Advice To A Screenwriter Who Doesn’t Have An Agent Or Manager by Mark Heidelberger
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- In this Film Courage video interview, movie producer Mark Heidelberger shares how a screenwriter should find an existing associate within the film industry to recommend them to an agent or manager instead of their own self-promotion which could be perceived as off-putting. He recommends using one’s industry peers to see if they have agent, manager or other recommended contact.
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This dude just gave the golden advice in Hollywood to get anything you want done. It's all on who you know. Period... End of advice... Go out and network.
Brandon Tilghman Honestly, talent is great to have, but I don’t think it’s as necessary to having a career in film as your network. Just look at all of the movies that have been made recently. Some of them were good and a few were great, but the vast majority weren’t that good, but they got made, not because of talent, but because of who they knew.
Tonyo Allie That's true, but my favorite comment was 'talent will always be recognized.' Just cause I'm best mates with James Cameron he still won't make my story a movie - unless it's the best story available.
Not My Real Name So we need talent and a network - think I'm screwed on both😢
That saying is great at giving people hope, but I don't know that talent will ALWAYS be recognized, mostly because, in a lot of ways, talent is subjective. There are plenty of people that I find to be talented but others don't, and vice versa. But the thing that always finds its way to the top is work ethic and tenacity. I think talent is great to have, but it's such an overrated concept that ends up holding a lot artists back because they fear that they lack "talent", but most of the work of art is just consistently showing up.
This is the golden advice
Anyone else feeling stuck in a small town as a writer? Videos like this make me excited and ready to move even more..
Justin Varda Get to it, man. For more than five years, I felt exactly what you described. But this summer I’m finally moving down to LA.
OhtheSuffering That's awesome, from one writer to another, I'm happy for you. It's a work in progress but I'm getting there, just waiting to get my license back in a few months and I'll finally be on my way.
All you can do is go for it and take all the bad with the good. At least you try. Screw the haters. They make me laugh and write better.
OhtheSuffering. Please don't... there isn't enough parking. ;)
C Ch Cool how about you move and you lend over your place for rent?? ;)
Thank you FC for sending me the links to these specific interviews: Agents / Screenwriting contests. It’s helpful to hear the pros speak on which screenwriting contests are legitimate. 😎
Talent will always be recognized. Best comment!
@Steve Ross Preach! They also discriminate against different political, religious, or personal views. Anything, really, that doesn't conform to their agenda. "Tolerant", they say. "Inclusive", they say. What a pile of lies! #DrainTheHollywoodSwamp
Sending script to agent: Unsolicited submission not accept. Submit only if you have industrial references. Sending script to producer: Unsolicited submission not accepted. Submit through recognised agent.
No there’s a difference between self esteem and self entitlement. What he’s describing is entitlement feeling like your owed something.
Exactly
The problem is that's what self esteem is perceived as. Which is why it fucks with people's mind
I love this phrase "Self -esteem movement has done more to harm young kids than help them."
Hell yeah 💯
Typical Rightie bs
A person's value shouldn't be predicted on talent. Value should come from just being a person.
It is a great point on thinking "I am really good" as opposed to others thinking you are really good. But then the confidence to approach people, which he mentions as a great point (and I totally agree with it) comes from that very attitude of believing that one is really good. Hummm.... I wish there was a way to get one while avoiding another.
Aneta Takh . Get one and avoid what? I'm confused.
I hear you. I think having faith in your potential is the precursor to confidence and building the right connections.
Thanks for the upload.
What if you're not in Hollywood and don't have the capability to network?
Looks like you have access to the internet. Using the power of the internet is one suggestion. Another thought is to do what you can to bring people value in your real life and online. When you bring people value it leads to its own opportunities. We think it's also a better way to connect with people.
Competitions.
Thanks for sharing this valuable video
Great upload. Great channel.
Amazing stuff and the sheer number of them ... Can't thank them enough
So the screenwriter needs to pitch the agent before the agent pitches for the screenwriter?
I would think so, yes. Because he/she wants to make sure your material is good before they go and forward it to someone else. Remember they represent you so it's their reputation on the line as well.
You miss the point. The fact one must be a good pitcher so another pitcher can pitch for him, shows that the industry is b.s. and is willing to ditch talented first-timers.
Erik Smith I hear you but I don't think that's what that is. I think the reason they press you get an agent so hard is because nobody wants to take a chance on you because they don't know you. But maybe if you have someone who has experience (an agent) it's more likely they are willing to take a chance on your project. It's like your walking down the block with a buddy of yours and he really needs to pee. You notice you guys are on a block of one of your friend's house. You take your buddy to your friend's house and you (the agent) asks for your friend (the pitcher) to use the bathroom. And the owner of the house (producer) let's him in because he trusts you. You two are friends. But, if the (pitcher) just knocked on his door randomly to use the bathroom without your presence (the agent), he would not let him in because (the pitcher) is a stranger. And he wouldn't take a chance letting a stranger in his home. 😁😁
@@rayejohnson992 very strange analogy but effective.
harsh but true
Since I only write comedy features, Nicholl isn't right for me due to its notorious pro-drama bias, and I'm not sure how the other top-tier competitions stack up for those of us who write comedies.
Did he just say that self-esteem is "thinking you're owed something just because you're unique"? This person is either ignorant or extremely confused.
No, you are. Stay out of the harsh light of truth, snowflake. Lol!
Marie B I think those two qualities are separate but if a person isn’t careful they can definitely start feeling like they’re owed something. I don’t think he’s too far off base.
The truth lies between your assessment and helicopter's left field name calling..
The self esteem stuff he said rang false to me, too. But then I realized that instilling self esteem in kids without shoring it up with lessons in perseverance has led to this perversion of "self esteem is entitlement just because I want it" addressed in the video.
An Australian judge once sent a kid to contempt of court jail a few years ago after warning everyone to turn off their phones. Instead of appropriate apology or due discomfort at his mistake, the kid/defendant nonchalantly said "my bad" when his phone rang some time later, and casually turned it off. While he was being carted off, the judge made a small speech about how kids are now being taught about their rights, which is good. But little or no emphasis is being put on the responsibilities that come with these rights. I'll never forget that wisdom as a root to the problem.
So yes, unfortunately, many now believe that they are owed "just because I am me."
More like arrogant and a dream buster. You have to have self esteem, skill, creativity and be willing to do the hard work..discipline. That's my only flaw..working on it.
FORGET IT!ITS A CLOSED SHOP! MAKE AN INDEPENDENT FILM AND GET IT ON ON SOCIAL MEDIA. THIS GUY IS JUST BABBLE.
Is entering contests a good idea
From what I've heard and the interviews I've listen to from managers, only the good ones matter. They all say pretty much Austin film festival and the Nicholl are that they really care about.
BUT they also said if you win a smaller contest you can definitely brag about it in a query letter.
Am in Africa, can i get agent without i living in LA
Location is unfortunately a huge factor.I don't believe ir has to be LA but major cities in U.S. strengthen your chances.Id start off by making something with great quality and put it in african only film festivals
Use your own pool of resources! Who are my associates managed by!? ... This should be obvious, but its Not Lol! .. Now I'm going thru my friends list, thanks for the jewels ... #DopeChannel!
This guy told me nothing I didn't already know and that wasn't extremely obvious.
Anyone wants to collaborate?
I need experience&networking.
I'd Lovee to Collab bro, where are you from? What's your name?
@@biggreaze David over here now living in Pennsylvania..You?
I write my own scripts too.
Am I JUST a crazy person?
Would you suggest using Final Draft to write your screenplay? I can't afford it at this time but just curious to your opinion on it.
Makes it easy. There is a free program too. Mentioned in a TH-cam tutorial on formatting screen plays. Sorry don't remember the name.
I haven't regretted buying Final Draft, but if you can't afford it, other softwares work great.
Honestly, just use google docs, and get a screenwriting addon for it.
I used celtx for years. It's great for what it is and I never thought I'd feel the need to switch. But I had to use finaldraft for a screenwriting class and haven't looked back. If you can save up for it, it is amazing.
I appreciate all the replies to my question. I'll save up for Final Draft, it sounds like a great program to use. Thanks again everyone!
Nepotism is KEY in this business. Yes, talent is good, but if you don't KNOW anyone, then you're shit out of luck. #FACT
Nepotism can certainly help but by itself doesn't guarantee anything either. We've spoken to countless people who didn't have any connections when they started. Here are two examples - th-cam.com/video/_DZmwEcrOVY/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/BSONP4n3Yg4/w-d-xo.html
It does help to get your foot in the door if someone is in front holding open the door. I'm on the road to a few more publications..then an agent.
@@sicilyny5375 Congrats!!! Keep us posted. 🤞🏽🥂
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUK! I'M SO TIRED OF WAITING FOR A BREAK! All these people do whatever they can to KEEP us writers out! So fuckin' tired of it!
Getting a network when you don’t know anyone 😵💫
it's a shame how difficult it is to get in as a writer. your traditional way has been going on long enough. soon you all will not be needed and you'll be kissing the writers' asses. and no i'm not a writer
@@fallingalice2601 stfu
@@fallingalice2601 nah that's my I don't have the time to read your mess so I gave you a short
@@fallingalice2601 in fact I didn't finish reading past whatsa' matter d its comma there lol that's facts
@@fallingalice2601 although I am bound to a chair I do not feel bored enough to read your long notes. You have attacked me because of my opinion. My friggin opinion. My opinion. That I am entitled to. Youre nothing but a gross keyboard bully. I don't have time for you so I rather be short and say fuck off. That's what I did. That's all I care to give you. I don't care to read your long notes. Now please politely fuck off and leave me to my opinion. Thank you
@@fallingalice2601 stfu
Agents are evil
I don't want a agent because I don't want them to make millions of of me... I can talk for myself.
self-esteem is not the way you defined it.
Take a screenwriting class, even if you feel you don't need it. You'll be with others who may know someone either now or in the future. In the 80's I took a class at UCLA and they brought in the screenwriters for "Wargames" as guests for one night--Walter F. Parkes and Larry Lasker. Parkes is now a major producer and I was lucky enough to keep in contact with him. You just never know....
A long time ago, I took a screenwriting class in college. We were assigned to write an episode for a TV show either playing on TV or just ended.
I wrote a sequel to All in The Family when Gloria comes back to live with Archie with her child..she's divorced from Meathead. I also wrote one for an action TV show, Matt Houston...this was 1979-1980.
My prof loved them and submitted my Matt Houston one to producers. They were going to use it but chose the one a writer already on the show wrote. I was so proud that I almost did it.
Now 100 yrs later, like starting over. I write short stories and novels but I think all my stories as if I'm seeing it on film, that's how I write.
My goal is to get more published( journals and college journals) enough to get an agent, so I can submit an idea for a TV movie for a streaming company..Hallmark, Amazon Prime, Hulu, or Tubi.
I'm thinking I need an agent before attempting this.
It's been too damn long and I'm ready to soar. Ever since Jr high, my teachers have been telling me I've got talent and I know I do. I write very down to earth, as if I'm talking to you right now. My characters are relatable and my ideas are not the same old story you've seen 100x, so, it's time for me. Life got in the way, some bad hardships and horrible marriages, illness and time slipped by.
No more..I'm ready and anxious to go. Remember me.
I’m definitely at the stage of wondering if I’m good enough. I hate looking for feedback from friends and family because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. I want to start entering in competitions but I don’t feel like anything would come from them. So I like the video, but I just started writing scripts a year ago, so I’m not about to waste money against people that went to school and/or did it all their lives.
Keep pushing bro
I did it bro n I just said fuck it, if I lose but they said my script was good that’s a plus (pay extra to have the ppl judging the competition give you a honest review with zero bias) but if you make the cut weather it’s the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round then u doing the damn thing. Never be afraid of a challenge bro you only get better when you actually gotta work for it. If it’s too easy it ain’t fun💯
Take classes and get harsh, honest, real feedback.
This was actually really disheartening. I really love to write and people seem to really enjoy my writing, but this...is just a kick to the nuts of my soul. I live in North Carolina, I don't fucking know ANYONE. So that's it? Just fuck my dreams, my passion and my one true talent because I didn't have the opportunity to uproot my life?
i live in NC too fucking sucks here. I’M LEAVING
my stories are my tickets OUT! place is AWFUL
@@racqynathiri856 It really fucking is just the worst sometimes. The only other writers I know around here are the kind of people who write thinly-veiled stories about how important and awesome they are.
Just keep writing, the more material the better..im stuck in BALTIMORE...
I'm in NC..from NY originally and lived in LA n the Valley, Santa Barbara and the competition is insane. Everybody knows somebody even if they suck at writing.
It's always WHO you know not how Great you write.
Hi,as a writer do you have to copyright a script even if you don't know if it will sell or accepted by productions?and do you have to complete the rest of the movie before handing it over/pitching to the production?If not then how must you have done your copyright?
Same questions...getting a few books updated on this subject.
Little worried about him saying "this guy has talent". I've contemplated not revealing my gender when submitting because I know the world in general does not take female intellectuals seriously. I'm wondering if I will have a better chance if I don't reveal my gender or use my husband's name as a pseudonym.
some good advice here...
BREAKING NEWS: FIRE HOT, WATER WET
I know my true story - screenplay of encountering / attacked by a 60's American infamous unsolved serial killer crime docudrama, could be a huge TV series. Just querying got it looked at by 2 top Hollywood management Co, ZG & N Repub.
A top director said it was interesting yrs ago . I'm far from LA. think it's worth moving there for months to try to get in ? This is / needs / warrants a big budget piece
if you have a script ready, set up a meeting and go, just book a motel for a few days, or maybe they will take a Zoom meeting, move fast before they loose interest
@michaelsix9684 you know the movie Dual , it's a bit like that all/ mostly action, minimal dialog .but mine has to be A TV series 60+ hours
Competitions such as Nicholl tend to give short shrift to writers of comedy features.
I've been on the Blue Cat mailing list since 2004, but have read varying bad experiences about them from the reading quality to runners' bad behavior to readers and writers. Even the Nicholl has its complaints lodged against them, but this is the first in HUNDREDS of screenwriting videos and sites that I've heard BlueCat mentioned as a reliable competition.
This comment shouldn't be taken as gospel, but a POV from long observation.
Confidence? I stopped taking screenwriting classes because students would direct questions to me about story for visual media instead of the instructor (instructors would feel bad when they're supposed to be the instructor and getting a grip of money for it). I've been studying, writing and rewriting for 25+ years and yet to find my scripts a home (though A list directors and writers have phoned me about my writing, and came close to some options/purchase)...this last week, I did enter my first screenwriting contest ever, called Austin Film Festival, so we'll find out in 6 months (end of 2023) if anything happens.
Austin Film fest now gets over 14,000 scripts each yr. I entered it several times when submissions were below 9000 scripts, I found out the readers don't get paid to read submissions, does this affect your chances of winning , still don't know, good luck
@michaelsix9684 I didn't advance - BUT a reader admitted they don't care about about writing, "Just glance over 100 to qualify for my free badge pass." Think about that.
This for film courage
If I have a story for a netflix show then tell me how can I contact u because I don't have ur no. ,email ,or any things if u can then just reply
Networking can come in a variety of ways for example. I'm 22 working a job as a security guard at a dialysis clinic. I long to be a writer bringing my messager bag (which I call my traveling writers bag) to work everyday to work on my scripts. After weeks of seeing me with this bag my supervisor finally says "What's with the bag?" "Are you a computer programmer or something?" I tell him no I'm actually an aspiring screenwriter and then the unthinkable happens. My supervisor tells me that his brother is an executive producer at universal studios and says he's gonna ask him to speak to me. His producer brother hates talking to people he doesnt know but my supervisor begs him to talk to me, he says I'm a good guy and the whole 9 yards. After a short phone call my supervisor comes back to me and gives me his brother's number. I call talk with him and then boom I have an industry mentor and the opportunity to pitch to executives when I'm ready. It's a small world, you never know who knows who. You dont always have to go to an LA party
Wow what an amazing story. How’s your journey going so far? We’re you able to pitch anything to him?
So true...speak because you never know who's listening.