Message Board

I have a question about responses from agencies and production companies. If you do not get responses whether they be good or bad from the places you sent your queries,what is the proper protocol? Do you contact them to follow up or do you send another? Do you think you get a better response if you fax instead of mail? Thanks in advance!

Lorie

Depends how long it's been. Give them a good while, most of these places are swamped with submissions. Include an SASE with your query. Chances are, if they don't respond, that they are just not interested. It wouldn't hurt you to follow up, but I don't know that it would help if they're just not interested.

Some people like to fax but I have always thought snail is more polite. Faxing uses up their resources (paper, the line the fax comes in on) and seems more intrusive. Though if some places will accept e-queries I definitely do that, it saves on time and postage. Make sure they're willing to accept them first, though, or they may think you're obnoxious.

I have a question for you, Lorie; you post lots of questions, then don't respond when people answer them for you. Are these helping you at all? It would be nice to have a sense that you're reading them.

Miriam

HEY MORALGAMI!!!

BLESS YER HELP-FULLNESS!!!

She's reading each word and gleaning your helpful observations, for that which will jumpstart her career - just like everybody else here!

You are cherished by many, many here, so, please understand that you've helped a GREAT MANY!!!

YOU GET NUTTIN' BUTT KUDOS!!!D.G.

NOTE TO: Lori BE!!!

Reciprocation is not expected but acknowledgement goes a LONG WAY!!!

As for not getting responses? Well, my goodness MS. B??? Haven't YOU been reading the local "Pro-Readers"???? They specifically state all our works are shit unless they are handed to the powers that be ... upstairs!

So, if you know someone that works upstairs, contact them and take them to a movie ... YOURS!!!

Otherwise, network, network, network for those upstair connections, as your query, script or treatment ends up underneath the script the Pro Readers just got tossed back, with thier nom de plume' with a red line through it and the scribbled admonition,

"Never send me this idiot's shit again!"

GET IN ON THE DV REVOLUTION!!!D.G.

Miriam

I want you to know that I do read everyones responses. I do appreciate them a great deal.Yes they have been a great help because they have given me a better understanding of things I wasn't sure of before or didn't quit get.I check the boards as often as I can.

Im also begining to realize that its next to impossible to get into this business without knowing someone or without an agent.Its kind of like when you come out of school and cant get a job because eveeryone wants experience,but how do you get it if nobody gives you a chance.You dont get far without an agent but its hard to get one if nobody gives you a chance.

Thank you again everyone for your help,sorry I didn't respond sooner.

Lorie

Don't worry, my feelings weren't hurt or anything like that; I just wanted to be sure we were answering on a level that was helpful to you. In some ways, you may be right, but let me tell you this: I have an agent, but she's only doing my children's books, she doesn't do screenplays, and I've only had her for a week so far! And I don't know anyone. Worse yet, I live in flyover land. So it's possible to get some work writing even with my obstacles. The key? Learn as much as you can about writing well; join a good writing workshop or take classes, read, write, do the kind of e-networking you're trying to do. Then just get your stuff out there. Be willing to go with a small, independent, or start-up producer when you're starting out. They are more likely to read your work than an agent or studio. Will they pay you? Hopefully, if you know what's reasonable to ask for. Will they get the movie made? Again, hopefully, if they can get the financing, etc., that it takes. Is it a gamble? Every time. But it doesn't hurt to get information and an attorney if you need one, when the time comes.

Good luck.

Miriam

Lori

I think what Miriam is saying is very sensible. Also, if you did read all the other posts this last week or so... don’t get too intimidated.

The horror stories (at least from my part) apply only to the top of the game.

I think I said that before, but I just wanted to point it out again. So if you don’t aim that ridiculously high, then your chances are far better then the near impossible that it is at such places like ICM, CAA, William Morris, etc.

Manfred