Writing non-derivative, honest and heart-felt material will get you noticed.
The first step is a good concept that means something to you and will ultimately hook the reader. The second is to get read and the third to get a meeting. Most companies are looking for new quality material to develop. Even the ones that state “no unsolicited submissions” will often read query letters.
I’ve discussed the anatomy of query letters in previous posts. Do your research on imdb, Hollywood Creative Directory and elsewhere. Don’t send your torture porn script to a Nickelodeon executive. It is disrespectful to both you and them and a waste of everyone’s time.
Initially target your query letters to managers and production companies. You are likely to get a better response than with agents. It’s not that agents are mean spirited, they have mountains of unread scripts from their existing clients.
The most effective way to generate interest is via industry referral. If you live in L.A attend as many networking events as possible and contact everyone you know in the industry. If you don’t live in tinsel town, attend guest seminars, film festivals, writers groups and any event that comes to town. Enter L.A-based screenwriting contests, particularly the ones offering feedback. Volunteer to be a reader for contests. Since most use electronic means to judge scripts, you can live anywhere and it will be a worthwhile learning experience.
Write a screenwriting blog. Subscribe to as many blogs and facebook groups as possible. Become part of the screenwriting community no matter where you live because the geographical barriers are becoming less of issue.
lawfirmfromscratch
February 14, 2012
And be sure to protect yourself by registering your copyright!
Nice post,
LNN