Do you call an agency first or just submit?

[ILove2Write]

I used to write screenplays a lot but I never ended up submitting any of my work. Then I moved on to writing novels and I just now started sending out some stuff. Anyway, I've been reading up on screenwriting again, and it seems that the tip is to call an agent first before submitting a query to them? Is this true?

To me that would seem like you're bothering them. I mean, what do you say if an assistant picks up? "Can I speak to so-and-so-agent? I would like to pitch them my screenplay?" I would think they would just want you to send them a query? No?

What are your experiences with this?

[kullervo]

http://www.kullervo.com/The_Agents.html

[clockwork]

I don't think you should call the agency first. I've read that some people suggest calling to find out if the agency accepts unsolcitied material but I think that's just offering them the opportunity to tell you no.

Send your queries and see what happens. And I wouldn't call them while you're waiting for a response either. In this day and age of 3-8 month turnaround times for queries, it'll be a futile call and may end up bugging them.

[mario_c]

http://www.kullervo.com/The_Agents.htmlExcellent article. I've always agreed with the approach of going after prodcos first and foremost; however, they are just as inundated with queries as agencies are, so the same rules apply.
I went through the Hollywood Rep Directory and called (NYC) agents and studios, and was immediately told to send a letter by every last one of them. (I'm aiming for a LA trip this year, so will start my marketing blitz anew soon.) The letter is discarded or lost or whatever, improve logline and pitch inventory. Lather rinse repeat. Eventually you get requests to send a copy (one mid-sized studio gave me their eMail to send the .pdf :D) This is ignored for months, then rejected tersely. Lather rinse repeat.
What a life.