As a UK script consultant I give a lot of new writers advice and help, mainly through my hugely popular Script Coverage Service. I was just chatting to a new writer this morning about agents and I want to share again, this vital bit of insider info.
When approaching UK agents as a new writer – it’s always a good idea to look for a NEW agent.
Now, new agents are usually ‘Agents Assistants’ who have proved very capable and have been promoted to agents themselves – these guys are sometimes referred to as ‘JUNIOR AGENTS’.
Script consultant UK – advice on approaching scriptwriting agents
So, why should new writers approach new agents (or Junior Agents)? Well, many of these agents are starting with a FRESH slate – so, they need to go out and find the writers they want to represent – so, for one thing – initially many of these guys don’t have any clients!
So, with a fresh slate – they are ACTIVELY SEEKING clients to represent. That means THEY ARE READING SCRIPTS! Which many of the busy established agents ARE NOT.
New agents, or Junior Agents are also usually on the younger side (as are many new writers) so, they might be more interested and engaged with ‘youth’ subjects.
Finding New Writing Talent
Junior Agents also look for writers starting out their careers as an exercise in building a career together. They can impress their bosses by finding NEW WRITING TALENT and getting that NEW TALENT commissions.
So, if you’re looking for an agent – always have a look for promoted assistant agents or Junior Agents.
There’s a list of agents here with links Scriptwriting agents UK–complete list with links and submission advice | Script writer for hire and UK script consultant (matcoop.co.uk)
Thank me later and Happy New Year.
Matthew Cooper has been a script writer for hire and UK script consultant for over 20 years. He’s written for most of the UK soaps, including writing award-winning episodes of Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs and has been BAFTA shortlisted and Royal Television Society nominated as a script writer.
His directorial debut, the rubber reality horror thriller ‘Markham’ was released in 2020, his second feature film as director ‘At The Mountains Of Madness’ hit the screen in 2021. You can find out more about Matthew’s work as a director here.
You can find some of his broadcast credits on the IMDb. Matthew is also a judge in the Page Turner Awards 2022.