Seeking Representation: Managers First, Agents Later.

For a screenwriter trying to break into the business, “How do I get an agent” is the wrong question to ask.

This happened recently on Twitter.

I once asked a manager what the difference was between a manager and an agent. His response: “A manager wears blue jeans. An agent wears a suit.”

There are managers. There are agents. Each can be different. But I think there is a fundamental truth to the above observation.

Agents are basically deal-makers. That can mean everything from talking up writer clients to studio and network execs, producers, and talent to negotiating deal points. Hence, suits.

Managers are more involved in the creative life of the writer: providing feedback on potential story concepts; working with the writer as they develop a treatment or outline; providing script notes or feedback on pitches. Hence, blue jeans.

Again, this can vary from one manager to the next. Many managers are former agents and function as a kind of “magent” who gets more involved in making deals. Plus, managers are also in the business of promoting their clients for potential projects and facilitating the writer’s networking opportunities.

But here’s the big thing: As a rule, agents do not accept unsolicited material

Many managers do. In fact, a lot of managers encourage writers to send inquiries to them via an email portal.

That‘s inquiry. You inquire first. If they request your script, then you send them your script.

I’ve written about this before: The Path of Least Resistance to Get Representation in Hollywood. This details an approach to presenting oneself to managers.

Bottom line: In my view, the question you should be asking is, “How do I get a manager?”

Good luck!