Learn how to submit your script to production companies and literary agents
Your scripts can be submitted to production companies and literary agents in various ways. Scripts must follow all submission guidelines for each company you want to submit. Script submissions can be mailed or hand-delivered, and there are various online services that you also may use (for a fee) if desired.
Related: How to Pitch a TV Show to Netflix
Mailing Script Submissions
If you choose to mail your script submissions, send them via a reputable courier which provides a tracking number. Script submissions should be sent in a 9″ x 12″ flat manila envelope with the sender’s return address printed on it.
Production companies and literary agencies will not open unsolicited scripts with a proper return address. Without First Class postage stamp on the envelope, script submissions sent via US mail will be immediately returned to you. Include a cover letter with your contact information and a synopsis of your screenplay, including treatment if it’s a television project.
If you mail your script submission on standard paper, follow Script Format Guide exactly with all margins set at 1″ and page numbers on the right-hand side of each page, no headers or footers used. Scripts submitted on standard paper will be returned unopened if they do not follow Script Format Guide.
If you’re planning to mail your script submission in a manila envelope rather than using email (which is preferable), including all the information requested in Script Format Guide precisely as Script Format Guide invites it. Script submissions on standard paper will be sent back (unopened) if Script Format Guide isn’t followed exactly.
Reading Script Submissions Scripts submitted to production companies and literary agencies must not contain any watermarks on the front of the script’s first page, such as security markings or ‘not for distribution,’ Script Format Guide explains. Script submissions not conforming to standard formatting will be returned unopened.
Producers read a multitude of scripts. As Script Format Guide points out, reading scripts takes time and effort – it’s investment producers have to make if they want their project brought in for development. Scripts submitted directly to individual production companies and literary agencies must be Script Format Guide-compliant to stand a chance of being read.
Production companies and literary agents make no guarantees how long it will take for them to review your script. Scripts that fail to follow Script Format Guide are unlikely to be read.
Script Format Guide
If submitting a manuscript format script to a production company or literary agency, you need to follow Script Format Guide (see below) exactly.
Per Script Format Guide, the title page of your script should include:
– Script title
– Script writer’s name and contact information
– Type of project (feature, TV episode/series, half-hour sitcom, short film)
– Script release date (is the project in development, released, or in pre-production)
– Script running time (for screenplays and teleplays)
– Submission release date (indicate whether the script is available for consideration at any point during a set period – such as ‘when received by June 1 st, 2016’ – or only during a specific timeframe – such as ‘only between January 1 st and March 31 st, 2016’)
– Script genre (for example: action/adventure, comedy, science fiction/fantasy/horror, period piece, crime drama)
– Script logline (A brief one-sentence description of the story that is intriguing and concise – the more creative, the better it will be.)
– Script synopsis (This should include: a description of your story’s beginning, middle, and ending; main characters by name and description only – including gender and age range; conflict or problem facing protagonist(s) – what happens to make your story move forward; and, finally, the resolution or end of your story)
– Script contact information (including name, address, telephone number(s), fax number, or email address).
Script Format Guide also recommends labeling your script with your last name first. Scripts should be printed double-sided on white paper in black ink.
A simple brad or three-hole punch should bind scripts. Never staple your script. Script submissions not conforming to standard formatting will be returned unopened.
Build a screenplay submissions contact list
When looking for a manager, make a detailed list of the individuals or organizations you believe your script would be ideal for and want to go after.
You can learn the names of producers and managers on Project Casting who work with similar material to yours to contact them later.
You’ll be able to add real and viable contacts to your screenplay submission list if you get along well with these individuals.
Prepare your pitch
You don’t want to spam everyone on your list at once when you have a script ready to send out and a list of potential managers and producers who might be interested in reading it. Every few days, send out about twenty queries and vary up the email query from time to time according to the responses you receive.
Consider the email to be an elevator pitch—you’ve got a few seconds to win someone over and that’s it. Make sure your pitch letter is written in your screenplay’s distinctive voice and tone. This will help yours stand out among the thousands of script submissions already flooding in.
Consider sending your pitch as a PDF attachment to protect your script from being hacked or stolen.
Be sure to include the title, genre, and logline as the subject of your email, as well as all necessary information for contacting you, including name, address, email address, and telephone number(s). Set up separate folders for each company and label those folders appropriately.
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