How Many Scripts Do I Need Before An Agent or Manager Will Sign Me?

Generally speaking, at least two. You will occasionally hear stories of agents signing talent based on only one script, but it’s unusual. There are several reasons why:

Agents want to know you can generate material, that you don’t take five years to write every screenplay. They want to know you have more than one idea. That you can write distinct voices for multiple characters. But most importantly, they need you to have more than one sample because executives almost always ask for more than one sample.

For instance, last week I pitched a pilot to two cable networks. Even though I have written multiple scripts for an actual series, they wanted to read me. Before even agreeing to hear the pitch, they asked to read one of my spec pilots. After the pitch, one of the networks asked to read a second sample.

When networks are considering a pitch from a new writer (meaning a writer without a laundry list of impressive credits) they’re not only buying the series, they’re buying the writer. The executives want to know your voice, your style, your tendencies, etc. If an agent signs a client who doesn’t have at least two samples, it’s very difficult for them to “sell” the client to executives. Additionally, in the world of TV, showrunners often ask for two samples from a low level writer before meeting with them.

[For those of you wondering if I sold my pitch, we’re still waiting to hear…]