“Is it in proper format? Did you use Movie Magic or some other formatting software to meet studio standards? Have you tried the expected Hollywood channels for new scripts? I would think the retired Marvel exec you had read it, would/should still have contacts in the business. If the script is that good, get a dedicated agent and he will be able to sell it.”
Yes, it’s in perfect format — done in Final Draft, I believe. And agents have been approached. Unfortunately, they’re almost impossible for newcomers to access (just as hard as the studios). They only become accessible, for the most part, oly until after you’ve proven yourself on your own without their help, so it’s kinda of a Catch-22. The former Marvel staffer who looked at it was not a former executive, but a former script reader for executives there (one of their filters for scripts). If you have any particular agents in mind, who might be more open than the usual, feel free to message me privately. Thanks!
I apologize if my questions seemed patronistic. I see you know what you’re doing. I’m part of a writer’s group here and you’d be amazed how many people ‘write a blockbuster script’ then find out it has to be in a studio ready format; software they don’t want to buy. Or they think they can just call up Steven Spielburg and he’ll buy the script because they’re so nice.
I don’t write scripts so unfortunately I have no contacts to offer. From watching the moderator of our group, I know a great agent is tough to find even with contacts. Her mentor is Lew Hunter, in spite of that, she didn’t have an agent that got her anywhere. Our mod met her new agent last year at a film conference where they were on staff. They chatted during lunch after teaching film classes. She wasn’t necessarily looking for a new agent; but he was looking for new talent. He’s managed to get over 20 of her scripts into the studios over the past year. She’d been trying to get a script in for decades.
Do you belong to a writer’s group of some sort? Do you go to/volunteer at your local film festivals? Are you networking there? Considering how slowly Hollywood works, you might try finding an indepentent studio/producer/director and go that way; I don’t know what Marvel would do however. If you are already doing this stuff I apologize; I’m hearing my moderator in my head asking these questions. Good luck with your script sale! :)
Lawrence Kasdan, while still living in Michigan, submitted his first script ("Continental Divide") 187 times before someone optioned it
You gotta take the shot.