Breaking into the screenwriting industry is more competitive than ever. Literary agents receive hundreds, sometimes thousands of submissions each month, and most of those never make it past the initial scan. Many talented writers struggle not because their work lacks potential, but because they don’t yet understand how to present themselves and their scripts in a way that captures an agent’s attention.
In this webinar, you’ll get an overview of Hollywood’s representation ecosystem, what agents are really looking for, how agencies work internally, how to effectively approach agents, and the biggest mistakes writers make when trying to get signed. You’ll also receive a handout featuring a sample of a successful spec script to help you benchmark your own work. By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to present yourself, your voice, and your materials in a way that gives you the strongest chance of catching a literary agent’s attention.
Email edu@stage32.com with any questions!
To learn more about the webinar and to register, click here:
https://www.stage32.com/education/products/demystifying-the-agent-world-...
6 people like this
This looks like a great opportunity! Its easy to see what you want outof an agent, but they are their own people that have careers, aspirations for their company and demands on their time, so knowing how you can best demonstrate your value to them is essential!
5 people like this
Hi James, I'm attending on the 11th. I'm an actor, and I know what it's like to have an acting agent. I have no idea what it is like to grab the attention of a literary agent. I have written a lot of screenplays and stage plays which are at different levels of completion. Some are finalized. Some were shot. I have been told I have a distinctive voice. So, I'm looking forward to this.
3 people like this
Hi, David!
Thanks so much for sharing this with me, what a fantastic question for our host during the live Q&A. I love hearing where you’re at in your journey, and I think this session is really going to speak to you. I hope you can join us for the webinar!
3 people like this
I’m new to this industry and have been swept along by the positivity coming from everyone at Stage 32. I’ve decided to join this webinar, having just received a terrific marketing profile from a publisher who is impressed with my first novel. So many times people have suggested my story would make a great TV drama or even a movie. The series is close to being finished and comprises of three books, so far. I believe this could be the next step for me on a whole new career.
2 people like this
Looking forward to this opportunity!
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Looking forward to the webinar tomorrow :)
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Not 100% sure of a start time in the UK? Have just downloaded Zoom but it didn’t give me the chance to set up an authorisation email code….hope it still works okay.
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Hey everyone! We're excited for go time at 1pm PT / 4pm ET! See you all soon and don't forget to put your question in on this blog post for Jessica!
2 people like this
Hi Jessica, If I've already had a short film that I made screen at high-profile national filmfests like SXSW & Palm Springs and have 2 shorts of mine that are highly-rated on IMDb, will that help at all in my getting an agent to represent me?
3 people like this
How about writer/directors who intend to shoot their own scripts? Are there agents who specialize in this type of client? Would the best fit be a packaging agent at a large agency or are there agents at smaller agencies who might also work well? Almost sounds harder to get an agent than just shoot the project and then find an agent! Finished my script at 8am this morning so didn't sleep, so apologies if my question is a bit discombobulated! ;-)
3 people like this
If any time remains, wondering if Jessica has any thoughts on how AI is affecting her side of the industry? What about verticals?
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I still don’t really understand this whole unsolicited-material thing: if I have a 2-pager, does it make any sense to send it to an agent who says they don’t accept unsolicited materials or not? Or do you absolutely need to know someone who can introduce you? Because, I mean, otherwise it feels like a lost cause…
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Thank you Jessica!!!
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Thank you everyone for joining us live today and for the great questions & happy and educational viewing to those who will be benefiting on-demand :)
And a big thank you to Jessica Zou for generously sharing about how to feel more prepared and strategic about seeking literary agent representation.
3 people like this
This was wonderful Jessica, thank you. I have a lot of notes. I'm into following the route of film festival script competitions and developing the craft through Education/Script Services here on Stage32, as wells as through local writers groups. Then finding a manager first to help in that develop. When I feel I can, perhaps hitting up some of my network in Los Angeles for an agent. Those are initial thought anyway. Thank you for hosting Sebastian.
2 people like this
Thank you so much for attending everyone! Thank you Jessica for all of the knowledge, I am blown away! Thanks Sebastian for hosting!
2 people like this
Thanks so much, David! That sounds like a really smart, thoughtful path forward. We’re glad the session was helpful and love that you’re taking full advantage of Stage 32 education and script services. Wishing you the best as you keep developing and thanks again for being part of it! Happy Holidays :)