I've been on this site now for almost a year, and boy has it been a valuable journey.

However, I have two questions.

1. I've been promised by so many people (even signed papers) that they were going to produce my work, then I get the silent treatment.

Is this normal?

2. I feel that I might need some form of representation...manager, agent, whatever.

How do I go about getting a good one?

I hope someone can throw me an advisory lifeline 'cos I can only tread water for so long.

Best.

Martin.

1. Yes
2. Good luck.  An agent has to invite you.  Enter and win contests. Practice your pitches and send your best script to all the agents that interest you.  Most won't even pick it up to read it.  Some might and if you're lottery lucky and in the right place at the right time they might be interested.  Another way you might possibly get rep is by going to a pitchfest - but be professional, be prepared and don't get your hopes up too high.  

Sell and dont worry about what happens with them.  I' ve sold 3 scripts, 2 sit shelved and 1 partially complete.  I got paid.  I don't care what happens after that... They're no longer my scripts.  I don't screen write for a living.  In fact, I don't need money at all...  I do it for rec and because I have an eye for horror.  I am pushing 4 scripts of mine this year because a few folks who have helped me out in this field have told me how foolish it'd be not to get them out there.

So I am.  Get it going or get gone.

But back to speed, Last time I talked to the director who bought Deliver me death he said he was gonna raise money via trailer to complete production.  That was december.  I have a string of production stills, but little else.  It happens.  People move on.  You should/ will too.  

But everyone is different.  You might really want to be apart of the industry.  So for that you should pursue deeper than just message board exposure.

And should you need a consultant, Stephanie Rogers is a god send.  

Thanks Michael.

No more nor less than expected...just keep on getting better and I'll take your advice on pitching and contests.

Best.

Martin.

Thanks Baltis.

I need that kind of ass-kick motivation at present. Been a bit low. But now...gonna get it going.

Thanks mate.

Martin.

Great little thread, some brilliant advice.  

I've lost count of directors and filmmakers who say they want to produce something of mine and then they fall off the face of the earth.  They drop the project, for whatever reason, and don't have the courtesy to tell me.  I find out only after I write to them to see what the project's status is.

Agents generally don't want to look at people unless they've done something.  Get produced.  Win a competition.  They need to see that you're better than the hundreds of other writer who query them every week.


Phil

Martin,

Another way to go about getting an agent is to "produce" the project yourself. That's what I did in a sense. I queried the hell out of it and got some name attachments, which attracted an agent, and then she and I built it from there...

It takes single-minded, relentless dedication though. If your wife doesn't threaten to divorce you at least 3 times during the process, you're not working hard enough... (0:

Quoted from ajr If your wife doesn't threaten to divorce you at least 3 times during the process, you're not working hard enough... (0:

It could also mean that she's decided to kill you.

I've had good luck getting produced through craigslist.  Some student filmmakers are looking for scripts; there's no pay, but you get produced.


Phil

Fortunately I'm worth more alive than dead, Phil.  That's why I don't believe in life insurance.

Hi One Northern Soul. (just love that music).

I totally agree. Don't you love this site. The guys really care. Very humbling.

Phil, you are always a great source of wisdom and encouragement. Thanks for your input.

AJR, thanks for your comments...I must be working overtime 'cos she's threatened to divorce me five times this week and it's still only Wednesday!

But like you I'm  worth more alive than dead, I think. Maybe I'm only still alive because I mentioned a trip to Cannes one day...(end of dream sequence).

Very best regards.

Martin.

Fortunately for me, the wife is extremely supportive of my writing and general insanity; anymore supportive and I'd be paranoid that she was up to something.  With our vacation plans canceled (we were thinking Egypt), we're putting that money into Bad Penguin's production.  We're looking to go to the CTN Expo, in California, this November as a working vacation.


Phil

Yeah, you know I was kidding, right? Right?

But seriously without a supportive wife/partner we'd all be in the can.

I firmly believe they suffer more than we do and thank God they're there for us.

Martin.

Quoted from chelsea Hi One Northern Soul. (just love that music). I totally agree. Don't you love this site. The guys really care. Very humbling. Phil, you are always a great source of wisdom and encouragement. Thanks for your input. AJR, thanks for your comments...I must be working overtime 'cos she's threatened to divorce me five times this week and it's still only Wednesday! But like you I'm  worth more alive than dead, I think. Maybe I'm only still alive because I mentioned a trip to Cannes one day...(end of dream sequence). Very best regards. Martin.

How do Martin Chelsea :D  Sorry for delay, I'm still trying to navigate this site but don't have much time to do it - brief tips always welcome, on keeping tabs on your own posts for instance! - I'm VERY pleased to have found this site and I intend 'exploiting' people's generosity and wisdom, and I hope paying the favours back, when I'm more involved with my script ideas.  At the moment I have a book to finish but I am genuinely looking forward to getting properly involved on here.  I seriously do like helping people with work, it gives me a good feeling inside  8) and that is also the overall sensation I get about this place.  Cheers for now, Robert (ONS)

BTW the name ONS has nothing to do with the music, Chelsea, though I do like it a fair bit :D

Hey Robert.

Once again welcome. It's good here...they tell it like it is...makes you learn quick!

Glad you like 'The Blues'. I'm Chelsea through and through, born and bred there.

Apart from that I've got an experience I'd like to share and maybe get some advice.

I received an email lately from a lady who, after a number of conversations, gave me a very tight spec.

Two women, one (25-30) in an abusive relationship, the other (30-45) strong, shows the first woman an escape route from her abuse. Two other characters are allowed, no more. All action is in one room, the script has to be ten pages and be ready in three days.

Okay, mission accomplished. Sent the script off and heard...nothing. Chased it up twice and eventually had an email stating the script wasn't where they, the two women, wanted to go.

Followed up twice more to clarify things and now I'm getting the silent treatment.

Am I really that naive??? Am I just entering the 'Real World of Script Writing?' or have I stumbled into the P.P.P. (Portal of Phony Producers)?

At least someone tell me I'm not the only dumb schmuck in town.

Best.

Martin

Sounds like they're prats to me  >:(  Plenty of them around I'm afraid, this doesn't seem to be one of those naive moments though.  I hate saying it but I think it's just another example of one having to tolerate such ignorance.  We shouldn't have to, but there are people out there who have little class about them and seem unable to type the words 'Thank you for you input but...' and wish you well for the future.

I'm tempted to name a literary agent who very recently approached me by email, to work on a book for his company.  I replied pronto but never heard a word back.  Wouldn't respond to my telephone call either.  Disgusted I am, yours Disgustedly ONS, Leeds  ;D



I'm a Leeds fan btw C , so me and you should be sworn enemies in the world of the small minded  ;)

Martin,

Send them an e-mail, telling them that you are rescending their rights to use your script in any way.  Then move on.


Phil

Phil.

Thanks again. I'm gonna do that right now!

Robert.

Yeah you're right. I'm taking Phil's advice, as always.

I've got a soft spot for the Whites. They should be back in the premiership. There's too much history for them not to be. Should make the playoffs at least!

Best.

Martin.

Quoted from chelsea Phil. Thanks again. I'm gonna do that right now! Robert. Yeah you're right. I'm taking Phil's advice, as always. I've got a soft spot for the Whites. They should be back in the premiership. There's too much history for them not to be. Should make the playoffs at least! Best. Martin.

I do think you should ring them up and when they answer blow a huge rasper down the phone while Rik V signing them at the same time :D

Of course, the advice from Phil is the best, no doubt about it.  

Hi guys.

Around a year ago a Prod Co contacted me and said they wanted to option/produce one of my shorts.

No agreement was ever signed and since then nothing has happened. It's been tough making contact with them, so can I go ahead and pass it to another interested company?

Best.

Martin.

YES.

Thank you so much.

Best.

Martin.

Quoted from chelsea so can I go ahead and pass it to another interested company?

Quoted from ScarTissueFilms YES.

Dang.  I finally knew the answer to a question and someone beats me to it.

That's the funniest thing I've read for some time :0)

Best.

Martin.