Dear community,
I’m new to the industry and would love to understand more about how agencies and screenwriters collaborate. I’ve heard that screenwriters don’t pay upfront fees to agencies, but rather only pay once their script is accepted or sold. Is this the standard practice? How does the process generally work, and what are the key steps screenwriters should follow when approaching or working with an agency?
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Yes Anush Har you DO NOT PAY ANY UPFRONT COSTS, THIS IS A SCAM. The best way to to get involved in the Writers Room here on stage 32 and schedule some pitch sessions with producers in your Genre. Great to meet you and best of luck!
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Mark Deuce thank you for your response and useful information you gave!
Hi, Anush Har. "I’ve heard that screenwriters don’t pay upfront fees to agencies, but rather only pay once their script is accepted or sold." I've never had an agent, but that's what I've heard from other screenwriters, producers, etc. over the years.
The first thing I suggest doing is building a portfolio of solid scripts. And I suggest networking as you build your portfolio (www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-community-and-collaboration-in-th...). You might meet someone who refers you to an agent.
I also suggest entering a Stage 32 contest (www.stage32.com/scriptservices/contests). If you win a contest or place as a Finalist, Stage 32 will send your work to agents and literary managers who are seeking new talent as well as other industry professionals. If you don't see contests that fit your projects, keep an eye on the Contest Page. Stage 32 will be adding more contests.
And Stage 32 has a webinar called "How to Get Representation as a Screenwriter or Director" (www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-get-representation-as-a-screen...).
You can also search for agents on IMDbPro (https://pro.imdb.com/).