How do agents create Buzz? to increase a sale price?

[AJ]

I was just wondering, how do they do this?
I heard they send out copies to a bunch of people -- creating talk -- which ups the price.
Does anyone know specifics?
Just interested.

[Ivylilly]

Nowardays is just sending out scripts hoping someone buys them. I haven't heard of bidding wars happening over specs lately. Adaptations - yes. But those already have a buzz...

[Steve]

they create buzz by talking about the script before it goes out. They'll call people, give a mini-pitch, say "this is going out next week" etc. They might even give one or two people an "advance read" a day or two before it goes wide. They can also try to manipulate the chatter on tracking boads. Then other producers may call and ask to read the script based on the "buzz" or what they've read on the tracking boards.

If someone is interested, they might tell the other parties "WB is going to make an offer" etc. But buzz isn't going to pump up the price unless you have several people who want the script.

[wcmartell]

Envelopes full on angry hornets.

[Winter in New York]

Envelopes full on angry hornets.

Cue the mix up at the Oscars:

Alec Baldwin is standing on stage about to read out the Best Supporting Actor, Oscar.

Alec
And the winner is...

...only for 2000 angry hornets to suddenly fly out when the envelope is ripped open... :p

[reddery]

Maybe find someone famous that wants to star in the film