Do any of you guys have an agent?
I'm currently sending out a sitcom script to production companies (The BSG Production Company List has been invaluable) and I've been surprised by the sheer number of them that do not accept unsolicited material. I now feel that I’m in a Catch-22 situation where I need an agent to be successful but I can’t get an agent unless I’m successful.
However with only comedy script behind me, is it too soon for me to start hassling agents?
Quote: Dave M @ October 8, 2007, 1:14 PMDo any of you guys have an agent?
I'm currently sending out a sitcom script to production companies (The BSG Production Company List has been invaluable) and I've been surprised by the sheer number of them that do not accept unsolicited material. I now feel that I’m in a Catch-22 situation where I need an agent to be successful but I can’t get an agent unless I’m successful.
However with only comedy script behind me, is it too soon for me to start hassling agents?
You won't get an agent. Even if the script is ace. You need to have producers sniffing round to get one. Land a meeting with a producer, and the agents will come.
If you hassle them now, you could lower your chances in the future - so be wary.
You can get your work to the right people if you do your research. ANd that includes places where you are told they don't read unsolicited stuff.
I wouldn't be so negative about chances of getting an agent.
I touted my comedy/drama screenplay around and eventually got representation.
No work. Just reprsentation.
Might be trickier with 'sketch' stuff, though
The Slagg Brothers have an agent now (for the comedy side). We're still looking for one to represent the screenplays and novels.
How did we do it? We just spent 3 whole days sending a general email to a 'few' agents with links to our work. No pressure on them. Oddly, the bigger ones tended to show the most interest.
It's all part of a multi-thread strategy. Keystone being to get a website that is a 24/7 international shop window. 
So now there are three people in your marriage. Well done Slaggs 
When you're unknown is it worth giving a percentage away for maybe no work?
I can understand it when you're so succesful that you don't have time to contact companies etc.
We contemplated that question David, but we thought a percentage of something is better than keeping all of zilch.
Cheers AJP. Had him for a while but didn't want to say anything because it never cropped up and I didn't want it to come across all wrong.
It's a bit like looking for jobs. If you want an agent don't wait for one to reply - send out to loads. If one you like bites - great, you can regretfully inform the others that your work is being represented.
Seefacts is right about it being hard to get an agent. It might be worth trying to write something low-key and throwaway to build up your portfolio and make yourself more attractive.
Remember, it's a symbiotic relationship - but agents take a percentage or charge a fee - so it might be worth trying to do without one. Your material might be considered if you have some production behind you.
Quote: SlagA @ October 8, 2007, 10:56 PMWe contemplated that question David, but we thought a percentage of something is better than keeping all of zilch.
Actually I'm contradicting myself because I think I've said the very same thing
Who are you repped by Slagg's? You can PM if you want. I won't spread it around, heh.
Quote: SlagA @ October 8, 2007, 10:56 PMHad him for a while but didn't want to say anything because it never cropped up and I didn't want it to come across all wrong.
Think you need a doctor for that SlagA 
Lots of food for thought and I now feel stuffed. Thanks Guys.