Do you get a manager or an agent?

That's the age-old question for writers who are getting into TV and film. When is it time to get a manager or an agent? We feel the pressure that if we're a real writer, we must need one of those. People who we tell we're writers, always ask, do you have an agent? Well, it's not as important as you think, and not as simple to answer if you need one, just yet.

First, something I've said before, is that if you haven't been writing probably about 10 years, 5 years minimum, with a stack of about 10 scripts under your belt, you're probably not ready to get either. I hope this doesn't discourage anyone. It just means the chances of your material being ready for the industry, means it probably isn't. If you doubt me, then by all means submit to some contests and see how you do. Of course contests aren't the end-all-be-all answer. But it's at least a barometer. I mean I placed in Nicholl's with one of my earlier scripts that I wouldn't even say was good any more. Yet more recent scripts that are way better, haven't. So it's kind of a judgement call on if the contest can predict if you're ready. If you enter a few different kinds of contests you might get a better idea.

The good thing about entering contests too is you might make contacts that could just help you get an agent or manager any way. But, if that doesn't happen, then how do you decide? Well, I'll put it to you this way, if you haven't sold a script for six figures, you're not ready for an agent. It's that simple. They don't want you, unless you can make them a lot of money right away, because they have enough writers that can. And they have enough writers that aren't making them money and they don't need more that won't.

So that leaves managers. They are a bit easier to get, but they're still not as easy as you would think. So if you choose to query them, start with the small companies. Again, if the manager you want to go after reps Terry Rossio who wrote Pirates Of The Caribbean, then he doesn't want you because you were a semi-finalist in Po-dunk Hollywood Contest. They just don't. So start with the small companies, and perhaps, you just might get their attention. With the economy I think even the small ones might not, but you might as well try.

But the easiest way to get a manager? Keep writing and keep entering contests. If you start placing in the top really important contests, the managers and agents will find you. Nicholl's is one of the best ways to get a manager or agent, and so is Austin Film Festival. There are probably a few more that are worth entering, but there aren't too many. I did mention in an earlier blog that I found the script I'm producing through Burbank Film Festival. So there are always other things that can come of entering other ones. But you just don't want to spend all your money entering every contest because most of them won't do a thing for your career.

I learned a lot about finding a manager by listening to ScreenwritingU's free phone conference on the topic about finding agents and managers. It was really insightful and if he does it again, I highly recommend it. Of course their real goal is to get you to sign up for Hal Croasman's courses. But they seemed pretty valuable and perhaps worth taking. He keeps posting how many people have made sales and found managers due to taking his writing courses, so maybe it's worthwhile? I haven't taken any, so I'm not saying you have to. But I was intrigued. http://www.screenwritingu.com/

So what does a writer do who doesn't have an agent or a manager and how does he/she get noticed? Well for me, I just keep writing. Keep making contacts in this business. Keep making friends in this business. Friends will always get your further in my opinion, than just networking. Build your resume by working hard and making opportunities on your own. Before you know it, you'll be ready for that manager and agent. Good luck!