Fri, Feb 3, 2012

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Screenwriters figure things out. So before you ask your question, do a little research first. Try reading a book or two. Check out the FAQ's forums on the Done Deal Pro message board. If you still can't find the answer to your question, then go ahead and ask me. But please note: I do not subscribe to the view that there are no dumb questions.

by David H. Steinberg


Ask Hollywhooped! Advice:
hwhooped@donedealpro.com


Date: 1/24/2012 
 
Question: Dear David,

I am a South African screenwriter(aspiring) who recently completed a feature length screenplay that I believe is really interesting. Please find a short pitch below:

[omitted]

My question is, I'm done with my spec...what comes next? Finding an agent down here is like the proverbial needle in a haystack. I just don't know what to do and I got it all copyrighted. I tried to get a friend of mine in the States to work as my agent; well he is no agent. I probably know more about the agent business than he does. Most agencies are either fully booked or some publish books, while others don't give you the time of the day. Any tips on agents? Help.

Cheers,

Robert
 
Answer: Robert,

There's no magic bullet or secret handshake. I can’t tell you anything you don’t already know about trying to break in. It's a lot easier if you can move to L.A. and make relationships with people who can get your script into the hands of someone who can do something with it. I moved here to go to film school and it was well worth the money. But I get that that’s not possible for most people. So then you’re left with contests, queries, etc., none of which offer much promise, just a lot of false hope.

I would say that at least in 2012 you have another great option. Go make it. It’s a horror movie. Shoot it on a micro budget and get in to a major festival. Then you’ll be inundated with calls from agents.

--Dave

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Disclaimer: By writing our advice columnist(s) you agree with our general site disclaimer as well as this additional disclaimer, rules and regulations before posting or reading posts in this section. By your use of this free service, you agree to and acknowledge the following: Our volunteer(s) have varying levels of expertise and haven't been certified as "experts." You also understand that Done Deal Pro has not undertaken to verify the credentials or abilities of any of our volunteers. Although some volunteers may also be lawyers, no answers are ever intended to be legal opinions and should not therefore be construed as such. Our advice columnist(s) reserve the right not to answer questions that have been previously asked by you or others or questions they deem inappropriate. You will only ask questions to the Hollywhooped columnist(s) about writing and selling material (scripts, treatments, pitches). The opinions expressed by our columnist(s) do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Done Deal Pro.

 


 

 

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