I've written a screenplay, which is a drama and I feel is very saleable. I've sent out over 200 letters to film agents and literary agents. I've sent out over 25 scripts to Independent production companies and had 8 returned. The ones that weren't returned, I did a follow up to which I received these answers:
1. We do not accept unsolicited material.
2. No, we never received it.
3. It has been discarded
4. You must have an agent representing you
5. I really don't know if anyone here has seen it.
6.7.8.9.& 10. We do not accept unsolicited material. Can you help me?

Marilyn

Firstly, let me say that many writers will be nodding their heads in sympathy and you are not alone by any means. Two things will happen when you send a screenplay to anyone, they will either like it and want to move forward with it, or they won't. The variety of ways in which they can say "no" are numerous and you've mentioned quite a few of them above. They are simply saying no. Don't be offended. Just keep submitting and keep writing. Keep focused and make sure your work is as flawless as possible and that your ideas are screen worthy. Good luck.

Angela

Angela (About Angela)

I'm writing a screenplay that references a few musical artists. Is it ok to do this or should I use no namers or eliminate this segment altogether? The reference is important to the scene.

Chava

It depends on how and why you're referencing the artist in question. If it's because you want a particular song to be used, then only put it in if it really is pivotal to the story and not just because you think it is. These are choices that a Director will want to make. As to other references etc, the Producer will take care of checking any clearance rights once they move forward with the script.

Angela (About Angela)

I want to write a screenplay based entirely on a book that I have read. How would I go about getting permission for writing the screenplay?

Aseefa

You need to contact the publisher and find out if the rights are available. If it's an adult book ask to be put through to the Adult Rights department and if it's a Children's book, then it's the Children's Rights department. Check the book itself to find out who the publisher is. Pretty straightforward. It's increasingly common to find that film rights etc have already been negotiated long before a book hits the shelves, but there's no harm in asking.

Angela

Angela (About Angela)

Since I want to go and be educated in screenwriting, what should I do before all of schooling is accomplished? I have four years ahead of me of schooling, should I start putting my ideas into my own screenplay format until I learn the real deal? Or should I just wait? What should I do?

Brett

There's no doubt you will learn a lot of great things in whatever screenwriting program you attend. But every good writer will tell you that the best way to get good at writing is to write. Write a lot and, in between, read a lot. If your passion is to write, four years of school shouldn't stop you from beginning. Learning technical aspects like screenplay format won't take long and, if film is truly your passion, studying screenplays and cinema will continue for the rest of your life. So what are you waiting for? Write! Let whatever ideas you learn in school catch up with your practical experience as a writer. Finally, and most importantly, learn to observe and experience life - that's where your stories will be found.

Rob (About Rob)

Can someone tell me what the ethics are with regard to multiple agents? Example: I have been contacted by one agent wanting to rep me for a novel manuscript, and almost simultaneously by another agent wanting to see and possibly rep screenplays. Is it therefore ethical to deal with both of them as they represent different types of writing?

Nick

Congratulations on your seemingly abundance of good fortune. We should all be so lucky. First and foremost keep in mind that and agent works for you, not the other way around. However, you want to build a strong relationship with some who has a lot of industry contacts and can position you where you want to be. You're right in that book agents are separate from screenwriter agents. But it might be tricky to have two represent you. Does the book agent work for an agency that reps screenwriters? If it is a bigger agency you can have a team on your side. Same question for the screenwriter agent... does someone in their place represent novelists? It puts you in a stronger position to be with one agency because what happens when you want to sell the film rights to your book? Don't be afraid to ask these kinds of questions of your potential agents. If they value your talent they'll make sure you're taken care of. You want an agent who is passionate about your work. You have to do your job by researching their powerbase and providing them with plenty of material to shop around.

Scriptfxr (About Scriptfxr)