Marisa D'Vari

Articles by Marisa D'Vari

How To Get An Agent

You're a hot writer! Already you can see your name on the front page of Variety and the Hollywood Reporter. But to make the magic work, you need an agent.

Or rather, you think you do.

Like a savvy cat who'll only agree to come to you when cream is forthcoming, an agent worth his or her salt is the same way.

I was an agent trainee at ICM in what had to be the kindest office ... (read more)

Is it a Story Analyst or a Reader?

Question: I keep hearing about these mysterious story analysts who will be charged, hopefully, with reading my script. Who are they and what are they like?

Marisa D'Vari responds: Story analysts (or readers, as they are sometimes called) come in two types. The full-time studio or production company reader is required, in most places, to read and analyze at least two scripts... (read more)

How can a great 'non-formula story' get past the Gatekeeper?

Question: How can a great 'non-formula story' get past the gatekeeper?

Marisa D'Vari responds: Great question, Stuart. My personal feeling is that several recent events and the national tragedy will pave the way for more personal films. Realize that it all starts with character. The characters in 'Diner' were exceptional, very real, and the audience ... (read more)

How DOES a Story Analyst become a Story Analyst?

Question: How does a story analyst become a Story Analyst? Is it worth developing a relationship with a Story Analyst? How crucial can knowing a Story Analyst be to a screenwriters career? Thanks!

Marisa D'Vari responds: 'Knowing anyone' in Hollywood is always a great benefit to a career. Friends who work with sound, either on the set or in post-production, ca... (read more)

How can I protect my script in the USA?

From a writer living in Turkey:...

Question: How can I protect my script in the USA? I mean how can I take the 'all rights reserved' for my script? I am afraid to (have my script) copied and stolen!! What is the best way to protect my script?

Marisa D'Vari responds: This is the most common question in all the screenwriting classes I teach. I will detail the step... (read more)

What's Your Sign? Selling More Scripts Through Personality Typecasting

"Cardboard characters!" writes a story analyst, putting the finishing touch in the comments section of his story report. "No tension!" writes another gatekeeper, check marking the dreaded word "pass" on her studio coverage form.

Lack of real, empathetic characters is the leading reason why agents and production executives pass on scripts. ... (read more)