As an aspiring screenwriter, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is getting the right people to read your screenplay. It can be frustrating to pour your heart and soul into a script only to have it sit unread on someone’s desk. But don’t despair! There are steps you can take to increase your chances of getting your screenplay read.
The Importance of Networking
One of the best ways to get your screenplay read is through networking. If you’re already working in the industry as a production assistant or in another capacity, take advantage of this opportunity. After six months to a year on the job, one of the writers may be willing to read your work as a favor.
However, if you’re not already working in the industry, it can be more difficult to get someone to read your work. As Hollywood screenwriter Michael Jamin explains in his video “How to Get the Industry to Read Your Work,” blindly sending your script to any random writer on the internet is unlikely to yield results. For liability reasons, most working writers cannot read unsolicited scripts.
This is because it’s not uncommon for multiple people to have similar ideas at the same time. If a writer were to read an unsolicited script about a talking dog and then later write their own script about a talking dog, they could be accused of stealing the idea even if it was just a coincidence and they already had that script idea in the works.
The Role of Agents and Managers
So how do you get around this roadblock? The answer is simple: get an agent or a manager. These professionals are key to getting work and getting seen in the industry and can help get your work in front of the right people.
So, how do you get an agent to even read your script? According to Michael Jamin, one thing you can do is go to Google and search for “agencies that will read unsolicited scripts”. Before you do that, though, there’s a lot you need to do to make sure your script is good enough. After all, it’s all about first impressions.
Are You Ready to Write Your Screenplay?
Getting your screenplay read by industry professionals is no easy feat, but it’s not impossible. By networking within the industry, seeking representation from an agent or manager, and taking online screenwriting courses from experienced Hollywood professionals like Michael Jamin, you can increase your chances of success as a writer in the Hollywood film industry.
So, what are you waiting for? Take action today and start working towards getting your screenplay read. To help you get started, Michael Jamin has three key resources to offer you:
- Take Michael Jamin’s Online Screenwriting Course
- Sign Up for His Educational Newsletter for Writers, The Watchlist
- Learn More About Getting Your Screenplay Read by Listening to the Screenwriters Need to Hear This with Michael Jamin Podcast Episode #47 When Putting Your Work “Out There”, Where is “There?”
Get Your Start in Screenwriting with Michael Jamin
