Comments on: Does your agent get a commission when you found the deal?

By: Ashley Scott Meyers

Ashley Scott Meyers — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:11:08 +0000

Linda;

I think having your publicist submit your script on your behalf would be a good way to go. It shows some credibility and makes it seem like you’re established enough as a writer to have a publicist, even if you’re new to screenwriting.

I think eventually you would want to create a screenwriting website for yourself but for now an IMDB Pro page should work.

By: Linda Jamison

Linda Jamison — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:19:22 +0000

Hello Ahsley,
I have two completed scripts,one that has been submitted to the PAGE AWARDS and one I would like to send out to a production company. I currently only have representation with a publicist(a good friend of mine who lives in L.A.) and not a manager or an agent.
Would it be unprofessional to have my work and query letter sent through my publicist or should I omit that information and mail it myself?
Also I do not have a private website,only a resume page on IMDB pro. Is this suffcient or should I get a real web page?

By: Ashley Scott Meyers

Ashley Scott Meyers — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:57:29 +0000

Muzammil;

I’m going to be writing a full post on this in the near future so keep an eye out for it.

If you’re not prepared to put in the work and either direct or produce your own stuff you should forget about having any real artistic say in the final product.

If you want to direct you’re going to hurt your chances of actually selling your first script – a lot.

If you want to produce, great, get at it. Raise the money for your film. Who ever controls the purse strings also controls the direction of the film.

By: Muzammil Bari

Muzammil Bari — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:19:00 +0000

Dear Ashley

I have a couple of scripts ready to be shown to a producer. But apart from being a writer, I believe that I have got the vision required to translate my work on screen in a better way. I wish to assist the director and also give inputs in other various departments of filmmaking. But I am hesitant about how to mention it to my director/producer. Would it be taken as professional intrusion. Please guide.

By: Allan P.

Allan P. — Sat, 23 May 2009 00:10:34 +0000

Yes as a general rule, your agent/manager gets a commission on the sale of your material. If you short them out of this, most likely they will drop you. It’s that simple.

And if you do make a contact which nets in a sale or option, you as a general rule are not the one to negotiate the deal, the payment structure and amounts. This must always be left up to your representation–this is what they are for.

Now if you don’t have representation, and somehow, somewhere, some producer/director/studio wants to option your material, I would suggest that you quickly retain an attorney that has entertainment experience. Only this person should review the contracts and give you an opinion before you close the deal.

Do it any other way and your a killing yourself.

By: Monie Valentine

Monie Valentine — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:50:51 +0000

Hi Ashely, I’m a screenwriter and do not currently live in LA but plan to do so in the near future. I had a job lined up but was afraid to take it as I make more money now as a social worker. Should I pursue the job in LA even though the pay is less just to move? Also I submitted my script to OBS for “coverage” they say they have a 14 day turnaround I haven’t heard from them yet and I wanted to incorporate the coverage notes in my script before the Hollywood Black Film Festival on 6/5! I’m really frustrated with waiting. If its not done I can’t really promote my script when network..or can I if so how?