Getting an agent

Hi all,

I'm after a bit of advice about getting an agent.

I basically write sketches, screenplays (shorts) and plays.

I've written loads of sketches, some of which are fairly decent, whilst I've written three full length plays, the last of which I'm really chuffed with.

How do I market myself? And, if I pick the play as my selling point, will the fact that it is completely written for comedy rather than dramatic merit hinder me?

If anyone else wonders the same - check out Danny Stack's blog - pretty good, and I'm just being greedy.

Pick a decent agency like David Higham, United Agents, PFD etc and send them a spec letter asking if you can send them some stuff.

It's rare they'll take you on if you've not had anything published or aren't known to the industry in some way, (I was recommended to my agent by a BBC producer otherwise I'd have had no chance either ) but you may strike lucky.

"Agent want writers, not people who want to be writers"

Not sure where I read that, but it's very true. You need to get recommended really.

Well this is it - I think I've hit that juncture. Did a post-grad in creative writing, produced my own plays and written for a few sketch shows.

It's pretty akin to needing the experience to apply for the job...

Quote: Rick Allden @ December 2 2008, 10:01 PM GMT

Well this is it - I think I've hit that juncture. Did a post-grad in creative writing, produced my own plays and written for a few sketch shows.

It's pretty akin to needing the experience to apply for the job...

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Yeah, agents only deal in it being on the telly or the radio. Until you get that, or a commission for the telly, you'll struggle.

Cool - cheers for that. I'll refocus my efforts in a more productive area. Ta chief.

Quote: Rick Allden @ December 2 2008, 10:08 PM GMT

Cool - cheers for that. I'll refocus my efforts in a more productive area. Ta chief.

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Well, don't let that put you off - it CAN happen, but I'm just recounting my experiences.

Good luck!!

Yep - and cheers for doing it.

I emailed a few from the good old 'Writer's and Artist's Yearbook' and a few have been encouraging. Theatres more so.

I've a few irons smouldering so I'll see to them first; hawking myself like a tawdry trinket.

Rick, sounds like you are doing the right thing in a lot of ways!

Just polish up your trinkets!

I would - but I keep getting caught.

Well not in public then.

I like the fact you are doing your own plays, a lot of people wait for other people to produce their stuff immediately on TV. Which for some reason doesn't always happen.

Quote: Marc P @ December 2 2008, 10:48 PM GMT

Well not in public then.

I like the fact you are doing your own plays, a lot of people wait for other people to produce their stuff immediately on TV. Which for some reason doesn't always happen.

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Theatre is a very different medium though. It's arguably harder and not everyone has the interest.

Theatre is the father and mother of the studio based sitcom. What do you mean it is harder and not everyone has the interest?

It pays to play.

Get good actors to change your impotent lines into powerful theatre and then devour the writing credit. I'd keep typing but I'm rubbing my hands with glee.

Quote: Rick Allden @ December 2 2008, 10:53 PM GMT

It pays to play.

Get good actors to change your impotent lines into powerful theatre and then devour the writing credit. I'd keep typing but I'm rubbing my hands with glee.

View original