If you’re asking this question, you’re probably thinking about the best place to send your script or screenplay once it’s finished.
A couple of answers spring to mind here: a screenplay agent, a production company, a screenwriting agency, or a film studio.
All of these answers are good, but some are more appropriate than others. Let’s take a look at these one-by-one.
Sending Your Script To A Screenplay Agent
An agent is an obvious choice and you’d be correct in assuming that it’s our number one choice. The great thing about an agent is that if you get a good one working for you, the agent can open doors in Hollywood like no one else. The reason for this lies in the fact that an agent is usually well-connected and they know who to send your screenplay to and where to send your screenplay.
Let’s imagine that you’ve just written a new script in the drama/thriller genre. If you send this script to an agent then they will immediately know which studios and producers are looking for drama/thriller screenplays.
In addition, an agent can provide a screenwriter with invaluable guidance and support. They can also offer career advice (sort of like a mini-careers counselor) and help you refine your stories and give feedback or your screenplays (whether or not you want to take this feedback onboard is up to you).
With an agent, you’re essentially getting a lawyer, a contacts directory, an advisor, a deal-maker all in one person. A screenplay agent can often be your biggest ally and often, at times, a good friend. Remember, an agent only wins if you win too!
Sending Your Script To A Production Company
If you don’t want to bother, or feel like you don’t need an screenplay agent, a production company is another good place to send your script to.
The only problem with a production company is that it’s a bit of a scatter gun approach. And while it can be a very effective approach to take, you have to make sure that you send your script (let’s stick with the drama/thriller example here) to a production company that is looking for drama/thriller screenplays.
To do this, you would most likely have to send your script to as many production companies as possible; or, alternatively, send your screenplay to those production companies that mostly produce movies in the drama thriller/genre.
I personally recommend that you do this by watching movies that are in the same genre as your screenplay and note the name of the production company in the movie’s opening credits.
It is also worth pointing out, however, that if a production company wants to purchase your screenplay, then you will need to acquire (in the absence of an agent) the services of an entertainment lawyer to iron out your contract and any money related matters.
Sending Your Script To A Screenwriting Agency
This is essentially the same as submitting your script to an agent. And while you might not be sending your screenplay to a specific screenplay agent; in this instance, if you send your script to a screenwriting agency it is possible to get your script into the hands of a good agent.
Yes, your script will be added to a big pile of screenplays. But, and here’s the big BUT, if your screenplay is good or even better, great, a script reader will pick it out of the pile and deliver it to an agent in the agency. From there, you’re golden—assuming they’re interested in your screenplay.
Sending Your Script To A Studio
This is the last option and the least recommended of all the approaches. I personally wouldn’t recommend sending your screenplay to a film/television studio unless you have a close contact there or you’re the relative or best friend of a prominent studio executive.
By all means, if you know somebody in a studio then send your script their way; otherwise, you’d be wasting your time. I don’t say this to be negative or cynical, but the fact is, unless you have a key contact in one of the studios, you’ll be lucky to send someone a Christmas card, let alone a screenplay.
The Verdict
You can certainly send your script to a studio, but it’s advisable to wait until you have some movie/TV credits to your name first. While you’re still trying to make it in the industry, it’s much easier and effective for a budding screenwriter to focus on the first three approaches.
Once you’ve made a name for yourself, you can send your script to just about anyone, but at the start of your career an agent, production company or screenwriting agency is your best bet for success.
*Jennifer Sloane has worked as a screenplay agent in Los Angeles and Nashville for the last five years. Jennifer loves good movies, music and animals. A former television and movie executive, Jennifer currently heads business development at Script Mailer (a company that connects screenwriters with agents and producers in Hollywood).