UK script based in the US

I've been working on a television drama which is my best script so far. Its based in New York and I want to get it considered for production. What would you guys say is the best way to do this seeing as im from the UK? I dont want to enter
scriptwriting competitions. Right now I think getting an agent is the best way.

Also I know there's a thread about companies to send scripts too but does anyone know of any good agents?

It's tougher because I dont have any material produced which I can use as experience

Why is it based in New York?

Quote: Marc P @ May 31 2008, 1:42 PM BST

Why is it based in New York?

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I just chose to base it there. I wanted to write a drama based in the US rather than the UK.

Well unless you live in the US you are giving yourself a massive hurdle I am afraid.

Quote: Marc P @ May 31 2008, 2:49 PM BST

Well unless you live in the US you are giving yourself a massive hurdle I am afraid.

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Correct.

Though it might work well as a spec script, I wouldn't go setting your heart on it getting made.

I seriously doubt a new writer would be given the chance to make their first show a big budget US thing.

Marc P speaketh sense.

I'm looking into getting an agent but if it doesnt work out then I can always change the location I guess or get something else written and produced so that I have some experience.

As far as I'm aware you aren't going to get an agent until you've had some work commissioned. No matter how good your script is.

Quote: Winterlight @ June 1 2008, 12:27 PM BST

As far as I'm aware you aren't going to get an agent until you've had some work commissioned. No matter how good your script is.

View original

Yes.

I read a brilliant quote from someone (was it Robin Kelly?) who said 'Agents are looking for writers, not people who want to be writers'.

And a writer is someone who has sold work and has proved they can do so.

Apart from the commandments, and some grafitti at Stonehenge, nothing is written in, err... stone.

Unlikey isn't impossible.

Surprises me how often people who want to write for television discount theatre as a way in. Or novels.

Having said that a demonstable grasp of the commerical and artistic realities doesn't hurt. So as a UK based writer - I would start off writing about what you know - not what you know about from watching other shows, which is how it would, unfortuanately perhaps, be perceived before the said project is even read.

But again I am contracdicting myself, sort of - as I once wrote a sitcom pilot set in Australia because my brother was living in Sydney at the time and got him to post it internally as it were, with a view to getting it taken up and funding my move over there for a few years.

Sometimes it doesn't hurt to think outside of the box or normal channels. At the end of the day though - it really comes down to the project. If it's really good people will notice. Might not get made but it might get you an agent, contacts etc.

I've got someone interested in looking at the pilot episode but they also wanted to see a resume which I dont have. So Ill see where it goes. Thanks for the help guys