Getting a top agent

[liveslaughsloves]

I was glad to see someone from ICM is posting here so I will know the response is not a guess. I am a writer who hasn't sold anything yet. No credentials. A lot of people suggest you should enter contests to have something to brag about in your query letters. That seems silly to me. Does anyone really feel more respect for a writer who can list contest winning credentials? If it does impress, please tell me and I'll start entering now.

I have written a script I believe to have blockbuster potential. (Yes, I know, me and every other writer) I was thinking of approaching an agent, but not many will want to read the script of a new writer. I see on the WGA website that many agencies say they want a references. Surely they don't mean my non-writing day job? I don't want to annoy people who would rather not hear from me or pass up a chance because I made a wrong assumption that my query letter would net only a quick "get lost" form letter from the secretary.

Would it help to have a professional reader evaluate my script and send the notes along or would that be a gaffe? If sending the notes is not a mistake, is there a reader in Hollywood who is more respected than the others? Thanks for the help.

[jimjimgrande]

unless the reader works at the agency you are sending your script to, it's not going to help.

and if he/she does, it probably won't help much anyway.

sending positive coverage from a script service along with your script would be a no-no.

and no readers in this town get much respect though some are less respected than others.

[Gary Whitta]

When an agency says it wants a "reference" it means they only accept submissions from writers who have been referred (recommended) by a writer who is already represented by them, or at least known to them.

Needless to say, that's not an easy thing to accomplish.

[liveslaughsloves]

Thanks guys. That was just what I needed to know.

[burnaise]

a referral can also come from producers, studio execs, managers or lawyers. it just needs to be someone in the industry.

as far as script readers go, there are decent ones out there...but their purpose is not to get you representation...it's to make sure that if you do get the referral from one of the above, that your script is in worthy condition to be presented. if you've only had friends or family read your script, it's probably not a bad idea to hire someone with an objective eye.

best of luck.

[Totiwos]

How do you meet the people who have the power to provide this type of access?

For those of you who have given a referral, what do you look for before you'll give one?

[freebaser14]

My referral came from a director of development at a production company. We have been friends since college. The whole thing was timing. If you cast the net wide enough (i.e. looking through friends, family, co-workers, etc.), I believe there is a solid chance you can find someone who knows someone in the biz.

[Gary Whitta]

*self-deleted for being snippy*

[filmcarver]

Getting notes on your script for a solid re-write from a quality referred source is an excellent idea. This requires due diligence. There is no need to submit their notes or coverage, you hired them to help you write a more solid and marketable project, not write it for you.

Forget about big agencies or getting an agent for now. Just produce the work and find your market.