Need an Agent or Manager? 9 Ways to get one Interested
Landing an agent or manager is a lot like dating. You’re the most desirable when everyone wants you, and the least desirable when you seem desperate.
When you ask an agent how to get an agent they always say, “Don’t worry, when you’re ready, we’ll find you”. So frustrating! But mostly true. So, if you want to sign with a rep who’s worth their weight (and percentage of commission), you usually have to already have some cache. The best case scenario isn't you chasing after them, it’s agents chasing after you.
Here are 9 ways to get reps interested that are anything but desperate…
The “Easy” Ways:
1. Get rave reviews.
Showcases, theaters, and comedy clubs are opening up again which means junior agents are back out (often five nights a week) checking out new talent. If you’re a stand-up comic, or star of a play that gets an overwhelmingly enthusiastic public response in Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago it could land you representation.
2. Win a prestigious contest or film award.
Agents and Managers keep tabs on the most highly regarded screenwriting contests and film festivals like hawks. Often they’re fighting to be the one to sign the winner. (But inside tip: don’t waste your time or money on small contests that no one’s tracking. The Schmeggie Film Festival won’t get you any traction)
3. Get a million hits (or more) on your YouTube or TikTok video.
The “Smart” Ways:
4. Get referred by an Industry Professional
This might mean an industry mentor, a teacher you’re taking class with, or a consultant you’re working with. If an industry professional is truly well connected, and impressed with your work, they may be happy to refer you if you ask.
5. Get referred by one of their current clients
If you have a friend or close-acquaintance whose already represented, they might be open to recommending you to their agent or manager. Client referrals usually go to the top of the pile (every rep wants to keep their clients happy).
6. Get referred by a friend of the agent
It’s true that most reps won’t look at a script or demo reel unless it comes from a professional contact they trust, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Go through every contact you have to see if you know someone (or someone who knows someone) that can get your work in front of an agent. Sometimes the most unlikely person is the way in. For example, I know one writer who got his agent because his mother’s manicurist also did the nails of a pop star. She was able to get his script to the pop star who then passed it along to her agent. I know it sounds crazy, but it really can happen this way.
7. Get a job working in the industry
Hollywood is smaller than it seems. Once you get a job in the industry (even if it’s in the mail room) and you’re meeting new people and networking like crazy, you’ll eventually find a peer who is willing to pass your material along - it might only be passed along to an agent trainee or an assistant, but if it’s undeniably great work, you never know whose desk it’s going to land on.
The “Bold” Way:
8. Write an undeniably intriguing cold email query
Two of my clients and a number of emerging writers I know got representation from writing fantastic cold email queries. But be warned: this is a risky move if your work is not absolutely brilliant and/or your email query isn’t great (for example, don’t copy and paste a generic email to 100 agents. No one responds favorably to an email titled, “To Whom it May Concern,”). But if your work is blazing hot and your cold email is clever, compelling, and concise, it can generate a response. Below is a sample of a cold email query letter that landed a writer representation:
Subject line: Hi (Agent’s First Name)
Agent’s First Name,
I’m an African American Screenwriter born in the Bay Area. I recently completed UCLA Professional Program in Writing for Television. My half hour dramedy pilot “Flip”, got a great response on The Black List Website: “The dialogue is funny, sharp and realistic. Flip is an interesting character that feels three dimensional and well formed. There’s a world and a unique story here. It is a great writing sample as well, sure to help the writer get in a room or get representation “Flip” recently placed as a Quarterfinalists in The Film Empire’s Diversity Screenwriting Contest.
I would love to send you my script!
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
xxxxxx
FLIP Logline: After a 20-year long stint in prison, a 50-year-old former Pimp attempts to live life on the straight-and-narrow, and save his daughter from a similar fate.
**This writer sent out 50 cold queries and received 10 responses agreeing to read the script. Of the 10, five asked to meet with him and 3 asked to sign him.
The “Best” Way:
9. Already be making money as a creative.
No one likes this answer, but it really is the best way to sign with someone who can help your career. (Agents love to poach their competitors’ clients) So, keep honing your craft, be smart and proactive about getting your work in front of people, and hustle like crazy. It can take a long time, but exceptional work always gets recognized eventually.
Do you have a manager or agent? How did you get them interested in you? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!
For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:
To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.
For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.
And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).