The Art of the Query

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  • #31
    Re: The Art of the Query

    Originally posted by madyellowduck View Post
    Disclaimer: this is by no means exhaustive or a claim to be the definitive method of querying. But as we're at the start of the query season (and procrastination being the writer's best friend...) - some collected thoughts on this subject. I am sure there are many others with useful experiences as well to contribute.

    As Sundance is Jan 20-30th, there are many who say that the Town really only gets back to work after that. Which means anyone planning to query has a good 2-3 weeks to prep for open query season.

    PREPARATION

    - Buy a subscription to IMDB Pro. You will need this to establish a manager/agent's client list, which is essential in order to position your query to the right person but also, to someone open to your genre. A Trial to studiosystem.com is far more useful. People in lit use it more than imdb.pro

    - Download the Limama's Lit Manager list* (for the emails but you'll also get the emails from IMDB pro) and run the names against Trackingb to see what are the types of scripts they have taken out in the last year (trackingb's old entries are free).

    * I do not have a copy of this list. Please post your request above for it from the DDP community.

    - Set up a spreadsheet to track your queries and progress then key in the names of the reps you plan to query. Remember to fill the sheet as you go along so you don't double query someone accidentally.

    - Proofread your script thoroughly - it's a good idea to get another pair of eyes as you'll be amazed how many typos appear to the person not reading the script for the 40th time. (especially important if English is not your first language)

    - PDF the file.

    - Draft Query Letter.

    THE QUERY LETTER

    Crafting a query is more challenging than it seems - brevity without sacrificing impact is required. There are varied opinions on whether or not you should use a catchy subject line, place the word Query in your subject line, introduce yourself etc etc. Personally I put the word query in the subject heading because I don't see the point in 'tricking' someone to read your query by making them think it's something else. Some managers on the other hand may admire the ingenuity that goes into that. I'm practical and prefer it if people are straight with me. But this is open to debate.

    - Place the TITLE and GENRE in the subject line. This way, they can decide EVEN faster if they want to open the mail or not.

    - Address them by name.

    - If you think their list closely connects to the type of genre you write, mention this briefly - this appeals to some managers but not all. But don't stuff it in for the sake of it. That being said, do try to make your query personal in some way but only if you can.

    - Mentioning your script is similar to something they sold recently looks like you've done your homework but may make them simply lose interest (why would they want to sell the same thing twice?). If the genre is the same you might be safe, but certainly not the same concept. Only do this if you really know what you are talking about and have a great example. Plus, you can easily reference an older film. I'd love to be sent a new DIE HARD.

    - Include a VERY BRIEF INTRO of yourself but only if you have a background that matters ie: MFA in Film/Writing. A significant contest placement/win is worth mentioning VERY BRIEFLY. The intro should be no more than 2 short sentences. Two short ones at most

    - LOGLINE - most important part of the query letter. Short, brief, but catchy. This is the part of the Query that requires the most effort. Good steps to take include getting it critiqued at DDP's forums but also, don't use the first logline you write. Try writing it out in 20-30 different ways - it's like crafting a tagline or a slogan. You rarely get it right the first time. The most important part of your letter. I am sent dozens of these per week, i may read one per month (if that). Sadly this is because what most new writers fail to realize is that it all comes down to a great, commercial idea. I don't want to read THE BREAKFAST CLUB meets DRIVING MISS DAISEY (yes, ideas like that are sent out daily).

    - Have more than one logline to use to query. If you have two scripts on hand, it helps because

    a) some managers want to see more than one script before signing
    b) if your first batch of queries doesn't work, you have a 2nd script to try with.

    SENDING QUERIES

    Use a neutral email address (something that doesn't give away a foreign location although nowadays, newer managers don't seem to have issues with this). A professional email address (your name/initials etc) is better than one with your pet nickname.

    Batching out queries is a good idea so send out 10-20 at your first go. This enables you to test your logline - if at the end of 20 queries and you have no nibble, test another 20 with a different logline. If at the end of 200 queries (random number I selected), you have NO READS, the query is definitely flawed and possibly, the script may not be right for the market. (ie: you query a western after westerns died at the b.o). This should be perfect before sending out. Run it by your friends, other writers, even the random person at star bucks before sending it out.

    Although some people take the view that you should follow up with a query, I am not of the view that's necessary except perhaps where you are querying off someone's recommendation. Otherwise, it's less torturous (and less emotionally stressful) to just assumed they pass.

    EXPECTATIONS AND OUTCOMES

    No reply effectively should be interpreted as PASS. Some managers will actually deign to reply 'Not for me', but you should also expect some to just ignore your query entirely or not bother to answer 'no'. Silence is best interpreted as a polite no. Very true.

    'not for me' is just shorthand for anything from 'too busy now' to 'not really interested' to 'that's the worst idea I've ever heard'. It is productive to NOT badger someone into the reasons why they didn't want to read the script OR to be pissed off. They may tell you what was the reason briefly or they may not. They may offer comments or they may not. At the end of the day, move on is the operative mindset here.

    READ REQUEST - Bingo. Send PDF asap. I'm of the view that rewriting a script after a request has been received is a bad idea - you don't want to delay their interest and it seems unprofessional (why are you querying if it's not ready). A quick 24 hour proofread for typos maybe but a read request should be responded to asap.

    A READ REQUEST could be followed up with

    a) REPRESENTATION (!!!) - break out the bubbly. You're signed.

    b) LET'S CHAT - this is when they're not sure and want to know more about you or want to get a better sense of the person they're thinking about signing. This could happen with Jnr Managers (they need to convince the pecking order to sign) or it could just happen for Managers who are selective with who they work with.

    Sometimes, they offer you notes or suggestions for improvements but there is no overt offer of representation.

    It's a good idea during the phone call to have 1-2 loglines to throw at them to see if they are interested to read your other material (another reason to have more than one iron in the fire). Most importantly is to specifically ask if it's okay to send them other stuff in the future.

    It is best not to mull over the reasons for (b) - they could be numerous or just random (they're too busy to take someone then, they were tired, they liked the script but aren't sure about you etc etc). See it as a door opened, an opportunity for the future.

    If (a) is the appropriate response, it is best not to get too excited either. There are cases of reps losing interest quickly after signing on someone. Treat it as a positive move forward, but not the be all and end all.

    FOLLOW UP

    A read request should always be followed up - one week (including a weekend since a lot of reads are done over the weekend) is a good idea, but up to two weeks for someone to read is also possible. That being said, some managers also read very fast and respond quickly but those aren't the ones you'd have to follow up with usually! Follow up on the Monday after the 2nd weekend has past.

    I personally think two follow ups (reminder,2nd reminder) should be the max - beyond that and it becomes stalking.

    QUERIES OUTSIDE USA

    - A Blackberry will make your life less stressful because when you query, your life suddenly becomes taken over by email and you are held hostage by your computer. Since H'wood's day is night on the other side of the world, a BB will let you know at least when you wake up that either today was your day, or not your day (try again)

    - It is possible to secure representation from outside of the USA but not all managers are prepared to handle this. But there are a lot of signs that this is increasingly changing - DDP has a number of people who live outside of the US and who are repped by managers in the US. Find out who these managers are as they would be more open to foreign queries. But generally, don't limit yourself. If they love your writing (and think they can make money from you), they'll find a way to make it work.

    Additional Further Useful Information can be found at the post Query Letters, Tips, Dos and Don'ts written by CommandD (a producer)
    Given how may of these I have been sent recently, I thought I'd add some thoughts to this post. See in red above.

    Nice outline you put together.
    twitter.com/mbotti

    Comment


    • #32
      Re: The Art of the Query

      Originally posted by michaelb View Post
      Given how may of these I have been sent recently, I thought I'd add some thoughts to this post. See in red above.

      Nice outline you put together.
      Hi Michael - thanks for adding your thoughts - most valuable to everyone here.

      I only have one question/query to add/raise - I could be wrong on this so if I could get some info on this, I will tweak the original post to reflect the info.

      Studiosystems.com is actually way more expensive than IMDBPro (I believe IMDB is USD125 vs Studio System which is USD60 a month - I stand corrected). Both IMDBPro and Studiosystems offer a trial period but it's easier to get your trial going on IMDBPro (where it's fully automated) than Studiosystems, where you need to fill in a form etc. Not that it adds a substantial amount of time to the equation but it's just an extra hassle I guess.

      I am not sure how much research someone can do in the trial membership period (which I believe is only for 1 month). For a aspiring writer, my view IMDB Pro is more affordable in the long-term, even if it is not always as up to date as Studio Systems.

      There is also (no verification on how good this is) Contactourage which is offered by the people behind Trackingb.com which offers a comprehensive collection of email contacts and detailed client list info.

      Appreciate comments/thoughts on this so that I can add/edit the original document accordingly.
      Last edited by madyellowduck; 02-06-2011, 03:01 AM. Reason: made it clearer.

      Comment


      • #33
        Re: The Art of the Query

        Originally posted by madyellowduck View Post
        Hi Michael - thanks for adding your thoughts - most valuable to everyone here.

        I only have one question/query to add/raise - I could be wrong on this so if I could get some info on this, I will tweak the original post to reflect the info.

        Studiosystems.com is actually way more expensive than IMDBPro (I believe IMDB is USD125 vs Studio System which is USD60 a month - I stand corrected). Both IMDBPro and Studiosystems offer a trial period but it's easier to get your trial going on IMDBPro (where it's fully automated) than Studiosystems, where you need to fill in a form etc. Not that it adds a substantial amount of time to the equation but it's just an extra hassle I guess.

        I am not sure how much research someone can do in the trial membership period (which I believe is only for 1 month). For a aspiring writer, my view IMDB Pro is more affordable in the long-term, even if it is not always as up to date as Studio Systems.

        There is also (no verification on how good this is) Contactourage which is offered by the people behind Trackingb.com which offers a comprehensive collection of email contacts and detailed client list info.

        Appreciate comments/thoughts on this so that I can add/edit the original document accordingly.
        You would be surprised how much information you can retrieve in a month. Over the course of about 10 or so hours, via IMDbPro, I put together a list of close to 40 people I want to query. I must say, though, that site is severely lacking in the functionality department. I would love to do a trial at Studio System, as it appears to be much neater and more user friendly. No way in hell I would actually subscribe. In fact, I'm only using IMDbPro for the two week trial I'm allowed. I have no plans to keep up a subscription there, as useful as it may be. (Also, I'm a broke college student, and 15 bucks a month, on top of other things, can and will break the bank.)

        INT. PINEAPPLE - DAY


        Comment


        • #34
          Re: The Art of the Query

          Hey guys,

          Quick Q, in re: to email heading title.

          Is it best to put Query in the title or just the title of the project.

          i.e. Query - TITLE (writer's name?)

          or

          Just the TITLE & author?

          Thanks

          Comment


          • #35
            Re: The Art of the Query

            Originally posted by madyellowduck View Post
            Hi Michael - thanks for adding your thoughts - most valuable to everyone here.

            I only have one question/query to add/raise - I could be wrong on this so if I could get some info on this, I will tweak the original post to reflect the info.

            Studiosystems.com is actually way more expensive than IMDBPro (I believe IMDB is USD125 vs Studio System which is USD60 a month - I stand corrected). Both IMDBPro and Studiosystems offer a trial period but it's easier to get your trial going on IMDBPro (where it's fully automated) than Studiosystems, where you need to fill in a form etc. Not that it adds a substantial amount of time to the equation but it's just an extra hassle I guess.

            I am not sure how much research someone can do in the trial membership period (which I believe is only for 1 month). For a aspiring writer, my view IMDB Pro is more affordable in the long-term, even if it is not always as up to date as Studio Systems.

            There is also (no verification on how good this is) Contactourage which is offered by the people behind Trackingb.com which offers a comprehensive collection of email contacts and detailed client list info.

            Appreciate comments/thoughts on this so that I can add/edit the original document accordingly.
            In a month you can get everyone's email address you need. You can also buy a copy of the Hollywood Creative Directory for about $80 that has many email addresses as well.

            Contactourage is pretty ridiculous. They just take peoples info and put it on there, many execs I know have it taken down when they find out they are listed.

            Best,

            Michael
            twitter.com/mbotti

            Comment


            • #36
              Re: The Art of the Query

              Mad Yellow,

              Many, many thanks for posting this up - immensely useful.

              As are your additions, Michael. Many thanks also.

              All the best,

              Mat.
              I'm a product of everything I've ever experienced ... I need to get out more!

              Comment


              • #37
                Re: The Art of the Query

                Originally posted by HitmanKelly View Post
                Hey guys,

                Quick Q, in re: to email heading title.

                Is it best to put Query in the title or just the title of the project.

                i.e. Query - TITLE (writer's name?)

                or

                Just the TITLE & author?

                Thanks
                This is splitting hairs. Some people think putting Query in the line makes potential reps inclined to delete your mail without looking. Honestly, I don't think that removing it necessarily actually makes them more inclined to look at it - these guys know a query from a mile away. it's a question of personal choice but for me, I prefer to be upfront.

                Comment


                • #38
                  Re: The Art of the Query

                  Originally posted by madyellowduck View Post
                  This is splitting hairs. Some people think putting Query in the line makes potential reps inclined to delete your mail without looking. Honestly, I don't think that removing it necessarily actually makes them more inclined to look at it - these guys know a query from a mile away. it's a question of personal choice but for me, I prefer to be upfront.
                  Thanks mate, so you'd say 'Query - Project title' or just 'query'?

                  Thanks again mate

                  Comment


                  • #39
                    Re: The Art of the Query

                    Originally posted by Bono View Post
                    Dear Joe,

                    Please consider reading my new comedy spec, MALL WHORES.

                    Two whores won't leave the mall until they bang 20 guys.

                    Thank you for your time and consideration.

                    Best,
                    Zeus
                    Every pitch I write will now begin "It's like Mall Whores in a [blank]"

                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Re: The Art of the Query

                      Originally posted by HitmanKelly View Post
                      Thanks mate, so you'd say 'Query - Project title' or just 'query'?

                      Thanks again mate
                      Really splitting hairs.

                      Comment


                      • #41
                        Re: The Art of the Query

                        Originally posted by madyellowduck View Post
                        Really splitting hairs.
                        Thanks. Gone for Query.

                        Comment


                        • #42
                          Re: The Art of the Query

                          Originally posted by elevenbulls View Post
                          Every pitch I write will now begin "It's like Mall Whores in a [blank]"
                          Winner.

                          Comment


                          • #43
                            Re: The Art of the Query

                            So have we tackled the big question of WHEN to send our bullet-proof logline and query? Does it matter in terms of a specific M-F day? AM? PM? Early evening? Weekend?

                            Yup, I love overthinking sh*t.

                            Of course, after reading the posting from the URL that was referenced earlier in this thread, I'm very reluctant to use a link to a short film trailer in my signoff (even though it's tucked far away at the bottom of the query).

                            Oh, bother.

                            Comment


                            • #44
                              Re: The Art of the Query

                              Originally posted by acquaformosa View Post
                              So have we tackled the big question of WHEN to send our bullet-proof logline and query? Does it matter in terms of a specific M-F day? AM? PM? Early evening? Weekend?

                              The best time is when Mars aligns itself perfectly with Saturn, giving off a warm and fuzzy glow noone can resist.
                              Or you can just do it now.



                              ew taylor

                              Comment


                              • #45
                                Re: The Art of the Query

                                Originally posted by acquaformosa View Post
                                So have we tackled the big question of WHEN to send our bullet-proof logline and query? Does it matter in terms of a specific M-F day? AM? PM? Early evening? Weekend?
                                Pointless question, because you have no control over when they actually READ the email.

                                Comment

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