Very few producers or directors will read an ?unsolicited? screenplay. Meaning a script not sent to them by an agent, lawyer or someone known to them personally. It?s a legal issue.

Agents are usually the best place to start. But one very important thing to remember is agents only earn money if they sell the script. It's a business and their livelihood.

A writer with one script isn't going to be as desirable a client as a writer with several scripts - no matter how good it is. 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, that isn't going to be as impressive as pulling out five, really good finished scripts.

It's a very social business - referrals are extremely important and can make it very difficult for a new writer. 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 Writer?s Guild website ( http://www.wga.org) has a list of agencies. The Hollywood Representation Directory ( http://www.hcdonline.com/) is more expensive (about $60), but lists individual agents at each agency.