Quote: Morrace @ November 26 2009, 9:30 PM GMTAbsolutely - and agents!
That's my understanding.
Some BBC Likes and Dislikes Page 2
So you don't want a fight then?
Quote: Morrace @ November 26 2009, 9:39 PM GMTSo you don't want a fight then?
Nope 
I can't say I disagree with much you've written in this thread so far. You do seem to be talking about the Writersroom, though, which I wasn't.
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ November 26 2009, 9:49 PM GMTNope
I can't say I disagree with much you've written in this thread so far. You do seem to be talking about the Writersroom, though, which I wasn't.
Fair point, Vin 
Delboy fell! He was vertical and now he's horizontal! Ahhhaaaaaaa hahahahaha.
Morons.
An interesting read, Kev and Moz (names shortened to break the ice), but if you'll excuse my utter naivety, I have a couple questions.
What are the basics of getting an agent? Do you have to pay them, or do they just take a cut of any scripts which are sold? Is an agent a genuine advantage, even if you only have one or two scripts?
Quote: jim field @ November 28 2009, 9:09 PM GMTDelboy fell! He was vertical and now he's horizontal! Ahhhaaaaaaa hahahahaha.
Morons.
If you don't think angles are funny, then you don't have a sense of humour.
Quote: Griff @ November 29 2009, 10:27 AM GMTOne question about agents: do they take a cut of work you managed to find for yourself without their help, or just the work they find for you?
It's a complicated affair, as far as I know, which isn't much, but apparently it's a bit of a legal minefield. I was told it's mainly material contracts the agents gets you - that is simple, BUT, if you get extra work the agent doesn't directly get you, the agent can still/probably does have a claim to his/her commission - IF they can prove that the successful profile which got you the extra work only came about because of either the contracts that the agent got you OR the high profile you gained JUST by having this particular agent - as some top rated agents can undoubtedly get a client contracts with just their name in the business. So, it is a bit of a minefield, but I could be wrong, the law may have changed since I was told that - best to ask a lawyer like Jim Field, I'm sure he'd know exactly how it works. If you sign to an agent then he/she will tell you the terms of the contract, and things like extra work or interviews or magazine articles will or won't be covered in the contract, but I think they usually are.
Quote: cashback @ November 28 2009, 9:10 PM GMTIs an agent a genuine advantage, even if you only have one or two scripts?
I don't have an agent, but I have a copy of the Writers's'' And Artists's Yearbook, so I know how many production companies will only accept scripts via agents. Quite a lot.
Quote: Griff @ November 29 2009, 10:27 AM GMTOne question about agents: do they take a cut of work you managed to find for yourself without their help, or just the work they find for you?
Any work of yours that requires a negotiation or a contract - i.e. any work you're going to get paid for, will be subject to their (usually) 12.5% cut. My agents have done a great deal of unpaid work on my behalf to get my scripts and name out there and so I can hardly begrudge them the relatively small amount of money they have made from my work so far. Everything I write, even if I send stuff out directly to certain producers, will also be sent (at the same time) to my agents.
Quote: Griff @ November 29 2009, 3:26 PM GMTCheers Tim.
Considering your output, Griff, I'm surprised you haven't got an agent yet. I'm pretty certain you could secure one at this stage.
Good luck. I believe 2010 is the Chinese "Year Of The Agent"...
So is it a case of sending spec scripts out to agents to see if they consider you worth their while?
Yes, in theory, but it's a bit like saying 'I'll pass my exams at college and then become the Prime Minister'. Getting an agent can be as hard as getting a commission yourself. If you have an angle or a specialism (such as a medical degree, perhaps, or are a policeman, or a cat burglar with all the tricks of your trade) then that is one vital advantage you must put down in a letter or CV. Doing this has definitely helped many writers get an agent. It separates you from the growing mass of 'general comedy/drama writers' out there.
I hope my angle is that I have a funny script, but perhaps that's wishful thinking. 
Where the hell does one start with this agent lark though...