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I'm meeting an agent next week - questions?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
For them, not me.
I want to go armed with a few questions so I can get a feel of how the whole process works - so if this doesn't come off, at least I'll be better prepared in the future.
What sort of stuff do you think I should ask that'll be beneficial - which I can pass on via the forum to all you folk.
(Apart from "Ten percent?! What the fuck?!"
Anyone else met with an agent yet, who can share their experiences?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mouse said:
Hmm. IM (h) O the way the meeting will go will very much depend on what sort of agent they are. Helpful I know.
It is a good idea to go with concise pitches of projects you want to do in the future and homes for them, casting ideas even. That will certainly make the conversation easier.
By means of example I think it's helpful to remember you need to realise 100k of work for the agent to make 10/12k from you in any year so it is a big decision for them to sign you. Sometimes it's helpful to think of the meeting in terms of helping the agent sell you on.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David H said:
Um, how much would you get to write one episode for the BBC? How many production companies would they shop a project around to? How much would you receive if it went to DVD? How much would you get if it was sold abroad or went to UK Gold etc?
They're all things I think we all want to know as they don't put it in the Writers & Artists Yearbook.
If the episode is well received, is the agent likely to get calls from anyone regarding you? How much does the agent expect you to write? If a company wants you to do something and you don't like the idea, would that sour your relationship with the agent?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Quote: David H @ March 28, 2008, 10:03 AMIf a company wants you to do something and you don't like the idea, would that sour your relationship with the agent?
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Professional writer, you say? I reckon until you have your own production company and some fairly hefty cajones, you write what you're told.
Just be thankful they don't make you write soap opera!
Dan
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, YesNo said:
BBC it's usually around £6000 per episode. It can be as litle as £4000 if it's for BBC4. It can be as much as £8000, but not very often.
If it goes to DVD there's usually a percentage of profits allocated to the writers if it's team written or a sketch show. Sometimes this will just be divided equally. Other times it will be based upon the percentage of work you had in the show. Even if the DVD sells well you will usually make far less than the initial fee.
If you created the entire show and own the format rights then you can do better. I think the standard package is around 7% of gross profits. Or, you can be like Eddie Izzard and make sure you run the whole operation. The problem is that you don't have much leverage when you start and you will be given the choice to take it or leave it.
If it goes abroad it varies from country to country. If it went out on the main netwrk in the USA you'd get 75%-100% of the original fee. Cable - 15%-25%. Then Australia 2%-5%. Iceland 2% etc etc.
If you sell the format rights, so they remake the show using your format the money is much higher,
Some questions for the agent:
What percentage will he be expecting? Some take as little as 10%, some 15%.
Which production companies does he mostly deal with and who are his contacts? Most agents have friends in the industry and these are the people that will see your work first.
How many clients does he represent? If it's a high figure you might not get that much attention.
Find out which shows his clients are currently working on.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, bushbaby said:
My advice would be, just be you, be personable. A lot goes on the chemistry between you and an agent. If they don't like your persona, they won't take you on, not even if you were Dickens. As a new writer, you don't need to be humble as such but neither should you come across as a know-it-all/smart arse.
Wait for them to kick off the interview.
Talk about what you have written so far and what you hope to write in the future. Don't get into percentages, it's probably 12% anyway.
Go nicely dressed too, they want to know if they can trust you to 'represent' them when you're out with producers/directors etc.
I know an agent represents 'you' but don't treat them as though you are the boss.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Bussell said:
Quote: bushbaby @ March 28, 2008, 10:45 AMMy advice would be, just be you.
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Unless of course in real life you're an insufferable arse, in which case you can be me.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Quote: David Bussell @ March 28, 2008, 10:49 AMUnless of course in real life you're an insufferable arse, in which case you can be me.
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Quality...
Dan
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, bushbaby said:
Also Seefacts, look them up in the writers and Artists year book, they should be listed in there and it will tell you what percent they take and who their clients are etc
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, YesNo said:
You have to get into percentages at some point. What would Siralan say? I agree you shouldn't wade in like you're all big business and you're going to kick some ass. There are other things you should discuss first. However, if you don't ask what it's going to cost you it will look equally bad, because it looks like you aren't taking it seriously. And, they will expect you to ask.
I do think it helps if you look like your not skint. This goes for any meetings you have as well. It gives them confidence in your ability. I'm sure there are those that get work dressed like tramps, but I think anything that helps in the early stages is worth it. It's not like the muisc industry where it'll be seen as part of your individuality. I wouldn't go as far as a tie or anything like that, but....You get the picture.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Thanks everyone, I'm going to write some of this down in a little note pad.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Bussell said:
Quote: Seefacts @ March 28, 2008, 12:37 PMThanks everyone, I'm going to write some of this down in a little note pad.
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Make it a flip chart, that'll blow them out of the water.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: David Bussell @ March 28, 2008, 10:49 AMUnless of course in real life you're an insufferable arse, in which case you can be me.
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This bit won't be making the cut though.
I'm an insufferable arse on here, so why would real life be any different?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Bussell said:
Quote: Seefacts @ March 28, 2008, 12:42 PMThis bit won't be making the cut though.
I'm an insufferable arse on here, so why would real life be any different?
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Hard to please, but I wouldn't say insufferable. And I do so love your head-to-head's with Mr Williams...
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: David Bussell @ March 28, 2008, 12:48 PMHard to please, but I wouldn't say insufferable. And I do so love your head-to-head's with Mr Williams...
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Epic.
He's not been around for a bit, either that or he's just avoiding any thread I'm involved in.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, dannyjb1 said:
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, zooo said:
SPONGE BOB.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, wayne lewis said:
I don't think a flip chart would be very impressive. How about an over head projector? I've got a lovely example cluttering up my attic. 1985 model, vintage year. Only 8 owners. Yours for £300. Bargain.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, bushbaby said:
Seefacts wrote....
I'm an insufferable arse on here,
.........................................
Correct
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: bushbaby @ March 28, 2008, 5:37 PMSeefacts wrote....
I'm an insufferable arse on here,
.........................................
Correct
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And someone took the bate . . .
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, bushbaby said:
Quote: Seefacts @ March 28, 2008, 5:43 PMAnd someone took the bate . . .
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bait
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: bushbaby @ March 28, 2008, 6:03 PMbait
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AGAIN, someone took the bate . . .
Oh no I'm trapped in a paradox!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, bushbaby said:
You've got to be woman always wanting the last word
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: bushbaby @ March 28, 2008, 6:20 PMYou've got to be woman always wanting the last word
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No way . . .
Shit!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Winterlight said:
James Williams: Don't be an arse
Seefacts: Thanks for the tip
That's some online dialogue which will make me laugh for many years.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Winterlight @ March 28, 2008, 9:11 PMJames Williams: Don't be an arse
Seefacts: Thanks for the tip
That's some online dialogue which will make me laugh for many years.
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Ahh, that takes me back.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, bushbaby said:
If you think I'm James Williams who ever he is forget it, I'm juggles on other forums and as my sig says, I'm all woman. KSSmiling can vouch for that as can Ray dawson and Foxybox
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: bushbaby @ March 28, 2008, 11:02 PMIf you think I'm James Williams who ever he is forget it, I'm juggles on other forums and as my sig says, I'm all woman. KSSmiling can vouch for that as can Ray dawson and Foxybox
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Don't worry we know who you are.
James is fella who I've had some lively discussions with.
Calm down, put the heating up really high, have some Worther's Originals then go and take a brand new and unnecessarily big car for a drive.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Winterlight said:
I'd check with the agent to see what his past record has been i.e who else he's represented and what he's done for them.
You're partly in the driving seat - your talent can bring them a good commission, so see what he/she can do for you.
If you're good enough, then you can afford to be choosy with who represents you.
Someone previously mentioned that your appearence would be important, but I think you should be more concerned with whether your agent is smart and professional themselves. They'll be the person making and breaking deals for you.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Seefacts you have to be careful about what powers he is going to want to have cos if you give him informed consent its basically like you've made the agreement if he makes a deal with a producer. So maybe you should ask how much consultation there will be during things like salary negociations.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Griff said:
Make sure he doesn't have a part-time job at Carphone Warehouse.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Antrax said:
Which one is it?
I only ask because despite making a reasonable amount of cash from writing in the last year or two, I don't seem to be able to get any reaction at all from agents. If you've found one who's willing to take a punt on new people, let me know. By PM, if you don't want to put it out in public.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Quote: Antrax @ March 29, 2008, 11:08 AMWhich one is it?
I only ask because despite making a reasonable amount of cash from writing in the last year or two, I don't seem to be able to get any reaction at all from agents. If you've found one who's willing to take a punt on new people, let me know. By PM, if you don't want to put it out in public.
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Yes, same here, please. Apart from the whole resonable ammount of cash part.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
It's more that he represents the producer I'm working with who's been really supportive, so it's recommendation based rather than me being just some unknown.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Antrax said:
Quote: Seefacts @ March 29, 2008, 12:09 PMIt's more that he represents the producer I'm working with who's been really supportive, so it's recommendation based rather than me being just some unknown.
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Fair enough - annoyingly, when I got my sitcom optioned, the person I was recommended to get in touch with by the production company had one set in a similar location with one of their writers, so weren't able to look at it due to conflict of interest.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Been advised to get myself an agent. I don't know... I think when I get to the point (hopefully in the not too distant future) of actually knowing I'm having something produced then I'll get around to it. Where Seefacts is sounds like the right time and way to go about it.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Antrax said:
Quote: Tim Walker @ March 29, 2008, 1:24 PMBeen advised to get myself an agent. I don't know... I think when I get to the point (hopefully in the not too distant future) of actually knowing I'm having something produced then I'll get around to it. Where Seefacts is sounds like the right time and way to go about it.
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Good luck. In the past year I've written stuff for broadcast, written a lucrative corporate script, become a published author, and had a two hour CD drama recorded and available via Amazon, and still can't get any bugger interested.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: Antrax @ March 29, 2008, 4:17 PMGood luck. In the past year I've written stuff for broadcast, written a lucrative corporate script, become a published author, and had a two hour CD drama recorded and available via Amazon, and still can't get any bugger interested.
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Bizarre? You're not only writing material about Man-Boy Love or something?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, bushbaby said:
Quote: Antrax @ March 29, 2008, 4:17 PMGood luck. In the past year I've written stuff for broadcast, written a lucrative corporate script, become a published author, and had a two hour CD drama recorded and available via Amazon, and still can't get any bugger interested.
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Set up your own agency Antrax. You just need a name nice stationary and then send your stuff out. When they ring up put another voice on
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: bushbaby @ March 29, 2008, 6:24 PMSet up your own agency Antrax. You just need a name nice stationary and then send your stuff out. When they ring up put another voice on
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I often wondered why people can't represent themselves - wonder why?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Griff said:
I think you can represent yourself. But the agent thing, rightly or wrongly, is about credibility.
At the Writers Guild event about sitcoms recently, I think all three panellists (Charlie Hanson, Beryl Vertue, Lucy Lumsden) all said they liked to read scripts that had been "recommended", and when asked about this, they said "by agents or production companies". And presumably by agents they mean "agents they've worked with before and whose input they value".
Of course, the agent route isn't the only way in by any means.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Griff @ March 29, 2008, 6:33 PMI think you can represent yourself. But the agent thing, rightly or wrongly, is about credibility.
At the Writers Guild event about sitcoms recently, I think all three panellists (Charlie Hanson, Beryl Vertue, Lucy Lumsden) all said they liked to read scripts that had been "recommended", and when asked about this, they said "by agents or production companies". And presumably by agents they mean "agents they've worked with before and whose input they value".
Of course, the agent route isn't the only way in by any means.
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The thought of being able to say 'Oh, I'd like so and so to read this' and it happens is pretty mind blowing. Especially compared to the current one of 'I'll have to send this out to whoever will listen.'
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Antrax said:
Well, I do sort of represent myself as it is.
The problem with it is that there are all sorts of opportunities and chances you're just not going to hear about. You don't know who to approach. That's one thing an agent brings - contacts, the knowledge of how things work. I'm flying blind.
Equally, it can cause problems. A couple of years back my sitcom script got optioned by a production company. Well I say optioned - they basically did what we'd refer to as optioning, but without giving me the fee. As someone with no knowledge of the business, I didn't realise this. (Of course, the flipside is that they might not have taken it on had they had to pay, but that's a moot point). Annoyingly, of course, when I've written to agents since I can't say 'I've had a sitcom optioned by X', because it's not technically true!
It's frustrating, because the people who buy stuff like what I do, and pay me for it, but I simply can't get in the position of getting work to them because the men in the middle don't.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, bushbaby said:
Were there no agents who would take you on when the script got 'optioned', or did you not bother approaching any?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Antrax said:
Quote: bushbaby @ March 30, 2008, 3:32 PMWere there no agents who would take you on when the script got 'optioned', or did you not bother approaching any?
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As I say, the one I was recommended to get in touch with by the production company had one in a similar setting, so they couldn't take it on.
And I sent it around quite a few others - and got roundly rejected. Still don't know why. I don't know whether the fact I had to say 'with prod comp X' rather than 'optioned by prod comp X' hurt it, probably not.
One did say they thought it was a little old fashioned. And I couldn't help but wondering what the hell the problem was with that? Sure if it meant they didn't think companies would be interested - but when I had a production company attached, surely that didn't matter two hoots? When a major production company is sending it to the BBC, does it really matter if you think it's old fashioned? You don't need to sell it, I've already done that. I'm offering you free money!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Paul W said:
Quote: Winterlight @ March 28, 2008, 9:11 PMJames Williams: Don't be an arse
Seefacts: Thanks for the tip
That's some online dialogue which will make me laugh for many years.
View original
Wow, you're all so smart...
Handbags away guys.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, wayne lewis said:
They are not actually arguing. Just reminiscing ABOUT arguing.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Paul W said:
Quote: wayne lewis @ March 30, 2008, 7:03 PMThey are not actually arguing. Just reminiscing ABOUT arguing.
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Ellie told me to look and post something... blame her!
(if it helps)
She's a witch!!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, EllieJP said:
Ahem. 
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Paul W said:
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, steve by any other name said:
Quote: Antrax @ March 30, 2008, 10:37 AMWell, I do sort of represent myself as it is.
Equally, it can cause problems. A couple of years back my sitcom script got optioned by a production company. Well I say optioned - they basically did what we'd refer to as optioning, but without giving me the fee..... Annoyingly, of course, when I've written to agents since I can't say 'I've had a sitcom optioned by X', because it's not technically true!'
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Isn't the fee (or not) negotiable? Surely if both parties have signed an option agreement then you're within your rights to say it was optioned, even if they didn't pay up? I would!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Bussell said:
You know, I've been thinking Seefacts, and I reckon turning up with no trousers and a beautiful woman on each arm will show them you're the kind of guy they need to get behind.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Antrax said:
Quote: steve by any other name @ March 31, 2008, 6:59 AMIsn't the fee (or not) negotiable? Surely if both parties have signed an option agreement then you're within your rights to say it was optioned, even if they didn't pay up? I would!
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That's the problem - no agreement was signed. I was a young rookie and they phoned me up and said 'we'd like to make this, can we send it to the Beeb' and I said. Naive, I now realise. The word 'option' was never mentioned, although as far as I'm aware that's basically what they got.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Antrax @ March 31, 2008, 10:14 AMThat's the problem - no agreement was signed. I was a young rookie and they phoned me up and said 'we'd like to make this, can we send it to the Beeb' and I said. Naive, I now realise. The word 'option' was never mentioned, although as far as I'm aware that's basically what they got.
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From what I've read in your posts, it doesn't look like it was optioned at all they just took an interest.
Did the BBC like it? Maybe they didn't so it died there and then?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, steve by any other name said:
Quote: Antrax @ March 31, 2008, 10:14 AMThat's the problem - no agreement was signed. I was a young rookie and they phoned me up and said 'we'd like to make this, can we send it to the Beeb' and I said. Naive, I now realise. The word 'option' was never mentioned, although as far as I'm aware that's basically what they got.
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If it makes you feel any better, I had the offer of a movie screenplay option about 15 years ago. I was sent the contract and I thought, don't get screwed, so I forked out about £400 to have it checked out by about the only firm in the country I could find with the expertese. They said it was a standard contract and there was no problem with signing it.
Trouble was, by the time I'd gone through all this, the producer had retracted his offer of £1000 and offered a nominal £1 instead, just to make it binding.
So I was down £399.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, ian_w said:
1 pound?
That could've got you the tastiest double cheeseburger you'd ever had in your life!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Antrax said:
Quote: Seefacts @ March 31, 2008, 4:48 PMFrom what I've read in your posts, it doesn't look like it was optioned at all they just took an interest.
Did the BBC like it? Maybe they didn't so it died there and then?
View original
Well, as I said, they didn't option it, that was the point. They got the equivalent of an option without literally doing it, or at least that's what I think happened. Basically, because I was young and naive and new to the business without an agent, they got for free what they'd have had to pay for if I'd had one. Or at least I assume so - still haven't got an agent so don't know for a fact, it's just the impression I've got from speaking to other people after the time. If that's not the case, guess I'm ok with it. But I suspect that had I gone to them through an agent, they'd have had to have paid an option. (what's the difference between an option and 'taking an interest'?)
As far as I'm aware it was at the BBC for quite a while and apparently generated quite a bit of interest.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, steve by any other name said:
Quote: ian_w @ March 31, 2008, 6:24 PM1 pound?
That could've got you the tastiest double cheeseburger you'd ever had in your life!
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Even at the time £2.85 was the price of a Summer Burger with bacon and cheese from the Midwest Burger joint on the Wellingborough Road in Northampton.
Best burger I've ever had!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Winterlight said:
Quote: steve by any other name @ March 31, 2008, 6:34 PMMidwest Burger joint on the Wellingborough Road in Northampton.
Best burger I've ever had!
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Liar! It's not possible to have a best anything in Northampton. Apart from perhaps a best exit.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Bomber said:
Quote: Antrax @ March 31, 2008, 6:33 PMWell, as I said, they didn't option it, that was the point. They got the equivalent of an option without literally doing it, or at least that's what I think happened. Basically, because I was young and naive and new to the business without an agent, they got for free what they'd have had to pay for if I'd had one. Or at least I assume so - still haven't got an agent so don't know for a fact, it's just the impression I've got from speaking to other people after the time. If that's not the case, guess I'm ok with it. But I suspect that had I gone to them through an agent, they'd have had to have paid an option. (what's the difference between an option and 'taking an interest'?)
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Some production companies have a habit of doing that - i.e. sending a script off to the channels without buying an option on it first. It's not really the way it should be done (after all, if it's good enough to be sent off with their name attached, it should be worth *something*, right?). For the writer, though, it's a question of balance - particularly when it's one of your first irons in the comedy fire. You want it to be seen by the Beeb (or whoever), but you also want some dosh for it. Do you tell them they can't send it without optioning it first, and risk them passing on it altogether? Well, the answer ought to be "yes", but it's not always that simple when you're in the situation. In practice these days, my writing partner and I tend to hold firm for an option, but annoyingly we do have a few things kicking around from the past couple of years that have been seen by the channels without us getting a bean for them. And once the channels have seen them and passed on them (if they do, that is!), they're suddenly not worth much. Hey ho... hold out for an option - that's what I say.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Bomber @ April 1 2008, 1:39 AM BSTSome production companies have a habit of doing that - i.e. sending a script off to the channels without buying an option on it first. It's not really the way it should be done (after all, if it's good enough to be sent off with their name attached, it should be worth *something*, right?). For the writer, though, it's a question of balance - particularly when it's one of your first irons in the comedy fire. You want it to be seen by the Beeb (or whoever), but you also want some dosh for it. Do you tell them they can't send it without optioning it first, and risk them passing on it altogether? Well, the answer ought to be "yes", but it's not always that simple when you're in the situation. In practice these days, my writing partner and I tend to hold firm for an option, but annoyingly we do have a few things kicking around from the past couple of years that have been seen by the channels without us getting a bean for them. And once the channels have seen them and passed on them (if they do, that is!), they're suddenly not worth much. Hey ho... hold out for an option - that's what I say.
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But a script is only worth something if a channel is interested.
At the end of the day, whomever should be happy their script has been fast tracked to the big wigs at the BBC via a big company, rather than letting it rot in the writer's room not getting read.
An indie can't just dish out 5 grand, unless they know it's got a chance of getting made.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Marc P said:
If they have faith in it they will put their money where their mouth is. It's about mutual commitment, not money.
Mind you money is nice.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Marc P @ April 1 2008, 1:40 PM BSTIf they have faith in it they will put their money where their mouth is. It's about mutual commitment, not money.
Mind you money is nice.
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No that's not how it works at all.
Early in your career you should be grateful these people are even giving you the time of day, let alone helping you with your work.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Marc P said:
What people??
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Marc P @ April 1 2008, 2:28 PM BSTWhat people??
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People in a general term I mean.
Any uncommissioned, unrepresented writer should feel honoured that people in the industry are taking an interest and are giving them chance to take their careers forward.
Not many do.
So going 'Can I have some payment now please' really should be the last thing on anyone's mind.
Though having read your post again, it's a bit confusing so therefore this looks confusing too.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Marc P said:
I'm not saying I disagree with your sentiment. I do think 'feeling honoured' is perhaps a tad too far. It's about a two way investment, and a fee for an option is basically taking the project off the market. That's what it is there for. Doesn't have to be about money of course, but there is usually a certain amount of development that takes place after an option so it's all tied up with that as well. As the title of your thread suggests, maybe this is the sort of thing to talk over with your prospective agent.
hope that goes well by the way.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Marc P @ April 1 2008, 3:16 PM BSTI'm not saying I disagree with your sentiment. I do think 'feeling honoured' is perhaps a tad too far. It's about a two way investment, and a fee for an option is basically taking the project off the market. That's what it is there for. Doesn't have to be about money of course, but there is usually a certain amount of development that takes place after an option so it's all tied up with that as well. As the title of your thread suggests, maybe this is the sort of thing to talk over with your prospective agent.
hope that goes well by the way.
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Yeah, consider it on the list of questions.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Bomber said:
Quote: Seefacts @ April 1 2008, 1:28 PM BSTBut a script is only worth something if a channel is interested.
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Well, not really. At least, not completely. Production companies speculate to accumulate all the time. Ideas are worth money to them. Even those ideas that don't end up getting made will help them build relationships with the channels (i.e. we bring you good ideas, work with good people, etc...).
Also, if they believe in an idea, some production companies will pay a writer a few grand to knock up a pilot script before the idea has even been pitched to a channel. They wouldn't do that if they believed scripts were only worth something once a channel has seen them.
Quote: Seefacts @ April 1 2008, 1:51 PM BSTNo that's not how it works at all.
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Yeah it is. Marc's right - it's about mutual commitment. Doesn't matter if you're uncommissioned and unrepresented, if you've got an idea they want to pitch, then they should option it (after all, it covers them too - as it stops the writer giving it to anyone else). As I said above, some companies try to get away without optioning (and a lot of writers - myself included - have let them do so), but that doesn't make it right.
I wouldn't appear so averse to making money in the meeting with your agent, if I were you
Good luck with it.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Bomber @ April 1 2008, 5:28 PM BSTWell, not really. At least, not completely. Production companies speculate to accumulate all the time. Ideas are worth money to them. Even those ideas that don't end up getting made will help them build relationships with the channels (i.e. we bring you good ideas, work with good people, etc...).
Also, if they believe in an idea, some production companies will pay a writer a few grand to knock up a pilot script before the idea has even been pitched to a channel. They wouldn't do that if they believed scripts were only worth something once a channel has seen them.
Yeah it is. Marc's right - it's about mutual commitment. Doesn't matter if you're uncommissioned and unrepresented, if you've got an idea they want to pitch, then they should option it (after all, it covers them too - as it stops the writer giving it to anyone else). As I said above, some companies try to get away without optioning (and a lot of writers - myself included - have let them do so), but that doesn't make it right.
I wouldn't appear so averse to making money in the meeting with your agent, if I were you
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I don't think any of the biggest production companies in the UK need to strengthen their relationships with the BBC. It's no coincidence a lot of the big hits come from them.
If they get a script that's pitchable but just need a few tweaks, and one that needs more work - what, they'd pay the writer of the poorer script because it needs more doing to it, but not the other because that can go straight to TV Centre?
Companies aren't 'getting away' with anything, really. It's all about the writer making sure they get something else from it - contacts, proper work, an agent.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Bomber said:
Quote: Seefacts @ April 1 2008, 6:04 PM BSTI don't think any of the biggest production companies in the UK need to strengthen their relationships with the BBC. It's no coincidence a lot of the big hits come from them.
If they get a script that's pitchable but just need a few tweaks, and one that needs more work - what, they'd pay the writer of the poorer script because it needs more doing to it, but not the other because that can go straight to TV Centre?
Companies aren't 'getting away' with anything, really. It's all about the writer making sure they get something else from it - contacts, proper work, an agent.
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Perhaps the biggest production companies don't have to try quite as hard as the rest, but at what point were we only talking about the biggest? Producers from every production company are trying to cultivate relationships with the channels all the time. That is, after all, a significant part of their job.
I'm not sure I get what your trying to say in your 2nd paragraph. I think you're assuming that we were talking about pitching a poorly formed idea. Again, I think the goalposts of the conversation have shifted a little. If an idea needs work, and is not ready to go to the channels, then of course a production company won't send it - and can't be expected to option it either.
Absolutely - this business is about making contacts, getting work, getting an agent, etc... but we've also got to eat. I made most of my income last year from production company speculation (mostly sitcom options but also companies asking us to create proposals for them to send to the channels), and without companies doing the decent thing and paying for the rights to our intellectual property, I would have starved. Or been forced to eat my writing partner but frankly, he's all skin and bone.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Bomber @ April 1 2008, 7:07 PM BSTPerhaps the biggest production companies don't have to try quite as hard as the rest, but at what point were we only talking about the biggest? Producers from every production company are trying to cultivate relationships with the channels all the time. That is, after all, a significant part of their job.
I'm not sure I get what your trying to say in your 2nd paragraph. I think you're assuming that we were talking about pitching a poorly formed idea. Again, I think the goalposts of the conversation have shifted a little. If an idea needs work, and is not ready to go to the channels, then of course a production company won't send it - and can't be expected to option it either.
Absolutely - this business is about making contacts, getting work, getting an agent, etc... but we've also got to eat. I made most of my income last year from production company speculation (mostly sitcom options but also companies asking us to create proposals for them to send to the channels), and without companies doing the decent thing and paying for the rights to our intellectual property, I would have starved. Or been forced to eat my writing partner but frankly, he's all skin and bone.
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Re the second paragraph - you said if there's an idea that the company like they'll pay the writer to knock up a script. But if the script is fine - what, they get nothing, and it get gets pitched? Very complicated and pointless to discuss, so we'll move on from that. Even I'm confused . . .
I'd be interested to know how many sitcom scripts were optioned in 2007. I reckon not a lot, things have changed.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Bomber said:
Quote: Seefacts @ April 1 2008, 8:13 PM BSTRe the second paragraph - you said if there's an idea that the company like they'll pay the writer to knock up a script. But if the script is fine - what, they get nothing, and it get gets pitched? Very complicated and pointless to discuss, so we'll move on from that. Even I'm confused . . .
I'd be interested to know how many sitcom scripts were optioned in 2007. I reckon not a lot, things have changed.
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Yeah, it would be good to know how many scripts were optioned last year, and how that relates to previous years. I have heard that money had tightened up over the past couple of years, but I know that many scripts are still being optioned.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Winterlight said:
Sounds an interesting way to make a living from scripts being optioned.
Marc Blake often talks about having 'sold' sitcom episodes. Do you think he was talking about pieces being optioned?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, bushbaby said:
Did you meet the agent yet seefacts, I can't be bothered to read all the pages to see if you did LOL
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: bushbaby @ April 2 2008, 9:55 AM BSTDid you meet the agent yet seefacts, I can't be bothered to read all the pages to see if you did LOL
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So lazy . . .
It's tomorrow, I'll report back.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, bushbaby said:
Quote: Seefacts @ April 2 2008, 7:09 PM BSTSo lazy . . .
It's tomorrow, I'll report back.
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so busy even....
good luck
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Winterlight said:
Oh tomorrow! Good luck!
What are you going to wear to this one?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, zooo said:
COORRDDSS!!!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
One of these:
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Winterlight said:
That made me snort, Aaron.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, ian_w said:
That's his wardrobe!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Nope, this is:
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, ian_w said:
That is sheer class! Even Delboy would be stunned at such finery!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
You haven't seen the back!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, ian_w said:
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Just returned, I think it went well.
The crux seemed to be he liked it, his assistant liked it as did a few other people he asked - he also said it would work well as a sample script to get some work.
He seemed to suggest though, that because I hadn't quite done enough (or, anything, really) I wasn't quite yet sign-upable material. Yet. Though he DID say he would give me some assistance in the way of some emails addresses of people he knows and works with in the industry who could possibly help me out.
Overall I think I'm quite happy with the way it went.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Bussell said:
Are you absolutely sure you took my 'no trousers and a beautiful woman on each arm' advice?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Winterlight said:
Sounds as though it went well.
They're obviously quite careful about who they represent, hence they didn't sign you up on the spot. But the doors been left open, so I'd certainly be happy with it.
Out of interest, did you expect to get signed up by them today?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Winterlight @ April 3 2008, 4:42 PM BSTSounds as though it went well.
They're obviously quite careful about who they represent, hence they didn't sign you up on the spot. But the doors been left open, so I'd certainly be happy with it.
Out of interest, did you expect to get signed up by them today?
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I don't know what I expected really, I went into not knowing what to think!
He said he was looking to expand his list of writers, I just think I'll need to prove myself before he considers taking any plunge.
I think I'll need some work-on-the-telly under my belt really, but as I said, he IS going to help me out so if that goes well who knows?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Griff said:
Sounds alright to me - he knows who you are, he's going to bear you in mind for future projects, and he's going to put you in touch with some peeps. You can't have done that badly!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Griff @ April 3 2008, 4:46 PM BSTSounds alright to me - he knows who you are, he's going to bear you in mind for future projects, and he's going to put you in touch with some peeps. You can't have done that badly!
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Oh no, I do think it went well.
Though there's some stuff I should have asked by just forgot to, which is really infuriating.
I've got to remember that they're one of the biggest companies in the country, I've got to be be worth it for them and maybe a few sketches and - I don't know - an episode of a kids show or whatever might not yet be worth it for them.
Though, more excitingly in London I saw James Nesbitt best known for those Yellow Pages ads AND Richard Ayoade, who was smoking a cigarette on Old Compton Street.
Woo! Go famous people!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, zooo said:
Wow! Ayoade!!
Boo though, he smokes. 
What's his hair doing at the moment? Big? Small?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: zooo @ April 3 2008, 5:04 PM BSTWow! Ayoade!!
Boo though, he smokes.
What's his hair doing at the moment? Big? Small?
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Just normal.
No big afro.
He's cool as fuck though, I think.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, zooo said:
He really is.
I bet he was rocking the cigarette.
Looked good, smelled bad.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: zooo @ April 3 2008, 5:09 PM BSTHe really is.
I bet he was rocking the cigarette.
Looked good, smelled bad.
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He was leaning against a wall, kind of stooping back and he had some thick glasses on.
I'm not gay, I'm not gay, I'm not gay . . .
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, zooo said:
Gay for Ayoade.
It rhymes, so it must be true!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Darn, and there's me not having seen ANY famous people today! *snaps fingers*