Search for a Movie Script Agent | Sweet Taste of Rejection

November 18, 2006

I’m excited, I received my first rejection letter (actually an e-mail) in response to one of my movie script queries. Later on, I’ll explain the details of the steps involved in searching for an agent after you written a movie script, but for now you’re probably wondering why I’m so happy about receiving my first rejection.

The task of giving life to an idea, writing a story (movie script), and getting it successfully optioned and produced will take a large portion of your life and involves many different steps. If you look at the entire process and give it a timeline of say 3 years, it’s easy for everything to seem overwhelming and get stressed or frustrated at all the obstacles and difficulties inherent with achieving anything of value.

One way to stay focused is to celebrate the achievement of each major step as a success and fight the tendency of being overly optimistic. While Being optimistic is good, being overly optimistic leads to disapointment and frustration. One important step is the first rejection letter. What it means to me is that I made it to the marketing and ‘pitching ‘ stage.

Everyone tells stories, to their friends, family and to themselves in the form of daydreams etc. Many people journey to write them down, few people finish them, and even less take the time to polish and re-write until they are ready for the market. My script is finished, protected, and I’m actively putting it “out there.” I’m happy I made it to this stage and I’m looking forward to the next step. So after I received my first rejection letter, I went out and celebrated. It took a lot of hard work to make it to this step and I’m so happy I made it, now it’s time to move on.

Particulars of the search for a movie script agent.

1. After completing a full length horror script (including all the rewriting, edits, and polishing) I registered it with the Writer’s Guild of America (West) http://www.wga.org/.

2. I re-read the relevant parts of the books “Writer’s Guide to Literary Agents (2006)” and “The ScreenWriter’s Bible”.

3. I took my script and wrote a collection of log lines and synopsis’s to be used for the query letter (the letter that says you want to send someone your script for them to review if they’ll take it).

4. I re-worked the log line, synopsis over and over again and then crafted a good query letter with a nice hook.

5. I used the writers guide to literary agents to give me a list of agents that would accept a horror movie query. I then checked out some of their websites and cross checked them to see what type of material they accept and some of their recent sales and basic info gathering. Although, I personally really like the shotgun or everything approach to marketing, so I still sent queries to the agents that only sorta fit my criteria. Basically if they listed horror I put them on my list.

6. I went to Wal-Mart and purchased the following supplies.

- Large envelops for mailing the query letters with SASE
- Slightly smaller envelopes to be used for the self addressed stamped envelopes
- 24 pound super bright white paper
- 65 pound card stock
- Inkjet printable mailing labels
- Acco #5 solid brass fasteners for binding the scripts you send out when requested

Surprisingly most agents do not accept or prefer e-mail queries. They last time I mailed something it to send someone an item on ebay.

One items the you need that Wal-Mart didn’t have is

7. I ordered this via Office Deport online after researching which ones all screenwriter use. It was quite a bit cheaper then buying them from the Write Store and even cheaper then amazon.

8. I re-checked my query letter and my list of agents that accept queries for horror scripts. I printed a custom letter for each agent on my list (10 for the first mailing).I printed a note with 3 check marks for “yes send me the script” “no thanks but _________ might be interested” and “no thanks” to be put in the SASE.

9. I tripple checked everything and then mailed 10 querey letters to agents via SNAIL mail and sent 1 e-mail query

10. I received my first rejection from the e-mail query. (posted below)

11. I celebrated making it to this step.

Comments

24 Responses to “Search for a Movie Script Agent | Sweet Taste of Rejection”

Kirk Murray on December 12th, 2006 10:59 am

Thank you for giving me some hope. I submitted to the same agency and got the same reply. Thanks about the info about the SASE!!!

I wasnt sure the envolope should be blank or something in it!
Dan Polonis on February 2nd, 2007 9:40 am

So here it is Feb 2007……..Where are you on your quest?
Luis on March 13th, 2007 5:39 pm

I’m on the “pitch and submit” stage. I wrote several screenplays and sent query letters to agents that received them. I gotta get the letters ready for snail mail submissions. Then I gotta print out three copies of each individual screenplay to send out to those agencies that actually take screenplay submissions. Phew! Lotta work and little costs here and there.
Sheila West on March 30th, 2007 5:04 pm

I’m trying to find an agent right now for my own script. Not horror. It’s a comedy drama. I stumbled upon your blog via a Google search for “script agent.” This has all been very helpful to read. Thanks.
Brian on April 3rd, 2007 3:34 pm

GOOD INFO IM IN THE PROCESS NOW OF ALL THE THINGS YOU MENTIONED AND HAVE GOT BACK 3 REJECTION LETTERS, WHICH LIKE YOU SAID GIVES HOPE.
mctheory on April 11th, 2007 1:43 pm

I am looking for an agent for my horror script.

What agencies actually take screenplay?

Sent me a copy of your list please

Mcnair_theory@hotmail.com
E Freeland on June 4th, 2007 10:21 am

I need to find an agent for my script of somebody to read my script…can somebody help me in anyway
Maya on July 13th, 2008 10:31 pm

When sending queries, what’s your best advice on finding the actual person to address the letter to? That’s been the hardest part for me. I don’t want to look like an idiot addressing the letter to the complete wrong person.
Maxwell on August 22nd, 2008 12:04 pm

Thanks for your great info. I have two film scripts ready for any interested producers. And I want find a good agent to represent my work. Knidly send me a list of some of the agents you think are good.
rick on August 26th, 2008 10:19 pm

I wrote an action-suspence. Can someone tell me were to find an agent to represent me? Thanks

richardmadrid941@yahoo.com
Paul on August 29th, 2008 1:08 am

Interesting, Solomon. I had a similar experience when I sent a pitch to Icon Productions. While the rejection wasn’t the news I wanted, I felt excited because I had (at the least) gotten my idea to the right address. I kept that wonderful rejection with the Icon letterhead. It’s a reminder of how close I came and to never give up trying.

I’ve been writing for about 6 yrs, but I’m still learning the ropes. I’ve discovered that most newbies are less likely to get a script into an agents hands because agents work primarilly with writers who have already established themselves in the craft (i.e., plays, TV scripts). What we want is a Script or Screenplay Manager. In my research I’ve discovered that there are several sites that offer new writers an opportunity to not only have a script evaluated, but to possibly sell it to a studio. One such site is Evatopia.com. I’m still trying to learn what I can about the organization. but if someone already knows, then any input would be great.
Joy Varghese on October 14th, 2008 3:27 am

I have blogged a movie script in the above told blog address.
Hope you will check it and respond.
Thank you,
Joy Varghese
bryan sullivan on November 18th, 2008 5:11 pm

I have 2 movie script help me ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! Thank you,
latoya richard on December 19th, 2008 10:46 pm

I have the script of a lifetime and I would love it if someone would take the chance of a lifetime and just read it.I know you’ll love this script from the beginning to the end.
DEVIN DAVIDSON on December 20th, 2008 1:10 pm

I am a new screenwriter, trying to jump on the scene. The problem is getting into the door of reputable producers and taking off. Check out my Logline to the first comedy I have ever wrote. I love this blog so much, thought I leave it behind, Real producers, dedproduct.com is where I write till the films leave the ground, and begin flying to God.
Logline: A comedic twist of fate occurs when a man
late for work sees the biggest heist in history, and a
twist of fate drives him to help police capture the
robbers who did it.
http://www.dedproduct.com
Victor Dammie on January 9th, 2009 5:35 am

I am a screenwriter,and i have many script. Below is the logline for one of my script. logline: a black boy with the name victor enroll to the only school in his tomn geshok,which is a magical school in order to have the power to question his dead parent on their death after being accused by a neigbour of their death.
Victor Dammie on February 10th, 2009 9:23 am

I need an agent for my screenplays. i’ve got alot, but i need Agents. How can i get one? I got all sort of gneres.
ARMIR KAMOLLI on February 14th, 2009 8:27 am

I`m writing a thriller movie script and I`m searching for a agent who can sell it. Please cantact me in my e-mail for any details.
Alford Percy on February 20th, 2009 2:26 pm

I’m barely started writing my first screenplay, but i have no idea what a query is, i’m only 19, and i need alot of help on doing everything necessary to get my screen play looked at, i didn’t even know what a logline was until i was reading other peoples comments, so i’m going to pitch my logline….which i’m barely making up right now and give me advice.

Logline: After seeing his rich father murdered, a young male is subjected to the harsh realities of his new socioeconomic level. Growing up in the worst part of town, filled with gangbangers and crooks, his own mother a druggie, will he be able to overcome the destiny projected to him by his peers, or will he give in and……..Dance With the Devil.

reply back to my email: alford.percy@us.army.mil

thanks to anyone that replies.
DJ SLOW on March 14th, 2009 8:59 pm

Very helpful info, i googled script agent and got your page here. Most helpful info i have found so far. Good luck with your work.
Sean on April 4th, 2009 2:38 pm

Some of the people here are kind of pathetic. Try getting rejection letters for FIVE straight years without one positive response. You can’t ever give up.

For those looking for agents, look in the “Script Agent” of the ‘Guide to Literary Agents’. Also, check ‘Writer’s Market’. Both books should be in your local library.

Don’t even consider pitching to an agent unless you have already written the script. Everybody has an “idea that would make a blockbuster movie” but very few can actually deliver. Take some screenwriting classes. Read screenwriting books. Sharpen your skills before you embarking on the task. Realize that you WILL get rejected, and probably a lot. That is one fact I can already guarantee.

By the way, Alford Percy, I don’t mean to be critical, but your story sounds like thousands of others I’ve heard before. You have to make it more unique. Also, your logline is a little long. Try to trim it down and add some more power-punches. Believe it or not, studio execs don’t like to read. So get to the point fast, in a short and sweet fashion. I like to use the “drive-by rule.” If it the logline is too long to yell out the car window as pass someone, it needs to be adjusted. That’s just some advice.

Oh, I don’t mean to brag, but I am only 18 years old. I have written a 120-page screenplay titled ‘Heaven’. Surprisingly, I’ve had some strong interest. Three out of the past four reviews have been positive. I just picked up a few sponsors who will pay for me to enter screenplay competitions (which are expensive by the way).

Here’s my logline:
“Love pushes one man to the limits. He commits suicide on the day of his dream girl’s wedding.”

See what I mean by being concise? My logline is straight to the point. It doesn’t beat around the bush. Loglines and query letters take a LOT of practice. It took me three years before I was able to “master” a query letter guaranteed to get an interested response. And even then, there are no real guarantees of that response being positive. Most of my recent rejections have come from agencies that have full client lists already.

Just keep that in mind and don’t take rejection personal.
dino on April 30th, 2009 1:15 pm

Yo sean, read yo log line, sounds like emo shit. See, anybody can dump on a log line. If someone won’t take the time to read a long logline, why do you think they will waste the time to read the rest of it. And wtf you’ve been getting rejections since you were 13? Don’t make no sense man. Stop being so stuck up, if he wants to write something bland and generic, maybe Matthew Mcconoghey will make it into a movie.
Marc Alexander on June 16th, 2009 7:45 am

I would certainly appreciate an e-mail copy of your list of agents who handle horror scripts. Writing a good script is hard, but finding a good agent interested in horror is even harder. Thanks in advance.
Ed on June 18th, 2009 1:42 pm

Marc, start with the Screenwriter’s Market $28 at barnes and noble. or hang out there for half a day and copy the names of agencies from it. Dino, Matthew McConoghey, nice! Stewie Griffin to Matthew McC: You are just the worst…
I’m not sure Evatopia even gave me a rejection email. It’s okay, I’ve gotten plenty of others. But good point, Solomon. I guess we’re a lot further along than many people get. Thx for some perspective.