How To Get An AGENT - Screenwriting Tips

Since time eternal, literary agents have acted as the border guards of Hollywood - lethal snipers who pick off unprepared and unworthy writers, preventing them from getting within pitching distance of the players in Hollywood.
To access the studios' money and talent relationships, a screenwriter MUST first secure the services of a literary agent or manager to champion their work. In many ways, it is the industry's way of validating you, and gives you that all-important security clearance to pass through the hallowed studio gates and sell your wares.
But with so many writers howling for agents' attention, how do you stand out from the crowd, and get a top representative to even read your screenplay?
In today's film on SCRIPTFELLA, I dish out my top tips for securing a Hollywood literary agent, pushing beyond the usual tactics, and positing the ultimate question which every screenwriter must answer before turning pro - as a writer, what do you want to become KNOWN for?
Who is SCRIPTFELLA?
I'm a veteran screenwriter, story consultant, film & TV lecturer. I've been optioned or commissioned by over 30 US and UK studios and production companies including: Universal Studios, Working Title, Bold Films, Scott Free, BBC and ITV. Recent produced credits include the award-winning motion picture Bram Fischer (2017) and the not-so-award winning Hard Target 2 (2016)...
If you're a producer, screenwriter or brand, and you'd like me to help you tell YOUR story, shoot me an email on [e-mail] and let's have a chat.

[@Scriptfella]

🎥 FREE MASTERCLASS Seven Screenwriting Mistakes Stopping You Getting an Agent www.scriptfella.com/mistakes-masterclass 100% of agents and execs who fail to finish your script will pass. Join this free masterclass with WGA Screenwriter Dominic Morgan, where he will teach you how to eliminate the 7 BIGGEST MISTAKES that cause Hollywood agents and managers to stop reading your script. Spoiler alert: This isn’t about your plot, characters, logline, or story circles. And the first mistake is an absolute dealbreaker… Get access now at www.scriptfella.com/mistakes-masterclass

[@MEshaoWords]

This is enormously informative for me. As an indie author who is just now taking the dive into writing screenplays, the “only I/what kind of writer do you want to be” really stood out. Looking over my work, it all ties in to the question of true consideration as to what happens after we die. Losing my mother was what made me get into writing in the first place, and this video made me look at my story in a completely different way. It’s almost like I unconciously wrote thematic elements of the afterlife without even realizing I was doing it. Thanks for the post. It really helped put things in perspective for me.

[@Scriptfella]

MAdudTs - you've just opened and blown my mind, at the same time. But you're 100% right."What do I want to be known as" is a tombstone-legacy question. It cuts to the heart of who we are, not just as writers, but as human beings. How do we want to be remembered? Where should we devote the time that we have, that is finite and we can't afford to waste? I'm sorry to hear you lost your mother and I hope that you find solace and satisfaction in your writing . And thank you for sharing your thoughts, which I am going to pin at the top.

[@captaincurd2681]

I told an agent "I'll massage you while you read my script". He replied "Okay".

[@joydas7149]

This is the most useful channel on screenwriting...no BS you give us reality as it is. I hope you will keep mentoring us

[@Scriptfella]

Joy Das you’re absolutely welcome . I’m very glad you’re finding my vids useful . Very best D

[@10percentDan]

As a talent manager myself and having been a talent agent for years I must say this is GREAT. You should do VO as well you have a great voice and presence. (I LOVE the Ari Gold footage he is literally the reason I wanted to be an agent when I was 11!) Thank you Sir!

[@Scriptfella]

Cheers Dan - thanks for the shoutout.

[@ritalamotte1286]

So well put! So clear and right to the point! LOVE LOVE LOVE! I wished i known you couple years ago.... In need of a mentor :)

[@moelynch]

With 7,000 writers firing their agents can you speak about what this means for writers trying to break into the industry? Should we still enter contests? What’s the business model for writers now that this war has taken place between the WGA and ATA?

[@Scriptfella]

Great question Moe, the answer is...I have no idea. The talent agencies are in denial about the crisis facing them - but with a whole generation of agents now clientless you would think they would become more receptive to new clients. However once they find work for the clients, the clients will have to join the WGA - and then fire the agents who did the hard work and helped them break in. It's not an ideal scenario for fostering a long term agent-writer relationship. I will be posting a video with my take on the ATA-WGA faceoff very soon...

[@moelynch]

@@Scriptfella awesome. thanks

[@RX552VBK]

This was very fascinating--because this has been one of the biggest barrier of understanding this industry. As long as I've been trying to get rep/agent (I've read dozens of books, seminars, da woiks) this always felt like the missing ingredient in a secret sauce mix. Obviously, one can get an agent--because it happens--so its not in the realm of the impossible. But it always struck me as learning how to beat the Rubiks Cube---you can only some day get one side but not the whole cube. But of course--it can be done because it has been done. I think that's why I avoided thinking about it as seriously as I should. I never really asked myself what kind of writer/creator i wanted to be (I know what I like or what sandbox I love to play in more) but really questioning myself on "what kind of writer do you want to be" is something I avoided. I can't explain it--but it seems so obvious to me as I think about it.

[@Scriptfella]

Hey Gary - I'm loving the fact you're working your way through my back catalogue and you're sharing insights like this "..But it always struck me as learning how to beat the Rubiks Cube---you can only some day get one side but not the whole cube."

[@bazmurphy7792]

Its 2022 and after watching your videos and especially this one. I've taken the plunge and contacted a uk agent. Along with a short introduction in the e.mail. I also sent the synopsis of my latest script. Fingers crossed.

[@batitony]

Hi, Dominic! New subscriber from Mexico. I enjoy your videos very much and I am actually surprised at the fact that you don't have more views or subs given the incredibly GOLDEN value of your advice as an actually experienced screenwriter. I was wondering if one day you could give your opinion on foreign aspiring screenwriters coming from non-English speaking countries like myself who want to break into the industry. Does the fact someone's from Mexico, Honduras, Spain, or any non-English speaking country make it even more difficult to be hopeful of a screenwriting career in Hollywood? I look forward to hearing your opinion on this and any other topics you find worth talking about!

[@tjbradley5261]

As someone who's getting into writing...your videos are really informative!! thank you!

[@Scriptfella]

Many thanks TJ - I'm very glad this vid hit the spot.

[@easydansvoices5968]

Hi Dominic. I've recently re-watched this video and can honestly say, it's some of the BEST advice I have ever heard. It's helped me to focus. I now know what I must do.

[@Scriptfella]

Cheers Dan v pleased the vid has helped you .

[@inflintity]

Really enjoying these videos, informative & funny, much thanks.

[@edgarbleikur1929]

Love your crime thriller movie poster idea!

[@Scriptfella]

Cheers, Edgar.

[@cedricjouarie]

This makes so much sense. It’s a scary move though, to specialize. It’s a bet. It’s a gamble.

[@markbarton828]

When are we going to see the 'How I pitched Oliver Stone' vlog? I like this shark. Stone is the Megalodon!

[@Scriptfella]

Well, Mark - I promise to do the Oliver Stone story one day, But my advisors keep telling me nobody wants to hear my Hollywood war stories...

[@codywithrow5249]

This is amazing. Thank you for posting this video. This information is so hard to come by.

[@Scriptfella]

Thanks Cody - if you found this vid useful, you might want to check other vids in my channel playlist “the business of screenwriting”.

[@codywithrow5249]

@@Scriptfella Will do. Much appreciated it. You have my attention.

[@lunagramirez736]

Hello I came across your channel today I have watched about three of your videos and I have to say that it is very helpful and informative I am a starting out Screenwriter and also a college student majoring in Creative Writing I’m working on my first script and I have been looking for helpful channels and videos to help me with my journey as a Screenwriter and I just wanted to say that your videos are very informative and helpful and I have subscribed your channel and hoping to see more helpful videos soon

[@Scriptfella]

Hi Cristina - thanks for your feedback it really motivates me to put out some more content. I'd better get cracking....

[@AdamStarks]

Now there's some really great advice

[@DustinWQ]

So keep in mind that I'm responding to a post that's 4 years old, I would somewhat disagree with his advice on genre. I'll use Bong Joon Ho as an example. While his films vary in genre and style, his "genre" falls more in the vein of theme. There is still a consistency in his story telling even though they vary in traditional genre. I would even go further and paraphrase a quote for Tarantino, that essentially genre doesn't really exist anymore. Last thought, look at what types of genres the agent specializes in. Don't solicit an agent who sales High Concept horror and/or works with studios like A24, or Blumhouse if you're a comedy writer.

[@Scriptfella]

Hello Dustin - you're absolutely right in saying a lot of directors are driven by theme rather than genre. Successful directors like Bong Joon Hoo can switch genres and the money may well follow them. My advice today (and 4 years ago) is aimed at screenwriters who are struggling to break in. Write two great samples in the same genre/ tone that give an agent the right ammunition to land a writing assignment for you in that genre....because 99% of the screenwriting money in Hollywood is generated by writers winning assignments not selling specs;

[@MegaRockstar48]

Hi new to your videos, loving them!...I’ve just finished my first script and starting my second in the new year. The question I’ve got similar to a few previous comments I’ve seen. If getting into the industry is that difficult needing really good work, why do so many poor films get made and so many poor scripts get green lit???......doesn’t make sense!

[@Scriptfella]

Hi, the process of making movies is so fraught, and hard wired for conflict, creative tensions and suboptimal story decisions - that it is almost a miracle when a good movie comes out of the Hollywood factory.

[@cars.796]

You'd make a good actor ngl

[@jackhudkins542]

Well said, sir!

[@jasonbertles]

Can you give some insight, perhaps a vid?, on the role of Managers? I read a scriptreaderpro article that really pushed the merits of managers over agents. Agents definitely get all the press, but this suggested that a manager has for more longterm value and is even perhaps the best way to land an agent when one is necessary. I'd be interested in your thoughts.

[@Scriptfella]

Hi Jason - you're right, an analysis of what managers do is a great idea for a vid. I will put it on the list, thank you. Essentially managers tend to have fewer clients and have more time, and inclination, to develop material with their clients. Many of them attach themselves as producers to their clients' projects, which has its pros and cons...

[@HollyHargreaves]

Great video

[@Scriptfella]

Thanks Holly, that's good to hear.

[@MLFYIBTTU]

Thank you so much for this video. I learned so much.

[@Scriptfella]

Great stuff Teddy, welcome to Scriptfella.

[@SIRTONY]

You should write a Film about your Journey .. yes THE KING of WRITING starring SCRIPT-FELLA !!!!!!!!!!!! and Save EVERYONE who needs to KNOW the GAME and LEARN How to PLAY it !!!!

[@TheKeithvidz]

i want to be an action writer - in differing genres. My 2 feature screenplays were crime and horror.

[@williamwells1862]

I wrote a book that is about a sensational catastrophe that tells the truth about what happened. It changes history. It is published. I have no idea how to write a screen script. The scrip could have many directions. Separately there could be a Documentary out of part of the Book. I have no idea how to go about getting an agent or producer to take on my project. Had two iffy contacts. Watt do I do????? I will never be a screen writer.

[@ianbuchanan3839]

4:27 "I want to REP you" for anyone else that had to do a double-take at that point

[@MrJasmineValley]

Great video, thank you Dominic. My writing buddy and I have had our debut screenplay selected for The Aussie List. Yay! It's comedy/drama. Our current script is comedy/zombie. Both rooted in the values of relationships and family. Close enough or should we develop one of our other comedy/drama ideas?

[@Scriptfella]

Hi - comedy/drama and comedy/zombie sounds like they're in a similar space/tone.

[@MrJasmineValley]

Then we shall continue :)

[@elgonzo5]

1:08 perfect.

[@DianaTBlack]

Thank you so much for the 'generosity of spirit' best wishes

[@Scriptfella]

Sending you my best wishes right back, Diana T. Black...

[@genevievedaly2323]

Bit of a Dr Evil moment there SF, £3m accounts don't sound quite as impressive now as they did in the 1990s...

[@RM-306]

I love this channel!

[@2saucedupconvo851]

I have 5 ideas Im working on one right now that has never been done before nor has been done in this genre.

[@Felix-mp2vj]

Can you tell us how many scripts a newbie should write to get an agent? Thanks.

[@alexlerner3403]

Very nice videos, i just watched this one, and the one about the contracts, and also the one about money and salaries. Very eye-opening stuff. Let me just say, great material what you´ve produced. I see some Tarantino texture here, very nice, i love it. Not easy to do man, usually people talking straight to the camera are beyond boring. Not you though. Just one question. You said the script "The Bridge" was very big for you and your partner. It´s been under option agreements for the last 6 or 7 years. So my question is: how come a script that hasn´t been made after all these years makes a difference in your career and/or financials?

[@Scriptfella]

Alex Lerner - thank you for your interstellar review of my vid tutorials - "I see some Tarantino texture" I'll certainly take that one to the bank... Regarding your question on the Bridge - when a producer options a script, they pay the writer an option fee for, say, a year or 18 months. Often it will take more than a year for the producer to either make the movie or decide to drop the project. When they come to the end of the option period the producer usually has the option to renew for a 2nd or 3rd option period - triggering another payment. Career-wise, If you have a project under option to a bonafide producer, it shows you are making headway and have skin in the game...

[@sohamroy8442]

Is mystery a genre? I mean I know there are murder mysteries but like not really murder in every story. Just mystery. Is it a genre? If I say I am known for delivering mystery, will I be able to sell?

[@elliothartleyuk]

👍

[@josediogo8521]

Great Videos But my question is, How to contract a Screewriter? How its works?

[@Scriptfella]

Hi Jose welcome to the Scriptfella community. In answer to your question - the traditional route of hiring a screenwriter whose work you admire - contact their agent . But we now live in a world where 15,000 members of the writers guild of America have fired their agents. Many writers now work with attorneys or managers . If you want to hire a writer contact them directly on social media and you can start the conversation about a contract . Check out my 7 dealpoints vid for an idea of what you need to include in that contract .

[@setokaiba6758]

I want to write fantasy, but I actually wrote a spy thriller.

[@thetiktokman]

to the writers here: if you are gonna write sc-fi FFS do your research, do not fuck with the laws of physics. science fiction is a story based on a scientific principle NOT fictional science; BIG DIFFERENCE!

[@beerbatterdrumhead]

Why stick with one... They're what is in your head as a Story.... My Brain is a File cabinet for 10 scripts at this moment. I want to be known for whatever I write, people will love...If it doesn't work, oh well.

[@2saucedupconvo851]

How do I get a deal in less than 30 days with at least 1 point in the production budget and a floor price before an option. Are you willing to help me do this deal and be fair.

[@Scriptfella]

Hello mate - suggest you check out this vid on screenwriting contracts - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYLSZYiLg698Y68

[@mit181]

Great stuff! Those b-rolls and the anecdotes kept it engaging as well as useful. I've shot a few min docs to get a handle on film making, but really need to specialise somewhere soon; screenwriting in a marketable genre came straight the right time! How much further would you specialise? E.g. just TV? Or just film? What about sub genres? E.g. you mention espionage over just thrillers.. Are there other specialisation variables like the above you've missed out? Many thanks Dominic!

[@Scriptfella]

Thanks for your feedback - in answer to your questions - if you can write strong characters I would hone in on TV if poss because there are so many more buyers and revenue possibilities today. If you're stronger on concepts and plotting I would lean towards film. Regarding subgenres, while its sounds counter intuitive and limiting, the narrower subgenre you can work within, the more likely you'll be thought of first as the master of that subgenre. Ie if you specialise in writing sports biopics of real life figures you're more likely to get the call when a studio is developing a story in this space. Hope this helps. Dominic

[@mit181]

@@Scriptfella Many, many thanks Dominic. I guess the only difficulty comes when you want to outgrow that niche you've been working on for a while. Nolan did it really well in Interstellar/Dunkirk, moving away from thrillers, but for the rest of it's a tough one. Many thanks for the advice!

[@augustuscaeser10b78]

Well........................ DEALERS AREN'T NOTHING WITHOUT ARTISTS

[@user-qz2wb6dt1i]

you have an facebook account ?

[@Scriptfella]

Hi - apologies for the delay in responding. I've been in China and unable to access my you tube account. I don't have a SCRIPTFELLA facebook account at the moment - are you on Linked in? If so please hit me up on that and we can connect. Thanks Dominic

[@user-qz2wb6dt1i]

@@Scriptfella youre movies are great you are very special youtuber... can i read youre scripts ?

[@yantimohhan867]

Yes, please. Hook me up with Netflix or HBO. I wasted my time here

[@JustAnotherFallenAngel]

Fantastic video

[@jackhudkins542]

Well said, sir!