Why/How-Getting an Agent?

[DallasMorgan]

Hello,
I know this is a screenwriting page, but I am a Director, and this is the only place I could find that had a message board about agents, etc.

I'm just curious on what needs to happen in order for a director to get an agent? Also is it necessary for a Director to have an agent?

Thanks a lot.

My Name Is Dallas Morgan.

[creativexec]

In order to really compete - especially as your
career expands - you need representation.

Once you're on the "A" list, offers will come to
you.

But until that time (and most talent never ends
up on the "A" list), you need someone who has
access to information and the contacts to get
you on the radar screen and into meetings.

Competition is fierce.

As a director, you need to make a movie or
two in order to get an agent. An agent
needs to be convinced that you have talent.

A really good student film (that wins awards)
can land you an agent. An independent film
that impresses at a film festival can land you
an agent.

Also contests for directors could get you
some attention. Project Greenlight remains
the easiest way to direct to a major film.

The odds of winning and directing a "studio"
film (with PGL) are like 1 in 3000 - versus
the 1 in a million shot that a studio will
give a newcomer a directing job.

Of course winning a contest or making a
film is no guarantee of finding a rep -
especially if the product isn't all that good.

Music videos have been a popular entry
point for Hollywood directors. But those
jobs - like the big ones - also have to be
sought after and won.

With the birth of DV, everyone makes
movies. It used to be really cool when
someone made a film. But with the relative
ease (and lower costs), films circulate town
like screenplays. It isn't all that impressive
anymore.

The best way to direct is to get into the
biz as a writer/director. Sell a script or two,
gets some assignments, and then (with your
one or two films in your back pocket) position
yourself to direct.

A good agent will help with these sorts of
strategies.

This will take time, but if you're not in it for
the long haul - get out now.

A director can try to obtain a rep the same
way a screenwriter can - query agents and
push the film like a scribe would peddle a
screenplay.

Good luck.

[DallasMorgan]

Hey,
I appreciate the input and advice! I'll definately keep all of this mind and put it into action.

Thanks again.

My Name Is Dallas Morgan.

[snwshrddr]

I've just joined this forum and saw your posting. You asked an exact question that I wanted to ask! I'm a director who's looking for an agent or manager as well. I have a couple of short films under my sleeves and a feature script I'm finishing up. I've been invited to a film festival or two, but not making money directing yet!! Quite frustrating... But gotta keep trying, yeah?

What's your background?

SNW

[snwshrddr]

Dear Creativexec,

I just wanted to say thanks so much for taking your time to answer Dallas' question. As I mentioned to him below I'd wanted to ask exactly the same question when I came to visit this board!

I wrote and directed a short film, which was well received at a couple of festivals and a few screenings in and out of town. Though no directing deals have come out of it, a few people have suggested that I should write a feature script based on my short. Now I am about to finish the screenplay I'm looking for a way to approach the "right" people. I've been told it'll be very difficult to have a first-time director attached to the project even if it's struck a deal. Would you please give me an advice as to what question I should ask and how I should present myself in the initial phone conversation when I contact an agent (or his assistant or what-not.) as an aspiring director with no connection?

Thank you so much for your time!
SNW