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What exactly does an agent do? Do I need one? And how do I go about finding one?

Well, yes and no to needing an agent - the jury seems to be out on this one. Firstly there’s the school of ‘I’m far better off doing it all myself’. Some writers - even those who are signed up with a major agency – feel that they are a treated by agents like a tiny anchovy in a very large ocean. They prefer to be proactive, targeting exactly the people that they want to see their script. And, of course, there’s the big advantage of not having to cough up 10-15% of your fee and hand it over to someone who you might happen to believe is not doing their job as thoroughly as they could be.
 
On the other hand… Agents are professionals and having an agent can give you very real advantages over the competition whilst saving you from having to acquire skills that range from dealing with legal shenanigans to hustling. Whereas certain readers are happy to receive unsolicited scripts, others won’t glance at a submission that doesn’t bear the name of a well-regarded agent, in the knowledge that an agent will already have separated the wheat from the chaff. Having an agent tells the world that someone other than yourself has confidence in your work and considers it to be marketable. Many writers recommend that you should get yourself an agent at all costs, claiming that any name is better than none at all. But it is undeniable that if you’re signed up with William Morris more doors will open than if you’re with someone operating from their own sitting room. A good agent will ensure that you get the best deal; put you up for projects; keep you informed about the process; give you creative advice; give you career advice; and ensure that you don’t get screwed.
 
There are a number places to start finding an agent. Firstly, buy yourself a copy of The Filmmakers' Yearbook (updated annually and available from The Script Factory Shop). There’s also a list of agents at the subscription based website www.writernet.org.uk. If your ambitions embrace Hollywood, then look at the Writers Guild of America website at www.wga.org. You’ll certainly find it easier to get an agent if you have already created a profile for yourself. Even if you don’t already have a burgeoning CV of produced scripts, try to get yourself some kind of industry endorsement. For example, several writers have found agents or producers after having their work performed as part of The Script Factory’s on-going series of readings of un-produced scripts (see for details).

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