I don't know that Producers do but writer directors generally get agents.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

I have heard that some screenwriters scramble to cut their own deals and don't have a manager or agent (who in that case simply take a cut). These fellows often have an entertainment lawyer however to make sure the contracts are straight and everything.

I would not doubt if Spielberg has a small army of all.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

The good news is, you don't have to get an agent.

Most writer/directors have agents but it isn't a necessity.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

quote:

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Originally posted by certified instigator

The good news is, you don't have to get an agent.

Most writer/directors have agents but it isn't a necessity.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

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Well, if I'm interested in writing/directing movies that are likely to hit the big screen, do I have to get an agent then (I knew I was missing something on my question)?

If you are interested in writing and directing movies that are
likely to hit the big screen you do not have to get an agent.

Most writer/directors have agents but it isn't a necessity. Agents
are helpful in handling business matters and negotiating contracts
which is why most writer/directors have then.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

quote:

---

Originally posted by certified instigator

If you are interested in writing and directing movies that are
likely to hit the big screen you do not have to get an agent.

Most writer/directors have agents but it isn't a necessity. Agents
are helpful in handling business matters and negotiating contracts
which is why most writer/directors have then.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

---

Well, since I'm no businessman myself (I definitely have a more artistic bent), I'm assuming that I might need to get an agent. If that's true, how do I get an agent?

My advice would be to search online for local directories, in which case you may be able 2 get 1 if your work is good enough?

Your local screen authority is a good place to start, I would advice you to visit there website and see if they have any production directories? if not then I would advice you to look for local production companies and get in touch with them to find out wether or not they know of any (Though I would imagine this to be a dead end, but if you dont ask you'll never know)?

Im fortunate enough to have an agent of my own, how ever I was introduced to mine through my careers advisor so im guessing thats not much use to you.

Theres loads of different places that you can find them, I would also advise you to look through published books, papers such as back stage west etc... or the relivant paper. These are all good places to start, but let me know how you get on?

all the best, Cleary.

www.myspace.com/b31_film_productions

One very important thing to remember is agents only earn money if you are getting paid
. It's a business and their livelihood.

A writer/director with one finished movie isn't going to be as desirable a client as a writer
with several scripts and a director with several, finished films. That doesn't mean you shouldn't
try to find one now, it means you should understand that if you get a meeting, one of the
first things an agent is going to ask is, "What else do you have?" If you have a couple of great
ideas and a short film, that isn't going to be as impressive as pulling out five, really good
finished scripts and your reel with several award winning shorts. A finished feature will be
very impressive, too.

It's a very social business - referrals are extremely important and can make it very difficult for
a new writer/director. The best way to get an agent is through a recommendation from someone
in the biz, preferably someone with credits. If you?re out of the loop, you?ll have to call the
agencies and find out who might be looking for new clients.

The downside is very few of the good agents - and none of the top five agencies - are looking
for first time, unproduced writers and rarely respond to query letters. They just don?t have time.

Pick up a copy of The Hollywood Representation Directory and look at the WGA website for
their list of signatory agents.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)