Writers Bootcamp - Gaining Representation Tweet Report

Special thanks to Lynn Dickinson @LifesizeLD who attended the Writer's Boot Camp event on Gaining Representation. Lynn graciously live tweeted the event. 

Since the transcript site we use is down, I copied the tweets from her feed and compiled them for our writers. Please scroll down and read backwards. TONS of great tips! Enjoy! @jeannevb 

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

The panel is over! Standing O! Great guests. Thanks for tuning in to the tweets.

52 minutes ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

You CAN do it. You can become a successful writer, director or actor with some hard work and persevernce. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

52 minutes ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

We have sleepless nights when we drop a client who isn't working as hard for their career as we are. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

55 minutes ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

If Joe's agency is doing the job, stay with them. If they can't take you where you want to go, move on. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

55 minutes ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

You're with a sm agent and the big agency comes courting. What 2do? Gut check. Everyone wants to be courted. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

56 minutes ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Ask elemental questions about process, to get the best sense of whether this is the agent for you. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

58 minutes ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

You want your agent to be enthusiastic about your work, to return your calls, and to have a process you understand. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

59 minutes ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Q. What's the difference between a script that sells for $50k or $50mil? A. A second buyer. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

If you're asking, "how do I get an agent" your script probably isn't ready. ~JGordon #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Sometimes we go wide with a spec, knowing it's not likely to sell, because we want to introduce the writer to the town. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Trends = one good movie, followed by half a dozen bad movies which kills the trend before your project is likely to get made. #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

You write what you know to show that you can write! Don't chase the trends. #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

If you're not doing a tentpole, the studios aren't that interested because it costs at least $40million to market the film. #WBCfilm

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Waiting around for someone else to make your project is how you get old. #WBCrep @CarlBressler

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

If you're leaning in that direction at all, shoot your script yourself! It will be your calling card. You can always reshoot. #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Q. Shld writers consider Web Series to get noticed? A. Agents aren't that interested bc they don't know how to monetize it yet. #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

It's easier and cheaper now to be working on your craft than it ever was. Keep creating material and learning. #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Don't do something that's away from your nature. You may have to go to the fringe of your nature. @carlBressler #wbcrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

It's one thing to be a nut when you've written Ruthless People and My Cousin Vinny - that's eccentric. If you haven't you're a nut. #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

If you're not working at your craft, why would you expect a professional to pay attention to it? @CarlBressler #wbcrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

The biz of being a client is separate from being a writer, actor, or director. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

They only thing I need to know from a :30sec phone call, is whether or not you are a nut! ~NAladjem #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

I will return phone calls, but I will not respond to a single query letter. They go right in the trash. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

We don't accept unsolicited submissions because we're way too busy to play those probabilities. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

We're not looking at you, or even how good your script is, I've sold plenty of bad scripts. The question is, can I sell it?~NAladjem #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

We're going through a cycle where major agencies are signing people you never heard of. That's great news for you guys. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

I wouldn't sign a young actor or director, but I might sign a young writer because the product is right there on the page. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Dale Launer is a gifted freak of nature. That doesn't help if you're not a great salesman and negotiator. Get an agent. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Differentiate yourself from the thousands of other people approaching them. Treat them the way you want to be treated. @CarlBressler #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

If you add value, it's amazing how people want to hang out with you. Give filmmakers a calling card they can sell and your value will raise.

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Dale Launer wrote ten scripts before he showed one to anybody. What you have done is your artistic signature. @CarlBressler #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Be respectful of people who have already worked in the groove you want to be in. @CarlBressler #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

People in the biz are watching your behavior over time, to see if your behavior matches your words. @CarlBressler #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

If someone you trust tells you your "calling card" isn't ready - keep working on it. Don't send it out until it's as good as can be. #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Q. When would you want to sign somebody? A. When they have a "calling card." A script I believe I could sell. @carlbressler #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Dale Launer charges more money to work with people he doesn't like! #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Dale Launer has jacked UP his prices in response to lowball offers from studios - and given them a deadline to make an offer! #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

In the movie biz, talent is considered a little crazy by the biz affairs execs. That's useful in negotiations. ~Dale Launer #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

In the movie biz, talent is considered a little crazy. It's equated with creativity. That's useful in negotiations. ~Dale Launer #WBCrep

1 hour ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

"The best representation you can have as a writer is a great script." ~Dale Launer #WBCrep

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Dale Launer makes his deals for himself. No agent. He feels confident he's getting great deals for his work. #WBCrep

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Screenwriter Dale Launer says it's easier for a writer to be "the bad guy" - bc an agent has to cultivate relationships w/prodcos. #WBCrep

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Norm Aladjem's first client was turned down by every agent in town first. Norm sold his spec in three days for $1.6million. #WBCrep

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

You're going to have to make that call you don't want to make, to take it to the next level. #WBCrep

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

You're where you are because of what you're comfortable doing. Grow your comfort zone & grow your career. Stretch. #WBCrep

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Most of the thing you want in life, you're going to have to pursue. The biz of waiting for incoming calls is a short one. ~NAladjem #WBCrep

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Most people *working* in this industry understand that they need to behave in ways that make other people want to be around them. #WBCrep

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

There are over 90 years worth of Hollywood Experience on the WBC stage right now! #WBC

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Thanks to Norm Aladjem, Dale Launer, and @CarlBressler for coming out to give us agency insights on a Sunday morning. #WBCrep

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Agent's panel: Norm Aladjem (Paradigm), Dale Launer (successful screenwriter who refuses to use an agent), Carl Bressler (Montana Artists)

2 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

From a spiritual standpoint, if things aren't working out for you, look for a course correction. Don't just complain. @RobMorrow_ #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Don't "seek representation." Just concentrate on the work. You'll rise above the rest and they'll find you. @RobMorrow_ #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Q: "How do you keep from being derivative?" A: "I don't!" @RobMorrow_ #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Every idea you have is already out there - no matter what it is. You just gotta keep moving. Keep writing. @RonMorrow_ #wbcrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

@lindamac1 yeah its a tough call. That's just what he said. Always use your best judgment.

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

"My relationship with my reps has evolved into "Do what you say you're gonna do." My manager does what she says she'll do." #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Writers, actors, directors - it doesn't seem there is anything else we could possibly do. We have to do what we have to do. #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

"I was headed in a bad direction, then I saw Grease. Travolta looked like he was having so much fun. I had an epiphany. I could do that."

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

"I worked my way into NYTheater by doing anything they'd let me. I swept a lot of stages and learned a lot." @RobMorrow_ #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Rob wrote a script, got an offer to make it, figured he could do better, so he said no. No more offers! If someone says, yes - GO!! #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

The next guest at the WBC event "Gaining Representation" is @RobMorrow_. #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Nancey Silvers is every bit as funny as her famous father, Phil. #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

"I've had an agent for years. I don't think she's read any of my scripts. Her job is to field phone calls and get me the best deal she can."

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Make an agent feel confident that you're going to continue producing scripts that they can sell. ~NSilvers #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

After 20 scripts, I sold 1 & went back into the drawer and fixed up & sold everything I ever wrote bc I knew how to make 'em work. #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

The bigger the pond (agency) you're with, the more opportunity you have. Start where you can and move up. ~NSilvers #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Let them know that you're the absolute best person to write or rewrite this script, & that they'll get to keep their job if they hire you.

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

When you go into a meeting, you have to go in with confidence, because your confidence in you breeds confidence in them. ~NSilvers #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Nancey is willing to do 50 drafts if that's what it takes. "If it needs 50 drafts, it's my fault! It's about the work ethic." #WBCrep

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

When Nancey went to her 1st ever agent meeting. The agent said, "We loved your script" and she said, "which one?" (as if there were others).

3 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Nancey Silvers wrote the Will & Kate love story in two weeks, by reading a magazine for her research. It's a business. #WBCrep.

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

If you're a writer, you don't have a choice, you have to write to feel peaceful. Whether you make a living at it or not, you write. #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

I collect characters. Everywhere I go, I notice people and make up stories about them. #wbcrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

I make sure that when I leave the room, they want me back in there. ~NSilvers #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

That thing they're talking about, is the only thing I care about. When I leave the room, they know it's safe to hire me. ~NSilvers #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

When I leave a meeting, I want them to feel good about themselves because I was in the room. #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

This biz it about fear and judgment. An agent has no interest in YOU, only in what you have that they can sell. ~NSilvers #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Next guest at the "Gaining Representation" event: Nancey Silvers imdb.com/name/nm0799012/ She's written more than 23 produced TV movies. #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Follow the idea that is organically pushing you to tell that story, then put your biz hat on to shape it for the market. ~CMurray #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

For live tweets from the Writers Boot Camp event, "Gaining Representation," follow my feed or the #WBCrep hashtag. #tvwriterchat #scriptchat

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Writers, This is a business. Let someone else decide if you're an artist or not. ~CMurray #wbcrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

When you go into a meeting, look around the office. Find something you know something about - that's the 1st thing you talk about. #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

They talk about the "balance" between writing and family, but you don't balance family. It's always there. ~C.Murray #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

I don't write every day. You gotta get out and live too. Otherwise you're just writing about stuff you don't know anything about. #wbcrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

The first speaker at today's Gaining Representation event is Charles Murray imdb.com/name/nm0614880/ #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

There are a LOT of people here for a Sunday morning! The place is packed. They've started the early, orientation-type stuff. #WBCrep

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Starting this beautiful day with Brunch at the WBC before the "Gaining Representation" panel begins. #wbcrep http://lockerz.com/s/127507013

4 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

WRITERS: For the next 4 hours, I'll be Live Tweeting from the WBC event, Gaining Representation, using #WBCrep (#scriptchat #tvwriterchat)

5 hours ago

LifesizeLD Lynn Dickinson

Guess where I am! #wbcrep #scriptchat #tvwriterchat http://lockerz.com/s/127502520

5 hours ago