Agents and managers play crucial roles in a screenwriter's career, but their functions differ significantly. Agents focus on securing jobs and negotiating contracts, while managers provide broader career guidance and creative advice. Understanding these distinctions is key to navigating the industry effectively.
Securing representation involves developing a strong portfolio, networking, and approaching representatives strategically. Building and maintaining professional relationships with agents or managers requires consistent communication, receptiveness to feedback, and a commitment to continuously improving one's craft and industry knowledge.
Agents vs Managers in Screenwriting
Distinct Roles and Responsibilities
- Agents procure employment and negotiate contracts for screenwriters under strict regulations set by state labor laws and unions
- Managers provide broader career guidance offering creative and strategic advice to develop a screenwriter's overall career trajectory and marketability
- Agents work with a larger client base and earn a standard 10% commission on deals
- Managers often have fewer clients and may charge higher fees for more personalized services
- Managers can produce their clients' work
- Agents are legally prohibited from producing clients' work due to potential conflicts of interest
- Agents have direct access to major studios and production companies
- Managers often work through agents to set up meetings and submit scripts
Legal and Operational Differences
- Agent-client relationship governed by specific legal agreements
- Manager-client relationship tends to be more informal and flexible
- Agents are licensed professionals operating under strict regulations
- Managers have more flexibility in their operational structure
- Agents focus primarily on deal-making and contract negotiation
- Managers provide broader services including career strategy and creative development
- Agents must adhere to union regulations (Writers Guild of America)
- Managers are not bound by the same union restrictions as agents
Client Interaction and Services
- Agents typically handle a larger number of clients (can be 50+ clients)
- Managers work more closely with a smaller roster of clients (often 10-20 clients)
- Agents focus on immediate job opportunities and deal-making
- Managers take a long-term approach to career development
- Agents specialize in industry connections and deal structures
- Managers often provide more hands-on creative feedback and career guidance
- Agents may have less frequent direct contact with clients
- Managers often maintain regular, sometimes weekly, communication with clients
Securing Representation and Building Relationships
Portfolio Development and Networking
- Create a strong portfolio of writing samples including high-quality feature-length screenplay and potentially TV pilots or spec scripts
- Attend industry events to network (film festivals, screenwriting conferences)
- Participate in writing workshops to improve skills and make connections
- Leverage personal connections within the entertainment industry (alumni networks, social media)
- Develop a compelling personal brand and online presence (professional website, active Twitter account)
- Consider joining writers' groups or organizations for peer support and networking opportunities (Writers Guild of America, International Screenwriters' Association)
Approaching Representatives
- Write query letters and pitch emails with concise, compelling summaries of writer's background and work
- Follow specific submission guidelines of agencies and management companies to avoid automatic rejection
- Tailor pitches to the specific interests and client lists of targeted representatives
- Utilize referrals from industry professionals whenever possible
- Consider entering reputable screenwriting contests as a way to gain attention (Nicholl Fellowship, Austin Film Festival)
- Prepare a succinct verbal pitch (elevator pitch) for in-person networking opportunities
Building and Maintaining Relationships
- Engage in regular communication with representatives
- Be receptive to feedback and demonstrate ability to incorporate notes
- Show professionalism by meeting deadlines and completing revisions promptly
- Understand that finding the right fit may involve working with multiple representatives over time
- Familiarize yourself with terms of representation agreements including exclusivity clauses and termination procedures
- Continuously work on new material to provide representatives with fresh content to pitch
- Express gratitude and maintain a positive attitude even when facing rejections or setbacks
Agent and Manager Evaluation Criteria
Quality and Marketability of Work
- Representatives seek unique voices and marketable concepts aligning with current industry trends
- Evaluate commercial viability of screenplays (genre appeal, budget considerations, target audience)
- Look for fresh takes on familiar genres or innovative story concepts
- Assess the writer's ability to create compelling characters and dialogue
- Consider the potential for IP development (franchise potential, adaptations)
- Analyze the writer's versatility across different formats (features, TV pilots, web series)
Writer's Track Record and Industry Knowledge
- Consider any produced works, contest wins, or notable accolades
- Evaluate the writer's understanding of current market demands
- Assess knowledge of industry standards (proper screenplay formatting, pitching etiquette)
- Look for writers who stay informed about industry news and trends
- Value previous industry experience or relevant education (film school, writing programs)
- Consider the writer's existing network and relationships within the industry
Professional Skills and Potential
- Assess the writer's ability to take notes and revise efficiently
- Evaluate communication skills and ability to pitch ideas effectively
- Look for writers who can maintain positive relationships with industry professionals
- Consider the writer's potential for long-term career growth
- Assess adaptability to different writing styles and genres
- Evaluate the writer's work ethic and productivity (consistent output, meeting deadlines)
Communicating with Representatives and Leveraging Connections
Effective Communication Strategies
- Establish clear communication channels and preferences (email, phone, in-person meetings)
- Determine frequency of check-ins (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly updates)
- Prepare concise and engaging pitches for new project ideas
- Develop a collaborative approach to career planning
- Set short-term and long-term goals aligning with industry opportunities and creative aspirations
- Utilize representative's feedback to improve craft and increase marketability
- Stay informed about industry trends and upcoming projects (trade publications, industry newsletters)
Leveraging Industry Connections
- Request introductions to key industry professionals strategically
- Respect representative's relationships and time when asking for connections
- Prepare thoroughly for meetings or pitch sessions arranged by your representative
- Follow up promptly and professionally after introductions or meetings
- Utilize representative's network to gain insights into specific companies or executives
- Collaborate with your representative to target specific producers or studios for your projects
- Be open to opportunities outside your primary focus that may lead to valuable connections (writing assignments, script doctoring)
Maintaining Professional Relationships
- Meet deadlines consistently and respond promptly to communications
- Keep your representative updated on new ideas and projects you're developing
- Be receptive to constructive criticism and show willingness to revise based on feedback
- Maintain a positive attitude even when facing rejections or setbacks
- Express gratitude for your representative's efforts, regardless of immediate outcomes
- Understand and respect the boundaries of the professional relationship
- Continuously work on improving your craft and expanding your industry knowledge