|
|
|
The Screenplay Agency
The
written word when combined with the visual power of media has
the power to make us laugh, cry, expose our
failings, and give
us the tools to fix them. The right words can literally change
the world. As
literary
agents and managers for screenplay authors, it is our job and pleasure
to bring our clients’ vision and work to fruition "on
the big screen".
At
The Screenplay Agency our focus is exclusively on screenplays
for the
film and television markets. We don't represent stage plays, and
we are not finding employment for authors, our job is to sell your
script.)
What
are we 'Looking For Now'? Here are just a few of the requests
that we are in the process of fulfilling. (Note: if your work
matches one of these requests, please let us know on your submission
query.
- Looking
for completed script where one of the main lead characters or a
central supporting character is a 10-year-old boy.
- Looking
for completed family-oriented animal scripts, i.e. scripts that
revolve around a horse, a dog, or some other animal and that would
garner a probable G or PG rating.
Scripts should be live-action.
- Looking
for completed comedy script where the lead character is an
African-American male in his 30’s.
The more outrageous, the better.
- Looking
for smart, high-concept comedy set in a unique world and possessing
an engaging protagonist. Can
be R or PG-13, but should have a moral compass.
- Looking
for clever, completed psychological horror scripts,
- Looking
for completed feature sci-fi scripts.
Only interested in big-budget summer blockbuster-type stories
with strong fantastical elements that require lots of special
effects.
- ...
and more are added every day.
We
take pride in finding and developing fresh, new literary talent.
We
believe that just because you are a new writer doesn’t
mean that your work should be excluded from the marketplace,
and we promise to work hard to give you a chance at success.
We
do not charge reading fees or any other type of fee. We get
paid when you get paid.
Our clients are very satisfied with our relationship. Please
click here for a number of unsolicited POSITIVE testimonials.
Please
click on our Submission Instructions to query us.
We believe we are very different than other agencies. We believe that we
are unique in that we are willing to develop an author and their talent. We
like the metaphor of a business incubator as a description of how we will take
time to bring an author's work to the proper quality level, even if it takes
months to do so. We take pride in the fact that we answer every
email personally within 2-3 days.
Also, you may understand how a Literary Agency
and Management Company works, but many authors don't,
so please excuse me while I let you know how the process works. As your
agent or manager, our mission is to assist you in finding a buyer for your work
and to coach you along the way in the various options available to you. Our
only mission is to sell for you,
we aren't editors or script doctors, we focus on sales. As for compensation, get paid on success
only, meaning we only get paid if you get paid. We DO NOT charge
fees. Typically we will receive 10% of what you receive if
successful in placing your work with a production company or producer.
If you are a new author, we will work with you to improve and polish your work. If
you are an established writer we will move right to marketing. Once your
work is deemed 'presentable', then we'll start shopping it to producers.
We
never promise a sale, but we can tell you that we have a model that works and
we promise a professional business relationship.
Best regards,
Sherry Fine - V.P. Acquisitions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q) How does the process work?
A) First, please read our submission guidelines and fill out our query form. After
that is received and reviewed positively we will request that you email
us some portion of your work.
Q) Would you prefer me to email or mail my screenplay?
A) WE MUCH PREFER EMAILED SCREENPLAYS not printed ones. We have
all the major software formats.
Q) Is my screenplay safe with you?
A) Your materials are safe within our company. If you are uncomfortable
sending your entire screenplay, please only send the first 40-50 pages. If
we do not end up working together we will destroy and delete any copies of your
work that we have.
Q)
How long does this review take?
A)
About 7-10 days. We're faster than most other agencies. Our
mission in the Acquisitions Department is clear and very "cut
and dried". We answer 3 questions, 1). Will the subject
matter sell? Is it commercially viable? 2)
Is the writing good enough, or would it be good enough with some
degree of assistance? 3) Did you as the evaluator like the work
and would you believe in it if you were selling it?
If we get a "3 Yes" designation then you pass.
The next item we look for in our filtering process is your
willingness to listen. We will very quickly wash out a great
writer with a bad attitude. After
that, we and leave it up to the experts to really dig in and get
detailed with the structure and format of your work.
Q) Why is there no phone number? I want to talk to someone...
A) Quite frankly, we are deluged with submissions. It is our policy
to provide a contact number later in the process, assuming we would
like to proceed with you.
Q) Where are you located?
A) We maintain executive suites in New York and we have partners that we work
with in LA where we meet with buyers.
We really like the Standard Hotel in LA. Sometimes we think that
we live in airport lounges on both coasts.
Q) Are you with the WGA?
A) Over the years we have found that using a high level entertainment
attorney for a submission is actually a preferable way to submit a work
to the 'right people'. If needed, we have partners that are WGA
signatory agents.
Q) Tell me about your company.
A) We are bigger than a small agency and smaller than a large agency. We
market to the larger and medium sized producers, the 'made for TV crowd', and
the cable channels. We have about 10-15 people in various
capacities. We
also have sister companies that are Literary Agents for the book and
publishing industry. We're somewhat new as a company. That's why we're
seeking new talent to build our roster. Most agencies don't take new
authors, so it's an opportunity for each of us. Our principals
have sold a number of options already though so we know the ropes.
We are just now starting to work under our own corporate
name.
Q) What about 'book-to-film'... can I submit my book?
A) The short answer is yes. However, as you would imagine there are
special considerations to make this an effective pitch, which we will
explain to you if this is your situation. Please visit our Book-To-Film
division's page on this site.
Q) What are you looking for during your evaluation?
A) We mainly look for commercial viability in the work coupled with good solid
writing skills. "Is it something that will sell?" is of paramount
importance to us. We believe that great writers are made, not born at least 99%
of the time. But if a screenplay
doesn't have commercial potential, then we want to
let you know as quickly as possible. Being willing to grow talent, we believe
in the old adage, "luck is when opportunity meets preparation and hard work".
Q) What if you find errors or problems with my screenplay? Should I spend
time revising now, or later?
A) We receive very few 'ready-to-go' screenplays. We believe we are
unique in that we are willing to work with our authors to bring their
work to
its utmost
top quality. Most screenplays that we receive need some level of polishing
before we can submit them to buyers. Some need very little polishing. Some
need a lot. Over the years, we've learned that it is worth our time
and effort to do what it takes to develop new talent. We've learned
that incubating new talent makes good business sense.
Q) My screenplay isn't finished....
A) We are willing to help you develop your work assuming that 1) you have a
great idea, and 2) that you are willing to do what it takes to
create a great product.
Q: How do I know you are for real?
A: We
ask that you judge us based on the professionalism of our
interactions together. However, it may help for you to see a
smattering of the unsolicited positive feedback we receive on a
regular basis. (If you are really cynical you may think we
made these up. However I can assure you that we can legally
stand behind anything you read in our communications. These
are unedited for authenticity, bad grammar and typos left in.)
I'm sure you get tons of mail, and
that you don't have time to read this, but I just wanted to thank
you for your professionalism. Wow, I can't believe how efficient you
guys are! I've only sent my manuscript to one other agent, and he
replied with a very short and grammatically incorrect e-mail that I
thought was extremely unprofessional. I also really respect your
attitude. In any industry, it's difficult to find people who
actually don't put up with the prima-donna attitudes and egos. I
like that. Thanks again for looking at my manuscript.
Just a note to say thank you for
your amazingly detailed, efficient and rapid service. When I
resolved to get an agent this year or bust, I was prepared for the
long haul. What I have encountered has been a whirlwind. I am sure
that other agents worldwide will soon have to copy your
submissions system as the model for a new industry standard, or
become extinct.
Thanks a lot for your generous
time and consideration. I am impressed by your efficiency and
ability to reply in time, unlike most agents who take around four or
even more weeks to get back. I am looking forward to a long
term professional relationship from you.
Thank you for keeping me posted
every step of the way thus far. I am glad your received the
two manuscripts you were kind enough to ask from me. It is
such an exciting time. To have finished the two books and
working on the third as well as constantly thinking of marketing
plans for the works. Being a former radio personality, it
would be wonderful to use those skills and have interviews
conducted and see the book take roots in several areas. You are a
true professional and it is appreciated greatly.
I too wish to send in a personal
comment on your delightfully refreshing acquisitions
process. How different it is to be greeted with wit,
intelligence and such a well thought out plan of action!
Even if we go no further, I will send others to your company
because I have such respect for businesses on the Internet that
strive to give their customers the most efficient use of their
time. I truly cannot see how one would not appreciate immensely,
what you have put together and your commitment to those you do
business with.
Please allow me to say thank you
for accepting my work for review. I also want to thank you for
your timely e-mails and information regarding publishing
protocols. It is because of conscientious professionals in the
industry like yourself, that allows perspective writers to have
their voices and ideas heard. Once
again, thanks in advance for your timely information and
professionalism.
I received my analysis a
couple of days ago, looked it over, and found it very
insightful. I agree with every aspect of the analysis, and
I have already begun making the suggested improvements. As
a matter of fact, it suggests that I expand on the vampire mythology
aspect. Coincidentally, during those weeks it was
being prepared, I had formed some dramatic ideas to include
more mythological creatures to support the story's premise,
which is that unlike mythological vampires,
Jeeminy, I passed cloud nine so
fast I hardly noticed it.I am so pleased and grateful to you
folks and Louise of the critique administration. I
thank the good Lord for the talent he has given me, but this
is far more than I expected.
I do plan to make the changes. Why not? I have
already started and the difference is remarkable.
Rewriting many scenes, booting out the cliches and tidying up
the punctuation as well as adding many more words.
The advice and recommendations
are well received. I will go at it like I'm killing
snakes so should be finished in no more than a week.
In conclusion, our business model is not for everyone.
However, we do make the following 4 promises and you can see
from the letters above that we deliver on our promises.
Our
Pledge To You:
- We respect what you
have accomplished thus far as a writer.
- We believe that
great authors are made, not born. We are willing to
develop talent.
- We pledge straight
talk in a confusing and old-school industry.
- We can't
promise a sale. We can promise a professional
relationship.
p.s.
Missed Emails, Spam, Whitelists, and other reasons for lapses
in communications. We are very, very diligent about
returning every email that we receive within a couple of days.
The same is true for our vendors and suppliers. IF YOU
DO NOT RECEIVE A COMMUNICATION AND YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU SHOULD
HAVE, PLEASE, CHECK WITH US AND WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENED.
Please don't jump to negative conclusions. The Internet
is not 100% foolproof and we are very sensitive to our
clients' expectations and our promises about timely
communications.
|
|
|
|
