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You have written the script and you want to get an agent? How do you go about finding one?

ScriptScout has drawn up a list of those agencies we think it is worth your while targeting. There are many lists around that detail every single agency in existence, but this can be overwhelming. It is difficult to tell who the real players are when you are presented with a dense list of seemingly random companies.

So, we thought it would be helpful to condense this for you. We have only listed those agencies that we have encountered in a professional capacity. But, before you start sending your script, here are a few tips to help you on your way.

1. Check out the agency.

Don’t just send your script out to every single agency before taking the time to find out how each of them works. Every agent has his or her own taste for scripts, and this will be reflected in their client list. If you have a horror-slasher script, then it’s probably not worth sending it to someone who specialises in romantic comedies or children’s stories. Similarly, some agents focus on television, whereas others may work more with film. Most of the agencies listed have a website, so do your research before submitting your material.

2. Write a good cover letter and present your script in the correct format.

Whether you like it or not, an agent will put your script to the bottom of their reading pile if it’s wrongly formatted and accompanied by a long-winded or inappropriate letter. Why? Because it shows a basic lack of professionalism. They are interested in writers who have taken the time and effort to learn how to present their work. Agents are looking for writers who are ready to move forwards with their career. They are not looking for people who need teaching the basics of presentation.

So, format the script correctly; bind it with a simple Acco clip; and include a brief cover letter. This should be no more than a few paragraphs, and should include a brief pitch of what the script is about, along with a short description of any writing experience you have and who you are.

3. Do not harass the agent.

Agents take a while to look at things. It’s annoying, but that’s the way it goes. If you haven’t heard anything from an agency after 6 – 8 weeks then give them a call just to ask what stage they’re at with your script. Do not then follow this up with a barrage of daily phone calls and e-mails. This will annoy the agent and will produce one result. Your script will be binned.

4. Keep working away on other scripts and contacts.

Believe it or not, an Oscar will not be winging its way to your mantelpiece as soon as you have secured an agent. In fact, many writers are distinctly underwhelmed by the change in their lives that an agent brings. The fact is that initial success in your writing career will largely be down to you and your efforts. An agent can help you skim ten percent off the top of a commission, and hopefully they’ll line up some meetings for you. But you should continue to write and to network as you try and get producers to read your work and find an opportunity for production.

5. Don’t give up.

Establishing yourself can be a lonely and demoralising business. Don’t let rejection undermine your self-confidence. There are numerous reasons why an agent might say no to your script, and many of them will have nothing to do with the quality of your writing. So, persevere. Read any comments that the agent may include in their letter to you. For example, they may say that they did not find the central character convincing. If so, take a long hard look at that character. Does the agent have a point? Could your script do with a few tweaks here and there? If so, great. Get to work. If you disagree, then that’s fine. Don’t write to the agent and tell them this. Simply move on to the next agent and send the script out once again.

So, here’s the list of agents. Look at their websites. Do your research, and good luck …!

The Agency Ltd

24 Pottery Lane

London W11 4LZ

Tel: 0207 727 1346

Website: www.theagency.co.uk

Email: info@theagency.co.uk

Agents: Stephen Durbridge, Leah Schmidt, Julia Kreitman, Bethan Evans, Anna Cameron, Norman North, Katie Haines, Nick Quinn, Faye Webber, Fay Davies.

Alan Brodie Management

6^th Floor

Fairgate House

78 New Oxford Street

London WC1A 1HB

Tel: 0207 079 7990

Website: www.alanbrodie.com

Email: contact form on website

Agents: Alan Brodie, Sarah McNair, Alison Lee, Lisa Foster

A. P. Watt Ltd

20 John Street

London WC1N 2DR

Tel: 0207 405 6774

Website: www.apwatt.co.uk

Email: apw@apwatt.co.uk

Agents: Rob Kraitt, Christine Glover

Berlin Associates

14 Floral Street

London WC2E 9DH

Tel: 0207 836 1112

Website: n/a

Email: lindseyb@berlinassociates.com

Agents: Marc Berlin, Matt Connell, Rachel Daniels, Fiona Williams

Blake Friedmann Literary, TV and Film Agency Ltd

122 Arlington Road

London NW1 7HP

Tel: 0207 284 0408

Website: n/a

Email: firstname@blakefriedmann.co.uk

Agents: Julian Friedmann, Conrad Williams

Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Ltd

National House

60 – 66 Wardour Street

London W1V 4ND

Tel: 0207 287 4450

Website: www.casarotto.co.uk

Email: agents@casarotto.co.uk

Agents: Jenne Casarotto, Rachel Holroyd, Tom Erhardt, Mel Kenyon, Charlotte Kelly, Holly Nicholson, Eleanor Burns, Jodi Shields, Mark Casarotto, Miriam James.

Curtis Brown Group Ltd

Haymarket House

28 – 29 Haymarket

London SW1Y 4SP

Tel: 0207 393 4400

Website: www.curtisbrown.co.uk

Email: cb@curtisbrown.co.uk

Agents: Tally Garner, Ben Hall, Nick Marston, Joe Phillips, Sally Whitehill

David Higham Associates Ltd

5 – 8 Lower John Street

Golden Square

London W1F 9HA