Lit Manager John Zaozirny on Ways to Break Into Screenwriting

[@briancouch2578]

'Thanks'... positive thoughts, cutting through the clutter of so many alternatives, when impatient people want results now.

[@braindamage38]

What a fantastic look at screenwriters from a manager's view. Thanks!

[@braindamage38]

Ending by saying the most important thing is the 'idea' is inspiring. I guess because I agree 😆

[@jenbieser9654]

This was great! Thank you. I learned so much.

[@ScriptsandScribes]

Thanks for watching and the nice comment!

[@marknoahsotelo316]

Interesting, I constantly hear that winning or placing high in contests are a key factor in getting a manager. Always good to hear differing opinions.

[@pikiwiki]

"get your logline and idea down. Make it interesting. Develop it so it sounds like a movie The rest takes care of itself." great advice

[@gianthills]

Bull. Who is going to read it, let alone buy it? You have to attract key people like a Director or an actor. You may have to spend $20000 on a washed up actor, just to get other people interested.

[@pikiwiki]

Maybe. If you do the things described, at least you did what you had to on your end. That may be the whole exercise@@gianthills

[@gianthills]

@@pikiwiki you have to be aware that the guru types online won't tell you that because they have something to sell.

[@pikiwiki]

So, it's all a sham fed by bullshit and money? @@gianthills

[@jimigigi8472]

Thanks. This is so clear and so helpful because it's honest.

[@ScriptsandScribes]

Thanks for watching and the nice comment!

[@LW7333LW]

Great stuff! Actually informative amd funny! Lol...

[@emilyeshraghi8197]

Super helpful, thanks! :)

[@ScriptsandScribes]

Thanks for watching, Emily! :)

[@convolution223]

Do you include the script file in the query or ask if they're interested in reading before sending it?

[@ScriptsandScribes]

No. Only send the actual script if they request it. A query is only the offer for them to read your script. If you send an attachment without them already interested, the entire query may be deleted.

[@convolution223]

@@ScriptsandScribes Good thing I didn't do that then! Thanks for answering my question!

[@MANZANOADRIAN]

what are queries

[@camronchlarson3767]

This is great, where have you guys been all my life? Lol

[@ScriptsandScribes]

Haha, thanks for the comment! Be sure to check out the podcast too. We have over 100 interviews there. Scriptsandscribes.com.

[@camronchlarson3767]

@@ScriptsandScribes oh I checked it out! For the past two weeks I've listened to almost all the lit managers interviews! You are AWESOME

[@wordsworth2378]

At one point in the conversation, John mentioned that you need to have several ideas ready in the case that the one that you're pitching doesn't resonate with the person that you're contacting. With that in mind, does it makes sense to have loglines for several different projects within one query email when querying a manager or just stick with one logline/project per query email? Thanks!

[@ScriptsandScribes]

No. Query only one script at a time. Pick your best and use that one. If a rep sees a list of loglines in your query they'll assume that 1) you have a bunch of projects no one wants or 2) you have no idea which of your scripts is the best, so perhaps none of them are. And you should only query with completed screenplays. Don't query your ideas or pitches. Unless you've sold a script or staffed on a TV show before, few producers or execs (if any) will buy a pitch from you. Also, check out our website where we have 100's of podcast interviews. Scriptsandscribes.com. Good luck with your writing!

[@wordsworth2378]

@@ScriptsandScribes That's what I thought but thank you for confirming. I just subscribed to your channel and will definitely check out your other videos. Thanks so much for responding!

[@gianthills]

The only way to actually have your script looked at is to look at it like a project and begin to develop it yourself. Take what you have, which might be a trailer, and get to AFM and meet independent producer who need original content.