Advice on what to do

[annaliterally]

Greetings from a new gal on the forums!

I've been writing screenplays for about six years. I have three options, all for no pay, one of which went into pre-production, but was pulled when something similar was released last year.

Anyway, I had this high-concept rom-com that I've been working on for some time. Finally got it to the point where I was really happy with it. Everyone who reads it, LOVES it. Got a recommend from a pro reader.

I submit to my agent, he's lukewarm about it. Hates this one plot point, and changing it would completely rework the story. Plus, he thinks it's a hard sell because it's a genie-in-a-bottle fantasy thingy.

The good news is that it got me and my agent talking about my next project, and we set up preliminary deadlines on the new one, so at least that's something.

Talked to a writer friend about it, and he said that if I changed one word of it, he would disown me. Says it's perfect the way it is, and that my agent is wrong.

Should I submit it to another agent? I wrote this script with a megastar in mind, should I submit to megastar's agent? Should I let it go? Should I quit writing altogether and go into clowning?

What would you do?

[atb]

Hey, Anna.

Sounds like you're in a real pickle. I think you've gotta ask yourself: whose opinion do I trust, or value, more? My agent or my writer friends?

Submitting this script to another agent could sully the relationship with your current agent.

Are you happy with your current agent other than this little difference of opinion?? Does he work his ass off for you? Do you talk to him frequently? Do you feel valued?

If not, maybe you should submit the script to other agents. If you truly believe in your heart of hearts that the script could sell and if you would regret it if you allowed your agent to talk you into shelving it, then it may be time to part ways.

I believe John August has a great blog entry about this very subject -- johnaugust.com/archives/2010/how-to-leave-an-agent

Also, remember: you can always post a script here in one of the GITS Club threads. You might get quite a few more eyes to read it and quite a few more opinions on what to do.

[annaliterally]

Well, see, that's where I'm torn.

My writer friend works in Hollywood, just got his big break on his first project for Universal. So, it's not like it's my dad or my pal from college telling me I did a good job.

My agent does do me quite a bit of good. He really took care of me and found a major loophole in my last contract. He's a good guy, at a reputable place, and he's really working with me on my projects.

So, I don't want to burn the bridge with agent, and send out something he doesn't think is ready.

But, I think he's making a mistake by shelving it.

I think, overall, I had six people read this thing when it was done. Five people loved it, my agent was the only one who thought it was okay.

I love John August's blog!

Good idea on posting it to the forum! Maybe the GITS crew will have some advice on what to do.

Thanks!

[atb]

Out of the six people, how many were writers and how many were agents?

Seems like you might want to get an under-the-table opinion from another agent just to see if you're getting differing opinions because of the different perspectives of writers and agents.

Writers are looking at it much deeper than an agent will. An agent is really just looking at the script's face value. Can I sell this or not? And the agent's opinion may be stronger.

A script may be great, but an agent will look at it the way it needs to be looked at -- as a commodity. Do I know of anyone who is looking for this type of script? If not, he may not be willing to invest his time into something he doesn't believe will pay off.

If you get another agent with the same opinion, you should still at least sit down with your agent and ask him what you can do to make it sellable.

[annaliterally]

The ones who liked it were all writers or readers. No friends for ego-boost sake.

You're right about the commodity, of course. He did mention that even if it were stellar, it still probably wouldn't sell because it's too fantastical.

He thought the best thing to do was to take out the high-conceptery, and focus more on the rom-com aspects. That may be what I would need to do, but I really need a break from this project for a while. Maybe when I'm done with the other projects on my plate, but that won't be for a few months yet.

Regardless, I posted it in the "Completed Drafts" thread. We'll see how it goes.

[atb]

Already read about 15 pages. Very strong voice. Really enjoying it.

So far, I can't see where the fantastical elements come into play. It seems like straight rom-com so far. Though, it certainly seems unique with the composer in love with the singing diva he grew up with and unable to allow himself to like anyone else.

What's the logline? Maybe you should post that in the thread for your script.

[annaliterally]

Glad you're liking it. Everything changes at the beginning of Act II. Page 25, I think?

I thought about posting the logline, I may do that in a bit. I'm trying to stay off the 'net because I have a writing deadline. You can see how well that's working, right? I only needed to check one thing on Wikipedia, and somehow wound up here...

Agent really liked the rom-com story line, wanted me to develop it w/o the genie-in-a-bottle bit. Says it takes away from the love story. IDK. I think one of the things that made Bruce Almighty so great was because of the love story. If he were just a guy doing godly things, it wouldn't have been as intriguing.

I'd love to hear what you think when you're done with it.

Thanks for all the advice. I really appreciate it.

;D

*shuts off Internet*