I’d just finished my first novel. I had over one hundred thousand words, typed, proofed, and printed on some five hundred pages of loose leaf paper. It would either prove to be a career changer. Or a doorstop. The book was called Dark Horse. I had it messengered over to my movie agent for a [...]
Be honest with yourself about your project’s business model and commercial potential. Just as specific producers work on specific types of material, so do certain agents.
Finding an agent to represent you is not done by sending queries, e-mailing strangers, or submitting scripts. Finding an agent is something that must be EARNED.
Aspirants often think cold-calling, querying, and unsolicited submissions are viable methods for getting an agent. But they’re actually a waste of time, energy, and postage. So let’s take a look at some methods that work …
Agencies are the best starting place for anyone launching a Hollywood career… even if you don’t want to be an agent. Many networks, studios, and producers won’t even hire assistants who don’t already have agency experience.
If screenwriting is not a “calling,” if it’s just something you’ve thought about trying when you have some spare time… then I say, “don’t bother.” Because you will be trampled by hordes of other screenwriters—of all ages—who want it more badly, and are willing to do more to get it, than you do.
Jewerl Ross grew up in Los Angeles and left Southern California to study political philosophy at Yale. After graduating in 1997, he returned to L.A. to work in entry-level positions at ICM and Paradigm before joining APA as an agent in early 1999. Three years later, after making a name for himself selling spec scripts, Marathon Entertainment hired Ross as a manager. In January 2006, Ross left to form his own company, Silent R Management.
The title says it all in screenwriting team Matt Allen and Caleb Wilson’s latest script. Eat, Sleep and Poop is the story of a successful pediatrician whose life and practice changes once his wife becomes pregnant. In other words, he thought he had the baby thing covered until it happened to him.
Is there a secret formula to turning metal into gold? Screenwriter Geoff Watson may have found the solution, or a way to turn paper into gold at least, with his new book geared for middle-graders. Due out in late October, Edison’s Gold follows the story of Thomas Edison’s great-great-great grandson and his quest to find the secret formula with his two best friends.
