Writers: How can writers without an agent submit a script to film & streaming studios? Who do I contact and what do I send them?

The short version.

Steps you can take to meet industry rules for submitting your script to film, streaming, cable, and broadcast companies.

See our Newsletter below or click here for more information and/or if assistance is needed.

Writers: How can I submit my script to film & streaming studios if I don't have an agent? Who do I contact and what information is required to send them?

Getting Started: Do I need an agent:

• Not necessarily. No longer is it mandatory to "know someone" or have an agent to submit your script to film and streaming companies. Writers are given other options for submitting their scripts.

Step1. Film, Streaming, Cable, and Broadcast companies will accept projects from writers that meet their guidelines and send the information they require for submitting their scripts ...

•     Not necessarily. Agents are no longer the only person that can submit scripts.
• In past years finding someone with experience and access to help you was a scene from Mission Impossible.
•       No longer is that the case. There are executive producers and producers all over the place that can assist you. It can be done and is done every day. You just need to decide who you want to assist you. Do your research. Using IMDB.com is a good place to start. Make sure their credits are from film, cable, streaming, and/or broadcast companies.
• Speak to our executive producer for more information and/or if assistance is needed.

Step 2. Development Package: Your script is no longer the only document or possibly the first document that will be reviewed.

Your Development Package is often the document that's a major factor in determining if your project meets their needs or is Passed on.

Note: All projects will first be reviewed by a company’s legal division to determine if a project meets their required legal, creative, and content standards. This phase determines if your project is released for review by their Development Division. Your Development Package will be a key component of this process.

• Click here to see what information needs to be included in your package.

• Keep in mind, creative and business execs will review your project and don't have a lot of time. They have streamlined information you need to submit. The process is designed to make it more objective and easier to evaluate.

Note: No matter what you call your package (pitch deck, bible, producer pkg., etc.) ...

• Your Development Package must tell them what they want to know about your script and how it meets their creative and production needs. Before they look at your script.

Click here to view sample of a Development Package.

3. Polished Script: If your Development Package reveals information they're looking for, the next step taken is to review the first 10 pages of your polished script.

• It's critical that the first 10 pages captures and holds their attention. This step in the process will determine if the review continues or if your project is "Passed" on.

·         Click here to review what needs to be revealed in the first 10 pages of your script.

Does "talent" need to be attached to my project?

• No. A top sheet budget by a Line Producer that has created budgets for film and streaming companies will create a Top Sheet Budget for you.
• All companies work with a lot of talent and if needed will adjust the budget to retain the talent they want added to the project.
• Alternative to talent being attached. There are other options executives are open to considering in place of talent, i.e. concept videos, book version of your script, etc.
• To compete with insiders, having a concept video or proof the public (book version of your script) is interested in your project is extremely helpful.

Sample of a concept video.

To get started. Click here, for more information and if assistance is needed.

Sophie Marcelle, Producer, BSI Films

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