Call Back Etiquette

[norgard]

My script is being read at a big Four Agency. What is the correct Etiquette with regard to how long I should wait to call them back?. Or should I just wait for them to call thinking if they are interested they will get in touch with me.

[Keith Kocaine]

If they are interested you'll hear from them. Give them about two months. If they don't contact you then it's time to make a call. You'll ask about the script and be ready to pitch them another one of your scripts. Chances are they'll request it, considering that they liked the idea of your first script enough to read it.

[SuckItUpGirl]

When you follow up, do you ask for the assistant (the person who requested the script) or for the agent?

[Keith Kocaine]

A very good question. You ask for the person who actually requested your script. That may be a manager, an agent or an assistant. Have your pitch written down and go for it! Good luck to both of you. Let me know how it goes. :)

[SuckItUpGirl]

Thanks Keith. But why do I have to have my pitch ready? I'd just be calling to ask whether they've had a chance to read my script yet, right? (tho it's been 6 weeks...)

Also, in my case it was an asst who called. Any thoughts as to what the best time to reach him is - e.g., early morn or late in the work day?

Thanks again.

[pnugentr]

Depending on the size of the angency, you would most likely be asked by reception who you are and why you are calling, and either get voicemail or no contact.

[norgard]

Thanks Keith,

Any idea how the read takes place. Is it sent out or is it handled internally by assistants and mailroom. Are there multiple reads?.

This is a top agent at a Major so I imagine he would have to have some reviews from some people he trusts before spending the time to read himself.

[pnugentr]

If it's a top agent at one of the big agencies, and the assistant requested the material, it is highly probable that the agent himself (or herself) has no knowledge of you at all yet. Depending on the strength of the coverage submitted to the requesting assistant, the agent may never be aware of you.

[norgard]

In my case the Agent has been a long time aquantice, so my contact is with him. Should I try to by-pass the assistant completly? or should I establish a relationship with him and use him as a buffer.

[pnugentr]

An acquaintance? I don't have any experience with that type od scenario, so I unfortunately have nothing of value to add. (boy, might be the first time anyone has ever said that on a messageboard!)

[Keith Kocaine]

Norgard & SuckItUpGirl --

You're both very welcome. Speaking from my experience, when I've called agency/management firms I identify myself to the receptionist and ask to speak to my contact. They always put me right through to the person's office. I usually get an assistant. But sometimes the bigshot answers.

Any idea how the read takes place. Is it sent out or is it handled internally by assistants and mailroom.

Norgard. You state that you're a long-time acquaintance of this agent who personally requested your s/p. Talk about good fortune! I know exactly how the read took place. Your friend read it. You should have no problem whatsoever getting through to him since he knows you.

Thanks Keith. But why do I have to have my pitch ready? I'd just be calling to ask whether they've had a chance to read my script yet, right? (tho it's been 6 weeks...)

SuckItUpGirl. Quite correct. You're calling to find out the status of your script. Perhaps they read it and it's a pass. Perhaps they haven't read it yet. In either case, the reason you want to have a pitch set to go is because you have them on the phone, they requested one of your s/ps already, so they're obviously interested in your writing. This is the ideal time to pitch them another script because the chances are that you'll get a request to send it.

As for when is the best time to call the assistant -- anytime is the best time. Well, you may want to avoid the lunch hour though.

Good luck girls. I truly wish you all the best.

[jimjimgrande]

My two cents -

If it's at one of the big five,or big three (never heard of the big four before)

It has very likely been sent for coverage - only a close personal friend would read it himself- 10% chance he gave it to an assistant for coverage.

Do not try to bypass the assistant but instead try to befriend that person. Their opinion of you will be based solely upon what your acquaintance thinks of you - so there's much to be learned in how they treat you.

I would follow up after four weeks - unless this agency happens to be Endeavor because they moved offices a couple weeks ago and more or less lost a week packing and unpacking.

When you call - just say - I'm so and so - I'm a friend of (agent) - I'm calling to follow up on my script (SCRIPT). get the assistants name and use it politely. Thank them for their help.

[norgard]

Thanks Jim,

I figure as well it is sent out for coverage. Is it one reader or mulitple reads?. I can accept mutiple rejection but one readers opinion.

I guess I need some patience it's only been in for Five days. I think I should be polite but at the same time force the issue otherwise god knows where the script could be laying around at.And Big Four, Big Five, Big Three. That's all relative.Think you get the gist.

Thanks again

[jimjimgrande]

You will get covered only once. Agencies don't have the money to pay readers (I am one/big 3) all that well for one script let alone pay multiple readers to cover the same script.

UTA and Endeavor (for the most part) use their assistants and do not employ many free-lancers.

Unless there was some specific reason not to, your script would be sent to the story department and put into the stacks for coverage. Since now's a slow time, a month should be enough time (we're running a week to ten days where I work, but sometimes - stuff happens - and it takes longer)

If you get a consider or a recommend - the agent then might put it into his read pile which could take another one to two weeks to get to - hence it all adds up to a month.

be patient - don't force the issue. If the agent passes, I suggest you politely ask WHY and take notes - try to identify the problems and see if they are fixable - you might get another read.

[norgard]

Thanks Jim, thats what I figured. Scary. Oh well Polite as you say is still the best approach.

[DevoGrrl]

When I interned at a big three, it was our job to read all the "consider" scripts (I've never seen a "recommend"). Then we'd pass the good ones (about 1/3) to the assistants. Then about 1/3 of those would go to agents who'd read them when they got nothing else to do. Summer is a slow time in LA so your chances are better.

[norgard]

Thanks interesting insight.

[Totiwos]

If you've left a message to follow up on a script that is with an agent, how long should you wait for a return call before assuming that there isn't any interest?

[Keith Kocaine]

From my experience, in 4 years of writing s/ps and leaving messages, I've never received a call back. I no longer leave messages. Just call back another day until the person answers.