A lot of screenwriters spend time thinking about how they can get a script agent. Which is great because this is a critical step you will need to make in your screenwriting career at some point—if you want to start making a living in the industry.
However, what a lot of scriptwriters don’t spend enough time thinking about is this: what should I look for in an agent?
This is because the screenwriter/agent relationship works both ways. You are successful if an agent does their job correctly. And an agent is successful if you can supply them with good quality screenplays that they can sell.
Good Qualities A Screenplay Agent Should Have
A good agent should first and foremost be enthusiastic about your screenplays. They should want to work with you and help you succeed in the industry.
An agent should not only be enthusiastic about your screenplays, but also about your career and your potential as a screenwriter. When the screenwriter/agent relationship works, it’s a beautiful thing. That’s when magic can really start to happen. But this won’t happen unless an agent can believe in your scripts.
A script agent must believe in your prospects and trust in your skills as a screenwriter. The same goes for the screenwriter . . .
A screenwriter must believe that their agent is going to do everything they can to support their career and get them the best deals out there—whether that means selling a script or negotiating better pay—both the screenwriter and agent must trust in and support one another for a successful business relationship to occur.
A Script Agent Must Be Able To Open Doors
Another important quality of an agent is being able to get you access to the film industry. After all, isn’t that why you need an agent in the first place?
An agent that specializes in representing screenwriters must be able to connect a screenwriter and their work with key figures in Hollywood. If an agent isn’t able to open doors for you, then they shouldn’t be representing you and they probably won’t be in business very long.
Check Credentials First
Before signing a contract with a screenplay agent, it’s usually a good idea to check first with the agent and see how long they’ve been in business for.
Second, it’s a good idea to ask an agent to provide you with the contact details of any screenwriting clients they currently represent.
If an agent is reluctant to do this—run!
However, if an agent willingly provides you with the contact details of some of their clients, it’s usually a good sign that they have a good working relationship with other screenwriters and you will most likely be in good hands.
Anther thing to note, if an agent hasn’t made a sale for you or progressed your career within around four months, move on and find another script agent who can make things happen and be a champion for your screenplays.
A good agent usually won’t represent someone unless they believe in their work and they believe they can sell their screenplays.
*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).