Screenwriting : Submitting a project to an Actor by Marc Serhan

Hey Marc, this is Suzanne from the Stage 32 team. I just wanted to let you know I moved your post from Acting to Screenwriting, as it fits much better there. Let me know if you have any questions, and all the best to you!

Yeah, that's pretty much the answer you'll get from every agent/manager if you even get a response. Do you have secured financing? If not, then you most-likely will need to have a connection somehow to the actor. If you have financing then they know the project is at least "real" and will give you some leeway with follow up questions/documentations. If you are going for an A-list actor or someone who is "hot" then you're probably going to have very little luck as their schedules can get booked out for a year or two. Your best bet might be to try and attach a producer with somewhat of a track record. Not only will they have connections in the industry, but they will also have access to agents/managers that you won't at this point. This is all just my experience. Keep finding the angles and good luck!

Hey Marc Serhan Great question, and you're definitely not alone in this confusing paradox many the industry face! The "no unsolicited material" policy is fairly standard across most major agencies, but there are several strategic pathways around it.

Why This Policy Exists:

Agencies protect themselves legally and manage volume - they receive thousands of submissions and can't review everything. "Unsolicited" essentially means "from someone we don't know."

Effective Pathways:

1. Through Representation

The most direct route is securing a manager or agent who has existing relationships with talent agencies. They can submit on your behalf as "solicited" material. Obviously this is the hardest option, and a delightful paradox for unrepped writers. Generally speaking though, the better you are able to pitch your script and get people onboard your team, the more resources you will have to go to talent.

2. Use Industry Platforms

Services like Stage 32's pitch sessions connect you directly with managers, producers, and reps in structured settings where they're specifically seeking material.

3. Build Industry Relationships

Networking through film festivals, industry events, or professional organizations can lead to introductions and referrals. I always recommend attending a nearby film festival to where you are. In a few hours, you can meet so many film people so fast. Getting even a little face time can go a long way and plant a seed - which is all you should endeavor to be doing at events like these.

4. Work Through Production Companies

Many actors have production deals or look-first relationships with specific companies. Submitting to those companies can be more effective than going directly to talent reps. One such example is Witchcraft Motion Picture Company (NIGHT SWIM), they have open submissions for contained sci-fi, thriller and horror movies on their site (https://www.witchcraftmotionpicturecompany.com/submissions)

5. Leverage Mutual Connections

If you know anyone who knows the actor/director, a warm introduction is infinitely more effective than cold submissions.

6. CALL THEM

This one is always my best advice. Emails are easy to ignore. But if you straight up call an agency, finesse your way past the assistants, and get the agent on the phone. They will typically give you 5 minutes to pitch your project directly to them. You can have your shot if you just pick up the phone and dial their number. Because that's how business is done! Yes, this takes trial and error. Yes, this takes brutal rejection to your face that sinks your heart into your gut. BUT you can get your process down in like 10-15 calls. So start off center with agents of actors you're not super dead-set on. Call them, figure out the language to get from the assistant to the agent, keep refining it until it sounds natural, then call up the big guns and work your way into the chance to change your life. You can always solve problems by attacking them head on.

The key is understanding that agencies typically don't seek out material - they respond to submissions from established industry sources they trust. If you can get on the phone, and build that trust quickly (by being pithy, sharp, and direct), then they'll hear you out 9/10 times and if they like it, they'll take it to the actors. At which point of course the actor can still always turn it down, but still. So focus on building your relationships and be bold in putting yourself out there!

Great reply Pat Alexander Marc Serhan Unsolicited in this case generally means you're not a manager, attorney, production company, foreign sales agent, etc. that has industry standing.

Agencies, and the above, cannot accept material from every person who wishes to submit to them. The volume and legal liability is too extensive. (Any movie that comes out like yours - you could try to sue them - "I sent it to you.") So it's highly discouraged and won't be viewed (the old adage is they go in the circular file drawer.)

Stage 32 has volumes of resources to advise on how to advance your screenplay goals. Check out some of the webinars, labs, etc. for incredible industry advice.

I once tried that tactic with a half-dozen military veteran actresses. The four who responded quite liked the life-relevant role offered them, but their agents all said, "No money or big names attached? Go away."

Hi Marc, check imdbPro to see if the actor has a manager or their own company. You might also strongly consider building a preliminary pkg for your script; tentative schedule, budget, deck and produce it yourself ( or with another producing partner/company/entity).

If you don't want to produce it, you need to find a way to make it stand out. Let folks know if your script has won or placed in any prominent contests or festivals. That tells them that your script has been vetted by a trusted source, and it may give you a few extra minutes to pitch.

Thank you all for chipping in. Spread the word: Marc is looking for a Manager and/or Agent. :)

Gatekeepers abound everywhere. There are many millions of writers who want in. Mostly it goes into the circular file. (OLD TERM FOR WASTEBASKET)

I have mostly given up on screenplays. It's almost impossible to get noticed, no matter how good you are. I'm trying a video game.

NOW THAT IS REALLY REALLY HARD TO WRITE!