Quote: AJGO @ August 14 2011, 12:44 PM BSTIf you have an agent, are you then obliged to arrange any work through them even if you found it yourself/were offered it directly as a result of previous work or enquiries?
Contractually obliged yes. Unless it is in a specific area not covered by your contract.
So if you have to do all the groundwork yourself to have enough of a CV to get taken on by an agent, is there really much point? I know they may be able to introduce you to opportunities, but only after you've worked out how to get stuff seen and made your own contacts anyway. Is it not a better idea to keep all your hard-earned money yourself?!
Quote: AJGO @ August 14 2011, 1:16 PM BSTSo if you have to do all the groundwork yourself to have enough of a CV to get taken on by an agent, is there really much point? I know they may be able to introduce you to opportunities, but only after you've worked out how to get stuff seen and made your own contacts anyway. Is it not a better idea to keep all your hard-earned money yourself?!
Try reading an option agreement.
Bloody gobbledegook.
Plus they'll usually get you a better deal - stop you getting shafted.
Plus the fact that you having an agent gives producers and ProdCos confidence in your abilities - many won't even look at stuff unless it comes through an agent.
And they only earn when you earn.
If you're getting regular work, you need one.
Getting one is the problem.
Quote: AJGO @ August 14 2011, 1:16 PM BSTSo if you have to do all the groundwork yourself to have enough of a CV to get taken on by an agent, is there really much point? I know they may be able to introduce you to opportunities, but only after you've worked out how to get stuff seen and made your own contacts anyway. Is it not a better idea to keep all your hard-earned money yourself?!
Agents do the deals and negotiate and sell rights in other territories, formats etc. And they are tax deductible and take you out for nice lunches.
Quote: Marc P @ August 15 2011, 11:40 AM BSTAnd they are tax deductible and take you out for nice lunches.
*begins to understand rioters anger*
Quote: chipolata @ August 15 2011, 11:47 AM BST*begins to understand rioters anger*
It wasn't Waterstones they were smashing up you notice!
Quote: Marc P @ August 15 2011, 11:58 AM BSTIt wasn't Waterstones they were smashing up you notice!
Same reason there weren't any placards.
Quote: Marc P @ August 15 2011, 11:58 AM BSTIt wasn't Waterstones they were smashing up you notice!
Just re-read that and it suddenly made sense. Have been puzzling all afternoon about what sort of insult 'you notice' is
Quote: Tim Azure @ August 14 2011, 9:52 AM BSTI supposed as a writer/performer you expect the agent to do everything to help you...
I think I meant Matthew that an agent will be there to help you, rather than being your only source to find work.
I've tried a few latley, as I've written a spec script that I want a specific company to read, but it has to be submitted through an agent. Any suggestions would be very welcome.
Quote: AJGO @ August 15 2011, 4:42 PM BSTJust re-read that and it suddenly made sense. Have been puzzling all afternoon about what sort of insult 'you notice' is
Thats a definite three 
Quote: AJGO @ August 15 2011, 4:42 PM BSTJust re-read that and it suddenly made sense. Have been puzzling all afternoon about what sort of insult 'you notice' is
Lol, I did think he'd misspelled nonce for a second.