About the unsolicited material policy

[Quarry]

As you know, the last months I'm out there searching for agents and managers to read my screenplay. During that time, I've learned a lot of things about them. I strongly believe that this "unsolicited submission" policy is just a trick. You'll believe they'll get excited with your project and negotiate with you for managing or representing you. Unfortunately, that's not the case.

NEVER SEND A SCRIPT PITCH TO AN AGENCY / MANAGEMENT COMPANY / PRODUCTION COMPANY THAT DOESN'T ACCEPT UNSOLICITED MATERIAL.

Why? Because even if they claim they won't read your message, they will. Recently, an agency not accepting unsolicited materials replied to me with a long message, stating that they haven't read my submission, yet there might be solicited submissions to their list that are identifical or similar with mine.

So, this "unsolicited material" policy is just there to steal your work, not to avoid stupid submissions. So, be aware. Always send your pitch to agencies or companies that DO accept unsolicited material and you are sure your job will be rewarded, instead of exploited and stolen. If you sue them after they use your pitch, they'll reply "we didn't read your message, we have this unsolicited submission policy".

 

[rayw]

I would have my attorney reply to their claim of "we didn't read your message, we have this unsolicited submission policy" with something to the effect of

Hey asshole, "unsolicited submission policies" are for civilized multi-cultural cockgobblers like you... My unsolicited submission doesn't suck, you just suck cocks and don't have time to manage because the dicks pressure your larynx... By the way, I have a dick too if you are interested, and that's going to cost you a settlement... And don't forget to turn off the oven, or your mom & sister won't be able to get eaten anymore...​

That'll work.




Best regards

 

[Quarry]

I would have my attorney reply to their claim of "we didn't read your message, we have this unsolicited submission policy" with something to the effect of

Hey asshole, "unsolicited submission policies" are for civilized multi-cultural cockgobblers like you... My unsolicited submission doesn't suck, you just suck cocks and don't have time to manage because the dicks pressure your larynx... By the way, I have a dick too if you are interested, and that's going to cost you a settlement... And don't forget to turn off the oven, or your mom & sister won't be able to get eaten anymore...​

That'll work.




Best regards

Come on. This guy is infamous for being a scam... Someone should have answered him the way he deserves... By the way, I said "cocksucker" not "cockgobbler"...

 

[Zensteve]

this "unsolicited material" policy is just there to steal your work, not to avoid stupid submissions.

You totally saw through those corporate lizard-people's plans.

 

[rayw]

Look closer, Q.

 

[FantasySciFi]

As an individual, I don't like junk mail, email spam, or unsolicited phone calls from advertisers. Junk mail is a waste of my time. Email spam often contains viruses that could compromise my computer. Phone calls are both annoying and costly so I use the "Do not call" registry.

If a business sends you something in the mail that you didn't request, as a consumer, do you fork over the postage to mail it back? Is it your fault for opening the envelope to see if it's a bill rather than pitching it outright? Let's say you open it and it has a SASE and is asking you to complete the survey. Are you going to mail it back? Most of us know it just contains garbage and automatically pitch junk mail ("unsolicited ads"). What about all those grocery ads? Should one grocer come back and threaten you because you chose to pick up food from another grocery store because of an ad? It's the same basic content after all. Those ads are like scripts. If you're willing to send out your idea without getting a request to do so, the risk falls back on you.

There are hundreds of thousands of scripts written and submitted to agents. An "unsolicited manuscript policy" serves as a similar filtering mechanism. There are legitimate outlets for marketing a script. However, the proper way of approaching many of these agencies is to send a query letter first to see if they are interested. If not, move on or work to gather the resources to make it yourself.

Also, there are many who provide freelance script coverage/revision services. These services can run from $200-$5000+ dollars depending on the individual and the nature of services. A reviewer IS NOT an agent. They are reading to suggest corrections and possible production value. They DO NOT market you script. Paying someone to critique your script is not the same as having them work as your agent or manager. Several here have worked as readers or script consultants helping to 'doctor' scripts.

Literary agents, who are reputable and conform to WGA guidelines, look for clients who have money-making potential since they make money from selling powerhouse scripts to their contacts in the industry. They like writers with credits and awards. A few smaller agencies do ask for a small charge if they accept you as a client to help offset copying and postage but I would be sure to read the contract through before signing. They often work with less established writers.

Getting a script marketed is a challenge but success often breeds success. Be clear on what services are being offered by someone reading your script. There are lots of scams out there but sometimes it's a result of confusion of expectations. Also respect that "unsolicited" means "query first".

 

[ItDonnedOnMe]

NEVER SEND A SCRIPT PITCH TO AN AGENCY / MANAGEMENT COMPANY / PRODUCTION COMPANY THAT DOESN'T ACCEPT UNSOLICITED MATERIAL.

Um, wow, that's some great advice. Don't do what they're telling you they don't want you to do. I'm going to file that away with other useful life advice like "don't stare at the sun" and "stop hitting yourself".

So, this "unsolicited material" policy is just there to steal your work, not to avoid stupid submissions.

These policies have always been a legal CYA first, with the added benefit of hopefully reducing the amount of junk mail they get. It's got nothing to do with stealing your work.

Here's the thing - your ideas aren't that original, new, or valuable. I know, I know, you think you've got the next great script or show concept and it's like nothing that's ever been seen before. It's probably not, but even if it is - you're still likely not the first, nor only, person with a similar idea. In fact, the way things go even if you've never seen it before it's likely that a similar project to yours has begun production at some point and probably died along the the way - like most projects do. Ideas are a dime a dozen, only execution really matters. Nobody's sitting by the mailbox in the hope that somewhere out there a genius (who can't pay attention to their specific instructions not to send something ) has sent them their next great project for free!

 

[geckopelli]

Legitimate companies don't accept unsolicited materials and they don't need to steal work.
You really think they pay people to sit around reading unsolicited crap from hacks who ignore their policy?

Everybody out there thinks they wrote the ONE original story on earth.
They didn't.

What you got-- they've seen it. Almost for sure. And they are constantly accused by people who disregard their clearly stated "not accepting unsolicited materials" policy of stealing material.

And legitimate Writer's don't send unsolicited materials to companies that don't accept them.

You want to get read? get two people of recognized status to recommend you, or find a place that IS accepting unsolicited materials.

You want to play the game, read the rules, and don't be a crybaby.

 

[Quarry]

That's what I did, my little sweatheart. That's why I currently have two agents representing me... Another one suggested representation too, but he charges a $150 fee to market the screenplay. You know me pretty much in this forum, so I suppose you know what I answered to him...