You have asked the age-old questions that newbies and veterans always ask with no definite answers. How do we get our scripts to the right person...not the right people...the right person. It only takes one person to take your idea or script and make it into a film. It has to be the right person that wants that idea or thinks it is worth two years to get from script to screen. There is no one way guaranteed way to get your script to that right person. It can be through an agent, friend of a friend, letters you send, or it might be the valet guy at Morton's. There is no right answer. Scripts can sell for millions (very few) or for one cent...but it depends on who is interested in your script and what stars may fill the roles. A great script with big A-List stars will possibly bring you the most money...possibly. The odds of selling your script...I won't give you any number because that might stop you from writing it and stop you dead in your tracks. Go for it. If you have the passion then you have no choice but to write it...then come back and ask us how to get it the next step. Think about making it yourself.

Thanks for the response...So would you recommend getting an agent? I dont know how that really works but it sounds expensive. How much do they usually charge? Has anyone here ever sold a script or know someone who has?

Getting an agent is also a very difficult task. Shouldn't cost anything though, they are paid by sales. If they like your work and think they can sell it they may take you on as a client. Otherwise they'll pass. They probably won't give you much time initially so a lot of writers do a lot of the legwork intitially. Once you've got a track record things go smoother.

So bottom line, you should have more than a single screenplay to show that you are a not a one-hit wonder. Your screenplay should be good, both in spelling and format as well as as a potential movie.

I don't have an agent, I could be wrong, but I've just read a lot about it so i don't think I'm that far off.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

I think Kess's point was a good one, which I take to be, there are many ways in which your script could land in the right person's hands, but no one sure way. I believe you should write it, and be absolutely sure it is an idea worth believing in and committing to. Then I think your project has a destiny of its own, and will find its way to the right people through one of those avenues, or one you hadn't imagined yet.

www.tristanluke.com

http://tristanluke.blogspot.com

If you don't have any screenplay sales under your belt, you're going to have to approach an agent cold. Without being able to say, "Hey, I've sold a script! Sign me.", you have to entice them some other way. There are two ways to get somebody to read your script. You can network and get to know them on a personal level, then ask them to read your script as a favor. Networking, however, can take years to cultivate the kind of relationship where an agent is willing to do you the personal favor of considering your script without it feeling like you're using him. Your other option is to query. Send a letter to agents, asking them to read your script. Since you don't have any sold or produced screenplays under your belt, your letter has to convince them that your script is worthwhile anyway.

In order to maximize your chances of getting a sale or agent, you should submit to prodCos as well as agents. An option (or better, a sale) to a prodCo can often do wonders when it comes to finding an agent. Almost any agent would be happy to take on a client (and take his 10%) that's already done the legwork and found money for his work. When sending query letters to prodCos, call ahead of time and make sure you know how to spell the name of the person you're sending it to, and what their exact title is. Screenplays are read and considered by the Development (or Creative) department. Just call the prodCo (contact info is listed in the Hollywood Creative Directory) and ask the receptionist if they accept new material... and if they do, to whom you should address the letter, and what their title is.

You should NEVER send your script (or a treatment or anything other than the query letter itself) unless the company first asks for it. Legal reasons prevent companies from accepting or even looking at material submitted without their express permission or a pre-existing working relationship. At best, your script (or treatment or whatever) will be returned to you unopened, or thrown away. At worst, you'll be put on the company's blacklist and never allowed to submit anything again. Just send a query letter... if they want to read your script, they'll ask for it.

The best way to optimize your chances of getting an option or a sale is to send it to as many people as possible. Agents, if they like the script, will send it to the prodCos they have connections with. prodCos, if they like the script, can pay you for your work, or at least give you the clout to get an agent.

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

The comments are right on the money. Put yourself in the shoes of the agent. What kind of writer do you want to represent? Besides the talent factor...the simple answer is that you want to represent a person who has multiple scripts/ideas, is confident, but not cocky, a hustler...aggressive and can make things happen on their own, networks on their own...a person who is going to make them money...a person who the agent can put in a room and they can think on their feet when pitching ideas...someone who people are going to like. Agents don't like to handhold. They don't have time for that. They want to make the sale...make the deal with as little effort on their part as possible. In reality you want to be the kind of person who is so good that you don't even need an agent...then the agents will be chasing you.

Thanks for all the responses. So the consensus seems to be that is is fairly difficult to make a living as a screenwriter, but not impossible. One last question. I have seen a lot of these script competitions, where supposedly the top 3 scripts get a lot of exposure and such. Some even promise to produce the 1st place winners. Is this a route worth trying?

I'm going to just state the obvious:

Every route is worth taking.