Partnering Up with Talent?

Question:

I have partnered with someone in L.A. to develop a sitcom. What makes it interesting is that my partner is a long time session player for a very popular recording artist. The name opens a lot of doors. But neither of us have any WGA credits. But similar to the story of many established writers, execs are saying they like it, but pass on it. We have been trying to do this ourselves and I’m now wondering if we should find an agent or try to develop a relationship with a director or other film insider?

Screenwriting Compass:

The TV world is different from the film world. Not being a WGA member does not make a difference in terms of selling a project. In fact, a lot of execs like finding undiscovered talent and telling their bosses. There are great bragging rights for execs in being able to tell the town they were the ones who discovered that diamond in the hay stack.

So here is one common mistake people make with projects. I see it all the time, and not just with writers but with a lot of producers. Everyone in town keeps talking about “packaging” projects. A lot of people think this means add as many elements as you can to your project. However this is not true. You have to add the “right” elements. There are certain actors that studios, networks, financiers want to be in business with. And it varies from buyer to buyer. Having an agent handling your project is always the best thing, because if they are good, they will be able to tell you who makes sense where. Sometimes, some networks or film financiers are so specific with people they want to be in business with, that they aren’t always the obviuos choices. If you can find out who these people are, and somehow get to them, then that will really help push your project. On the other hand, adding the wrong element, can add “baggage” to your project and will make it an even tougher sell.