For screenwriters trying to get their screenplays made into a movie, a script agent is a crucial step in the process. That’s why it’s important to understand the thought process behind an agent’s decisions and to really understand what a script agent is looking for when they read your screenplay.
The first, overriding, factor that an agent thinks about when reading a script is this: can I sell this screenplay?
Speaking as a former agent, I can say, with no offense to the profession that agents are essentially script brokers, just like a stockbrokers trade in stock, agents trade in screenplays.
And just like certain stock has appealing factors and reasons to invest, the same can be said for screenplays.
So what exactly are the main reasons why an agent will invest in your script? Here, in this post I’d like to take a look at some of the things that gets agents interested in first time screenwriters.
(Note: it’s not always necessary to have a script agent to sell your script. Many screenplays are sold without the backing of an agent; however, this article is for those of you who are interested in getting an agent.)
1) It’s star material
Star material means that your script has the potential to attract one major star to act in your movie. I’ve read thousands of scripts over the years where there are a handful of characters all sharing the screen at the same time. Now, don’t get me wrong, this can work in certain situations. However, it’s not such an easy sell for a script agent and a studio when trying to get major actors involved in the project.
It’s also important to think of it like this: if none of the studios or producers are interested in your story, but your script finds its way into the hands of one actor who loves it, then that actor will become a huge champion of your work and promote your script to everyone they know.
2) Curbside appeal
You’ve got to be able to sum your script up in a short sentence. A pitch with curbside appeal is a pitch that rolls off the tongue and is easy to digest and understand. It’s also got to be compelling. If you can’t make your screenplay sound interesting with a very short pitch then you should probably strip down your script and focus on making the main idea more powerful.
A script agent should be able to read your short pitch/query letter and instantly know how they can sell it and who they can pitch it to.
3) Make your script genre specific as opposed to all over the place
I’ve read a lot of great screenplays over the years that have one major problem. They’re NOT genre specific. This essentially means that when an agent reads the script they just don’t know what genre to place it in. Is it horror? Is it a thriller? Is it sci-fi?
This is a really important point to consider for one reason: if you write a script and an agent doesn’t know what genre your screenplay is, they’re going to have a really hard time trying to sell it to a studio or producer.
This is because agents and producers are usually looking for a screenplay within a certain genre. An agent, therefore, has got to be able to meet the needs of the people who want to purchase scripts in a certain genre. Don’t confuse a script agent by creating a zany sci-fi/rom com/horror movie — it might make for a great story, but it’s a difficult sell for a first time writer.
4) Your script is ready to go
A script agent isn’t going to help you re-write your screenplay for months and months and years and years. An agent wants your script to be ready to go and be as close to finished as possible. Once you’ve got a finished script then it’s time to send it out.
5) Don’t be a one trick pony
Don’t be so focused on one screenplay that you don’t have anything else left in the tank. While it is important to craft your screenplay into a good final product that an agent can sell, you’ll also want to have other ideas and projects simmering in the background.
This is crucial because when you sell your screenplay an agent will want to be able to promote your other work too. if you have other scripts ready to show or in the almost complete stage, you’ll be able to leverage your writing skills into additional work — this is something that an agent is always looking for in a new writer.
*Liz Fairbanks has worked as a reader, development assistant, and talent agent in Los Angeles over the last seven years. Liz loves traveling, reading and yoga. Liz also works as a freelance consultant for Script Mailer (a company that connects screenwriters with agents and producers in Hollywood).