How to Break Into Screenwriting Without a Manager

Image by: Phillippe Collard

If you're waiting to break into screenwriting until a manager discovers you, you'll be waiting a long time. The truth? Most working screenwriters break in without a manager. They generate heat on their own through scripts, contests, shorts, connections, and clever positioning.

In this post, I'll share 10 actionable ways to get your foot in the door, discuss what's worked for me and others, and introduce a free download that maps your personal strategy.

Write One Killer Script

Before you network, pitch, or submit, you need one undeniable script. Genre doesn't matter-voice and clarity do. Hone your unique perspective. For me, that meant leaning into female-led horror. What's yours?

Submit to Labs and Fellowships

Top-tier programs, such as the Nicholl Fellowship, the WB Writers' Workshop, and Sundance Labs, are gate-openers. They're free or low-cost and highly competitive, but they get you in rooms that matter.

Enter Strategically Chosen Screenwriting Contests

Contests aren't all created equal. Target those with industry judges and follow through. Some of the better ones are the Austin Film Festival, Final Draft Big Break, and the Final Draft Big Break competition.

Join Virtual Pitch Platforms

Stage 32 and the Blacklist offer pitch sessions and evaluations. They're not guaranteed success-but they do help refine your pitch and put you in front of execs.

Make Short Films or Micro-Projects

Don't wait for a green light. Shoot a 5-minute horror short or create a proof-of-concept scene. Share it on YouTube, Vimeo, or submit to short festivals.

Build an Online Presence as a Writer

Have a website or Substack that shows what you write, who you are, and how to contact you. Let your voice live beyond your script.

Attend Screenwriting Events (Even Online)

Free mixers, horror cons, Zoom panels, or genre festivals are all ways to meet fellow writers, producers, and reps. Your goal isn't to pitch-it's to connect and grow your community of people in the business.

Build a Small Network That Supports Your Work

Find 3-5 writers at your level. Trade notes. Encourage each other. As one of you breaks through, the others often come along.

Learn How to Query Producers and Managers

Most reps won't read unsolicited work, but many producers will. Especially if you're writing within a genre niche. I share exactly how I do it with my step-by-step guide to finding producers on IMDBpro for my subscribers.

Create Momentum Before Representation

Managers don't want to help you break in. They want to help you scale what you've already built. Start moving now, and the reps will come.

Final Thoughts

Breaking in doesn't look like it used to. And that's good news because it means you don't have to wait. Start with your voice. Find your lane. Put yourself in rooms (real or virtual) that value new work. You'll find your way in-not through the front door, maybe, but through a window you kicked open yourself.

-Renee