Parting ways with an agent

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  • Parting ways with an agent

    I had the same agent for eight years, at one of the bigs. Over time, I became convinced I was getting lost in the shuffle, so I finally asked him straight-up. He admitted I was, and I got the impression that wouldn't be changing any time soon. That's really tough to hear, but it's something I wish he'd told me ages ago.

    So we parted ways, which felt like willingly stepping off a plank. I've never had another agent - would I be able to find one? Is my career over? It doesn't take a lot to make a screenwriter doubt himself. But as my wife said, sticking with a rep who doesn't believe in you is time wasted (note: she's with Verve and very happy).

    It wasn't until things ended that I realized I had options. I took meetings and found a new agency who made me feel wanted, and I'm invigorated beyond belief. This was all in the space of a week. Now I wish I'd done this long ago, but better late than never.

    This post is directed toward people who truly worry they're being taken for granted. I'm not talking about things just being slow (that's Hollywood, for most of us), I'm talking about an honest-to-God "I don't think I'm on my agent's radar at all" situation. I put up with it for years and shouldn't have. Everybody's situation is different, but I would urge any writer who suspects they're being lost in the shuffle to have that hard conversation. It's uncomfortable and might result in an answer that breaks your heart, but at least you'll know. At the very least, it'll give your agent a heads-up that you're not happy and things need to change.
    Last edited by ProfessorChomp; 01-24-2014, 04:44 PM.
    https://twitter.com/DavidCoggeshall
    http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1548597/

  • #2
    Re: Parting ways with an agent

    How did you go about the process of setting up those meetings with potential new agents? Just querying, or something else?

    How much work had you done in the couple of years prior to this happening?

    Thanks.

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    • #3
      Re: Parting ways with an agent

      My manager put out the feelers and set the meetings.
      https://twitter.com/DavidCoggeshall
      http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1548597/

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      • #4
        Re: Parting ways with an agent

        Agreed. You've got to do what is best for YOUR career. If your agent gets work for every client but you, it doesn't help YOU. So good for your wife (I mean you) for standing up for yourself.

        My question, is what did the manager say or do about this? We told our agent we weren't happy with our manager and he did what they usually do and blame us/defend manager. So that was very supportive.

        You need to leave reps that aren't working hard for you anymore or often at all for you. However, what I've noticed is that some writers totally understand this from experience, but the writers who had success with a rep(s) right away for sure don't get writers like us in this situation. I for one feel that subtext of "what did you do wrong" when explaining how I've been treated.

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        • #5
          Re: Parting ways with an agent

          We had a decent run for a while. Got a movie made, did some polish work and had some sales here and there, but things had kind of dried up in the past year or so. Work wasn't being pushed, calls weren't getting returned, etc.

          Manager was really relieved at my decision. He felt the same way, but hadn't said anything because my former agent had introduced me to him to begin with, which put him in an awkward position. Now we're both psyched to make this new start.
          https://twitter.com/DavidCoggeshall
          http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1548597/

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          • #6
            Re: Parting ways with an agent

            ProfessorChomp this is a great post. All writers should read what you wrote. I went through a similar situation two years ago. Leaving my old agent was the best decision of my career. My new agents are rockstars and on point.

            Don't be the battered spouse. Writers are talent, if your agent isn't getting the job done, don't be afraid to cut ties and move on. It'll be best for you in the long run.

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            • #7
              Re: Parting ways with an agent

              Wow, that's pretty cool. I was braced for a sad, pained story, but it ended up a feel-good. Don't ever feel the chance for accomplishment has been lost, just because time has. The way I feel is, if you've lived longer than James Dean, you're pretty much betting on house money and have nothing to lose, so you've always got a chance. Just have to make up for lost time.

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              • #8
                Re: Parting ways with an agent

                Good post.
                Twitter @CameronAlxander

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                • #9
                  Re: Parting ways with an agent

                  I went through a very similar situation the past 6 months. Had a bigger name agent and I was low on the totem pole. Lots of red flags present over the last 2.5 years that I ignored or brushed off as normal for someone my level.

                  I got a lucky break in that one of my managers I had signed with earlier that year left to become and agent and asked me to follow. I did and it's been great. More attention, more meetings, more communication, etc.

                  Kind of sad that I had built a better relationship with him in 6 months than I had with my other agent in over two years.

                  Sometimes it's just not a fit or it's not working and the sooner you admit that to yourself the better off you will be whether it's going to another rep/company or going solo for a while until you figure yourself out and write the next best thing.
                  Quack.

                  Writer on a cable drama.

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                  • #10
                    Re: Parting ways with an agent

                    Originally posted by ProfessorChomp View Post
                    So we parted ways, which felt like willingly stepping off a plank. I've never had another agent - would I be able to find one? Is my career over? It doesn't take a lot to make a screenwriter doubt himself. But as my wife said, sticking with a rep who doesn't believe in you is time wasted (note: she's with Verve and very happy).
                    Quick question, did you inform your manager before you departed? I only ask because I've heard some recommend lining up another agency while still repped, then making the cut.

                    Doesn't surprise me about Verve. I know several assistants over there and that agency works their ass off for their clients.
                    "Write every day. Don't quit. The rest is all bullshit." - Brian Koppelman

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                    • #11
                      Re: Parting ways with an agent

                      I did inform my manager beforehand (at least that I was going to instigate "the talk" about my dissatisfaction). He basically said "Finally!" As soon as the departure became fact, he started setting up meetings.
                      https://twitter.com/DavidCoggeshall
                      http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1548597/

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Parting ways with an agent

                        Excellent post. And so, so true. I'm currently in a similar situation (still searching for the new one), and I agree that there's nothing worse than clinging to a dead relationship. It's such a waste of time and another source of stress which you don't need.

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