs directly into our heart and soul.

[@FamousMotionPictures]

It sure does. Thanks so much for checking out my video. I really appreciate it!

[@amyserna1204]

Matt, thank you SO much for this video! I am at a spot where I am exactly where you were. I am trying to figure out who I'm supposed to reach out to, am I querying correctly, agent vs manager, etc. You lifted my spirits and confirmed that I'm on the right track and not the only one feeling lost and like, "hello? Are these emails going through?" Thanks again! I feel like I can move forward with confidence and hope.

[@carolfrome7801]

Thank you for this post. It's honest, helpful, and empowering.

[@IntellectualCircumnavigation]

i appreciate your sincerity. I totally understand, am a writer too. If you still feel that creative fire in you, you should find sponsors who are in that trend, where your major project is, then go ahead and make that film a reality... cheers...

[@ZackPrestonRouse]

Yes, I think the key takeaway you're relaying in a good conversation, btw, is to simply make work. Make the work. Just keep making the work. That's the job. Then get people to watch the work you made. Make the work, and then get people to watch it.

[@DAMON409]

What if you called managers instead of emailing? Random unsolicited Emails are viewed as spam. In my experience you go to AFM with a final cut. I was part of an action film that got a sales agent at afm.

[@DavidToppMelanieScot]

I was at the AFM in 2017 and 2018, too. 😊 Like you, I met some fascinating people and it was an amazing experience but I didn't really get what I was looking for either - and it was an expensive trip. Years prior to that experience, my young son was an actor and when he got an LA manager with a house up in the Hollywood Hills, we both knew this was IT!! His career was off to a great start. Unfortunately we had the same experience as you - a manager who didn't work for him and we severed that relationship. So here I sit online this morning- trying to figure out my next steps and getting out my spreadsheets from all of the companies and managers who I queried in 2022 and 2023,.....(with pitifully few responses)....getting ready to start the whole frustrating process all over - again. Like you - it feels like such a horrible waste of time and energy I don't know what my next steps are - but I do know I appreciate you taking the time to make this video. It's given me good info to consider while plotting my path.

[@FamousMotionPictures]

I imagine a lot of people feel the same frustration. Check out this Tim Ferriss podcast episode with Robert Rodriguez. It’s a bit dated, but really changed my perspective and approach for the better - podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/98-the-wizard-of-hollywood-robert-rodriguez/id863897795?i=1000350404080

[@DavidToppMelanieScot]

@@FamousMotionPictures Excellent. Thank you.

[@Rodney92]

This is a great story. Thank you. What has happened to you recently? You're from Toronto. Did you try to enter the Canadian market?

[@MagicCubeTV]

I enjoyed your video. Thanks for the info!

[@FamousMotionPictures]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@cnfische86]

Did you talk to them in person? I’ve had emails lost in transit before.

[@albertgallow5301]

Very indepth video, but if you can create and make your own films why do you need the middle man? If you can get profits and do it urself screw them. Let your work speak for itself! You sound really organized youll be A OK.

[@cameronleehorace]

This is so sad but great to hear your experience

[@SuperHiveProductions]

Keep going, I wish you the best.

[@gianthills]

I dont understand. you got offers from distributors, so why the need for a manager? where did you find your list, IMDB?

[@CC-ed4ir]

Why bother with Lit Reps or Lit Agents when you can just speak directly to sales agents? Especially at the AFM I noticed sales agents were the most receptive to hearing a pitch for a finished film or even a script.

[@FamousMotionPictures]

Sales agents can help producers find distribution for competed features. I made connections directly with distributors at AFM and beyond, so it didn’t benefit me to cut in a third party to establish those connections. Sales agents don’t represent literary works, such as scripts and pilots. Literary managers guide a writer/director’s career - ideally long-term - and literary agents focus on literary sales, packaging, and procuring work for literary/directing talent. Hope that helps and thanks so much for watching!

[@CristianMercadoProductions]

THIS IS AMAZING ADVICE THANK YOU

[@FamousMotionPictures]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching!

[@Chefjoegatto14]

Great stuff. Would love to chat sometime.

[@donsan6404]

hey, do you put a Self-addressed stamped envelope with your query?

[@FamousMotionPictures]

That’s a good question! I actually sent all my queries by email, so I didn’t have to deal with envelopes or postage.

[@carolfrome7801]

Why would that be necessary? I could be wrong, but I don't think agents and managers want snail mail submissions.

[@JamesFleming1]

Treat your business contacts like Tinder matches: if they ghost you, move on!

[@goblinslayer7096]

"Matt" who?

[@KingfisherTalkingPictures]

Everyone says, "Do your research." No one says how.

[@FamousMotionPictures]

Listen to podcast interviews, read the trades, chat with clients, attend or watch recorded panel discussions, ask for references, participate in Q&As, search for past employment and industry experience online, use bio or filmography to identify past deals then talk to those people, etc, etc.

[@shanimationfilms]

Hi sir I want help I am also a screen writer but my age is not 18+. That’s why no one takes me seriously I want someone check my script and help me to start my career

[@RM-306]

Thank you

[@FamousMotionPictures]

Thanks for watching!

[@earthzero2375]

FIX YOUR ADIOU and you wonder why yu had a helish experience getting a amanager