HOW DO I GET AN AGENT?

HOW DO I GET AN AGENT?

"How do I get an agent?" is the most frequently asked question in the history of mankind, preceded only by "Is there a God?" When I produced screenwriting seminars at Northwestern University and brought in over 100 Hollywood insiders, including Academy Award-winning screenwriters, top producers, directors, screenwriting educators and agents, AGENTS were (no spoiler) the most popular.

 

The agents came from the most prestigious agencies including: Creative Artists Agency, International Creative Management, Agency for the Performing Arts, United Talent Agency, WME Entertainment, Paradigm, etc. Hungry for good scripts, the agents flocked to Chicago and, as The Chicago Tribune reported, "Many agents went back to Hollywood with an armful of scripts!"

 

Some important things to consider, however, before you try to market your material: 1. Do you clearly understand the basic concepts of story structure? (If an agent or producer loves your story, but tells you your second act is too slow, or the main character's arc is under-developed, do you know how to fix it?) 2. Do you know how to write a great ending? (Does the protagonist have to choose between two irreconcilable goods or the lesser of two evils?) 3. Have you created rich, compelling roles for A-list actors? 4. Is your story original and unencumbered, geared for a specific audience, and will it inspire excitement among potential buyers?

 

Leonardo Di Caprio said, "When Hollywood gets its hands on a good script, it's like a piranha feeding frenzy!" So, Hollywood is obviously ready for you. The question is, "Are YOU ready for Hollywood?!"