Hi everyone — I'm a screenwriter with a couple of completed treatments and pilot screenplays and am looking for guidance on the next step toward management representation. I’d love insight from anyone who’s been down this road.
I appreciate any information you can share.
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Hey, JP Luce. Great to see you again. I had a manager back in 2009 and 2010. He signed me after we networked and he read my work. He taught me things about the industry and gave me guidance.
You could pitch to managers through Stage 32’s Pitch Sessions (www.stage32.com/scriptservices/pitch-sessions)? The main purpose of the Pitch Sessions is to get feedback to improve your pitch, but sometimes the executives, managers, etc. will request scripts, sign writers, etc. (www.stage32.com/scriptservices/success-stories).
You could also search for a manager on IMDbPro (https://pro.imdb.com/signup/index.html).
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While I wouldn't attempt to dissuade you from seeking management, chances are if you find a manager, it's not going to make much of a difference, at this point. There is a better path. Instead, be PROACTIVE. Write a short film. Possibly a SPECIAL short. My cousin was Oscar-Nominated actor Danny Aiello. Even after I wrote - and produced - a feature, he persuaded me to write and direct a short. It wound up qualifying for the Oscars in the Live-Action Short category. Sixteen years later I have produced 18 pictures. You can do the same thing. BE MORE PROACTIVE! Write some shorts. Quality ones. Band up with some young, talented filmmakers! Build your IMDb page. Win some Awards! Post photos from the set AND from The Red Carpet! Go to Festivals, whether you have a film or NOT. Go to Networking Events! Network, Network, Network!!! All the while keep working on some feature scripts! Build your arsenal! Make friends and connections in the business! Read and Learn ALL you can! In other words, BE MORE PROACTIVE!
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Hi; thanks for the feedback re: seeking management guidance. My biggest issue it that, as you probably know, everything takes money and I'm short on funds at this time. I was on IMDB but had to quit due to the fee. I did produce a short film, currently on my website and YouTube. I also have several treatments and pilots on deck that I've been shopping around via traditional methods. I'll just keep researching and inquiring. Thanks again!
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You're welcome, JP Luce. Networking on Stage 32 is free, and it's how I get jobs and script reads. It's also one of the things I did that led to me selling four short scripts to a producer who I met on Stage 32. Here are some blogs on networking: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41
Stage 32 has in-person Meetups that are great for networking (www.stage32.com/meetups). If you don't see a Meetup in your area, you could start your own.
And you could post your short film on your profile for other members to see. You can add it by moving your mouse over "Profile" on the bar near the top of Stage 32's homepage and click "Video/Audio." You can also post your film on your profile by moving your mouse over "Browse" on the same bar and clicking "Video."
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JP, I understand that in today's market funds can be hard to come by, but if you can't afford $19.99 a month - or less if you pay it all at once - then you have to find a way.. I DON'T CARE what other people on the site tell you, you have to have a professional IMDb page! I haven't seen your short, but I'd be happy to view it and give feedback. The key is ... it has to be good. It has to have value. Like your IMDb page, your short is a calling card. Speaking of which, do you have business cards? You can get 1,000 professional-looking business cards for around $30 from Vista Print. Get them, go to a bunch of Film Festivals, Networking Events and Film Expos and hand them out? Moreover, did your short play in any Festivals? No matter how strapped for cash you may be, the business is not going to come to you. You have to go to it! You have to make a decision to do this or not. Then, do it full out!
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Great questions JP Luce! Here at Stage 32 we have a long list of managers who are always looking to sign new clients. Have you checked out or had the opportunity to speak with any of our execs? If not, reach out to success@stage32.com where they can help find what's right for you!
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Maurice and Sam Rivera: Thanks for the information; I'll certainly follow up. Sam B.: I do have business cards and have handed them out when I go to networking events. Thanks for the enthusiasm—I’m fully committed and appreciate the encouragement.
You're welcome, JP Luce.