Reader Question: Do you need to have an agent/manager to go up for an open writing assignment?

From Chris Drzewiecki:

Do you have to have an agent/manager to try and get an Open Writing Assignment, and what do you think is the best way to do so?

The short answer is yes. That is if we’re referring to an OWA at a major or mini-major studio. I just can’t imagine how an unrepresented writer could get into the mix for those type of projects, although I’m not prepared to say it’s impossible.

However there are some managers who, armed with their own story concepts, look for fresh, new writers to take a crack at scripting the manager’s projects These arrangements are almost always for no money, that is the writer does it on spec. While receiving no cash upfront, the benefit to the writer is (1) they receive story notes from industry insiders, (2) that manager becomes their de facto representative at least in terms of that project, and (3) if the project sells, the writer gets whatever deal the manager can negotiate.

So your next question would likely be, “How do I put myself in a position to work with a manager on a projects like that?” To my knowledge, there is no formal list of these types of gigs. You just have to contact managers, try to get them to read your script, hope they respond positively to your writing, and to your vibe as a person.

As always, it comes down primarily to the quality of your script.

A great script is the key to Hollywood’s door.