I need a little advice from those who have some level of knowledge in this. Let's say, for instance, that I've just finished my feature script. Honestly, I think it has potential, and most of the people who have read it think the same. Do I look for someone to help me shop it? (agent??). Do I spread it around myself. I need to know what you guys think?

Agent.

Fact: They don't charge a fee. They collect a percentage of earnings - there's a contract. Get a law-educated friend.

Festival it. But I would talk to an agent because their's alot of stuff we (young writer/filmmakers) don't know about the legal side of things.

- C. Davis
YELLOW HAMMER PRODUCTIONS

Jay could feild this question even better, since he goes to bed with an agent every night (Plenty of people have felt "screwed" by their agent, but Jay took to a whole new level and married one. LOL j/k bud.)

If your just interested in selling the script and not directing it yourself this might be a good qway to go. Its difficult to get agent representation for a script, but it could happen. There are festivals with screenplay contests and it could be a good way to gain exposure (winning them ofcourse)

If you want to direct it, better to start looking for investors. You need a business plan, and a budget breakdown. Its good to also already attatch atleast your D.P./cinematographer and perhaps actors (especially if you can get a name attatched. This is a good way to sell th script as well) Then start hittting up rich folk. Dentist and doctors seem to be the best bet.

It really depends on what you want to do. I hope this shed some ligh on the dark places.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans
Tizzy Entertainment "Redemption" Hi-Def trailer

Could you breakdown some legal troubles that could occur when submitting a film? I don't have money for an agent, and don't want to get screwed!

First, you don't need money for an agent. Secondly, get your script copywrited (www.loc.gov) and registered with the WGA (www.wga.com) I think those are the sites.

Basically, don't get screwed! Obvious - an agent (this goes for everything in the field - modeling, acting, writing, etc) will not ask for money up front. They get money from your work.

After you've copywrited your work you can send it into agencies and/or production companies (a concept letter usually is the first thing you send).

You just need to make sure you read any and all contracts thoroughly! I don't know how old you are but if you're young, you may want an adult (with a dictionary) to read it and explain it.

Try negotiating: if you're good they'll want you. If you're really good, they'll take you at 5-10% (this usually requires prior successes).

Anyway that's just a few pointers.

MAINLY - copywrite and register you works (hell film yourself reading the screenplay with the news on in the back ground or something...) and don't pay an agent upfront. remember, he/she gets a percentage (make sure that they only get paid for work they get you).

About the last thing. Make sure that if you happen to be with this agent for like 6 months and they don't get you any work then they should drop you or your contract should disipate. If it doesn't they may have a right to your optioned script you write 10 years from now that you got 450,000 for and you'd owe them 20-30% (or something) of that. Just make sure.

I had an agent, there was a stipulation that if they didn't get me work in a year then I was free from their contract - I'm ugly, it's a modeling agency - it's been 3 years... haha! I'm free! Peace, hope this helps.

- C. Davis
YELLOW HAMMER PRODUCTIONS

Ha... Ha.. Yes Tizzy, my agent is screwing me! But in a good way... LOL

Clink the like below Olivier , it'll take you to a thread that has just about everything you need to know. All
the info is legit! And yes like the others have said ------- Rule #1 is to n ev er pay for anything , if someone
says they charge upfront that is your first clue that they aren't really in the biz... so run! It's hard as crap
to get a legit agent, but don't give up. It's been done, so you can do it to!

*Anyway , read this , all of it (scroll down to my last post then read what's on the next page):


CLICK
THIS........


Jayy+