Each year, approximately 50,000 screenplays are registered with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). While the market faced a downturn in 2023 with only 11 spec sales, 2025 has signaled a “spec script renaissance.” In August 2025 alone, 8 major spec deals closed — the highest monthly volume in eight years. This resurgence highlights the vital role that the right representation plays in navigating a competitive industry that is once again hungry for original storytelling.
Whilst screenwriting experience, craft, sample materials and story concepts are all vital parts of the screenwriter’s toolkit, the business side to the industry is where a lot of a writer’s fate is decided. Navigating the film and television industry is an immense challenge, one that can be the undoing of talented writers.
It’s an obstacle that everyone attempting to build or maintain a reputation must face, from Oscar winners to first time writers. Knowing which projects to take, which spec scripts to write, which contracts to sign, finding ways to get your work into the hands of the people most likely to bring it to life, and generally tending to the vital non-creative side of a career in screenwriting is pivotal.
This is where a screenwriting agent comes in.
What Does a Screenwriting Agent Actually Do?
A Sounding Board for Your Vision: The life of a screenwriter is often solitary. Beyond staffing a writers’ room, most work alone. An agent is your industry-informed ally—someone you can speak freely with about the finer details of a screenplay-in-progress to ensure it is “market-ready” for 2026 standards.
Professional Advocacy: Networking is a constant pressure for creatives. The challenge of staying humble while expressing your talent can be daunting. Having an agent to “blow your trumpet” for you frees you to focus on your craft while they manage the high-stakes perceptions of studio executives.
The Accountability Factor: Whether it’s writer’s block or industry-wide shifts like the 2023 strike, maintaining output volume is an underrated skill. An agent checking in on your progress and expecting drafts provides the professional structure necessary to turn writing from a hobby into a sustained career.
Navigating the Complex Deal: With WGA minimums increasing in 2025 and the return of “one-step” deals for experienced writers, the financial side of screenwriting is more complex than ever. An agent ensures you aren’t just selling a script, but building a sustainable business model for your career.
Do You Really Need an Agent to Sell a Script in 2026?
A lot of an agent’s purpose seems obvious on the surface. And, in truth, a lot of it is. However, it’s worth stating in detail what in particular is so valuable about a screenwriting agent. Here are a few important factors:
1. Someone to Discuss Your Work With
The life of a screenwriter can be a lonely one. With the exception of being staffed in a writers room or being lucky enough to have a rock solid writing partnership, most screenwriters work alone. Even the act of writing, the focus and discipline that it requires, demands solitude. An agent is someone you can speak freely with about your ideas or even about the finer details of a screenplay-in-progress; an industry-informed ally who will at least be a sounding board for you as you create.
2. A Guide Through the Industry
The film and television industry is opaque, to say the least. It’s a giant mess, relying on artists to successfully navigate the subjectivity of art and produce work that can reliably be expected to generate a profit. The who, where, when, how and why of the industry is a labyrinth that will frequently have you scratching your head, unable to reconcile past experiences or expectations with present realities. Agents know this. It’s their world. They’re in the trenches, day in, day out. Having them by your side could prove vital as you try and carve out your own path.
3. Handling the Talking
We shouldn’t rule out the possibility that screenwriters are capable of doing their own networking (and in all seriousness, many are). But that said, there’s a lot about networking that can be a struggle for creatives. The constant pressure to walk the line between being humble and approachable whilst still finding the room to express your talent to people can be very tricky. No writer wants to come off as obnoxious, and yet it can sometimes feel like the alternative is not being heard of at all. Having an agent to blow your trumpet for you and get your name out to the right people frees you up to focus on your craft.
4. Hold You Accountable
We’ve all been through the dreaded writer’s block. But apathy, distraction, anxiety, laziness or any number of other reasons not to write have also afflicted most at some point. The lifestyle of a screenwriter can be quite erratic as a consequence, sitting at a desk all day only for inspiration to strike at 2.30 am. With the lack of structure that often accompanies a career in screenwriting, having an agent checking in on progress, expecting drafts and keeping you in line can be a real asset. Output volume is an underrated skill for writers and having an agent hovering can force you to focus up and get writing.
Key Factors to Consider When Searching for Representation
In a year where agency consolidations have shifted the power dynamics — such as CAA’s merger with ICM and UTA’s acquisition of the Curtis Brown Group — being discerning about your choice of representation is critical.
- Reputation and Clout: Your agent’s personality reflects directly on you. They should be known as someone the industry enjoys working with, but more importantly, they must have the “entity signals”—the professional standing to open the specific doors you need.
- Niche Specialization: Agencies that seem identical from the outside often have very different internal cultures. In 2026, many “boutique” firms like Verve have become the premier destination for writer-directors, while “mega-agencies” like CAA focus on packaging A-list talent. Ensure your rep specializes in your specific genre, whether it’s action-thrillers (the current spec market leader) or streaming-first animated series.
- Active Communication: In the fast-paced 2026 marketplace, you cannot afford a rep who takes weeks to reply to an email. Search for an agent who is frequently available to touch base and aligns with your vision for career trajectory, rather than just chasing a single sale.
- Contractual Transparency: With the median compensation for Netflix deals hitting $375,000, the “percentage” your agent takes is a significant investment. Study your representation agreement carefully to ensure you are comfortable with the terms before signing, particularly regarding how they handle digital and streaming residuals.
Before diving deeper into the specifics of securing representation, check out this video from Script Reader Pro that explains how to get an agent and manager — essential knowledge for navigating the competitive world of screenwriting.
The Top 10 Agencies For Screenwriters
With all of the above said, you’re now primed and ready to take a look at some of the top agencies for screenwriters. Across this list you will see a variety of companies, each with their own unique spin on what they do.
Agencies come in all different shapes and sizes, so it’s important for you to have the full picture. Some you will almost certainly have heard of before, but there will also be some hidden gems that deserve exploration, even if they aren’t as well known.
1. Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Following its landmark acquisition of ICM Partners in 2022, CAA is the undisputed “mega-agency” of Hollywood, representing icons like Aaron Sorkin and Shonda Rhimes.
2. United Talent Agency (UTA)
A leader in IP negotiation and book-to-film markets, UTA significantly expanded its global footprint by acquiring the UK’s Curtis Brown Group.
3. William Morris Endeavor (WME)
One of the oldest and most prestigious firms, WME has a legendary reputation for shaping the careers of top showrunners and writers.
4. Independent Artist Group (IAG)
Formed by the 2023 merger of the storied APA and AGI, IAG has quickly become a powerhouse in scripted literary representation.
5. The Gersh Agency
Known for its innovative approach, Gersh recently expanded its reach by acquiring the digital and alternative departments of the now-defunct A3 Artists Agency.
6. Paradigm Talent Agency
A “boutique” alternative that is highly respected for launching new careers and providing diligent, personalized attention to its roster.
7. Verve Talent and Literary Agency
A younger, forward-thinking agency that has become a premier destination for writer-directors looking for a tailored experience.
5. The Curtis Brown Group (UK)
Now part of the UTA family, Curtis Brown remains a pre-eminent force in the UK and European markets for literary and screen talent.
10. United Agents (UA)
The gold standard for UK-based talent, UA represents many of the most influential writers dominating the global English-language market.
Individual Agents to Look Out For
Agencies as a whole (and the reputation that accompanies them) are very important, but it’s also good to have a few names in your head as you begin searching for the specific individual who could represent you. As such, here is a list of a few specific agents that have a track record with screenwriters:
| Name | Position | Agency |
|---|---|---|
Jason Richman | Co-Head, Media Rights | UTA |
| Gregory McKnight | Partner | UTA |
| Dan Aloni | Managing Partner | WME |
| Paul Haas | Co-Head, TV Literary | Curtis Brown (UTA) |
| Nick Marston | Chairman, TFTV | Curtis Brown (UTA) |
| Sean Barclay | Senior VP, Television | The Gersh Agency |
| Georgina Carrigan | Talent Agent | UA |
| Nick Mohebbi | Literary Agent | Verve |
| Lindsay Howard | Partner/Head of TV Lit | IAG (formerly APA) |
The Bottom Line
In the “gatekept” world of film and television, agents are the primary gatekeepers. While it may not happen overnight, the recent surge in the spec market proves that for writers who are prepared and smart about their approach, securing the right representation is still the most effective way to launch a career in 2026.
With this list, you will at least know where to start when beginning your agency journey. Good luck!
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Learn more about gaining representation:
- How to Get a Screenwriting Agent (The Right Way)
- How to Find a Netflix Agent: Finding Representation Guide
- The Screenwriting Portfolio: What You Need & How to Stand Out
