It would seem like it's nearly impossible to get a decent agent without a referral. I've had two books published and have written a couple screenplays. One is currently in pre-production. The second screenplay received an even higher coverage score than the first one. Both have won some festivals. I'd like to find a manager, but I wonder if it's a waste of effort without a referral. Thoughts?
Screenwriting : Would like to find a literary manager but query letters look like a dead end... by William Perry
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It will be easier after you're successful. Sad but true.
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It depends on the manager. Established reps are looking to hitch their wagon to writers getting regular work at union rates.
Coverage recommendations and festival wins mean next to nothing at that level. Harsh but true.
New managers though, they might take a chance on someone they think has promise.
Sadly, you have to be a self-starter when it comes to breaking in. It took me four feature films before I got a manager.
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Same here William Perry and not matter what, JUST KEEP GRINDING UNTIL YOU MAKE IT BRO!!
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Congratulations on your script being in pre-production, your second script getting a higher coverage score than the first one, and the wins, William Perry!
I got a manager once without a referral by networking and having a portfolio of scripts.
Reach out to the Success Team at success@stage32.com. Geoff and his team can help you connect with reps and more.
Here are some blogs about networking: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41
And Stage 32 has free in-person Meetups that are great for networking (www.stage32.com/meetups). If you don't see a Meetup in your area, keep an eye on that page for new Meetups. And you're welcome to start your own Meetup.
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some managers do take unsolicited queries, but it is not very common. We actually have a really great webinar that breaks down the process, recommendations, and has a list on all different types of management firms, and independent managers here. https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-find-and-choose-the-right-screenwriting-manager-for-your-career
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Thanks for the replies!
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You're welcome, William Perry. Hope you get a manager!
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The right query letter can lead to script requests. Last Spring I cold queried about 20 managers that I didn't know/hadn't met/no connection other than they repped clients who wrote the type of stuff I endeavor to write, and I introduced them to my latest, fairly high concept horror/thriller script. I got 7 reads, which would be a .350 batting average if we were playing baseball (i.e. not bad). The key to a cold, unsolicited query (like all communication with people you don't know but want to work with) is this: be simple, be direct. don't over explain anything. don't add any context. just introduce your project and add a hint of intrigue where reasonable. Let your logline (and auspices if you have any) sell your project for you, which is why it's crucial to workshop your logline like we recommend to so many writers do in the Screenwriting lounge here. Connecting with a manager can be done, but you also should do your research before hand. Managers who rep horror writers with produced credits at Blumhouse, Shudder, etc probably have connections to those companies and producers who work with those companies and they are likely in more frequent contact with them, so they can get your material to them and read, or make an introduction for you more readily. Whereas others might not have those same connections because the writers in their stable who are working the most are doing Rom Coms or Action movies or Drama TV. So it's always good practice to look up the writers of the movies/shows you like, note the writers, and see who reps them, instead of blind querying any email you come across
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CJ Walley Hey, I always read your responses eagerly and try to soak that info in. AS a former project manager I am trying in my mind to piece together the logical steps in establishing those connections outside of contests, paid pitches and query letters but I am struggling haha. What do you recommend outside of those steps???
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I don't think it's a waste of time. I think it can be a long road or a fast one, depending on whether you meet the right people who truly understand your vision and your goal. Sometimes it's really just about that one connection that changes everything. :) Have a great day