Purchasing Query Letter Materials

[shutterspeedfilms]

I'm currently producing an indepedent feature film based on a screenplay adaptation I've written, now in development.

At this point, I'm preparing to query actors' agents for role solicitation in the film. I have a list of 60 queries I'm planning to send out and am concerned with displaying a professional appearance. Hopefully you guys can answer a few questions for me:

1. Is white, 24lb business/resume paper, within an envelope of the same manufacturing, appropriate for the query letter?

2. Would it be appropriate to include a 4 x 6 postcard, with return postage provided, with two check boxes accepting or declining sending of the screenplay? (A space for additional comments would also be included).

3. Planning on simply printing letterhead (just my basic contact information) and the postcard information on my home printer (without any graphics or the like). Kosher?

4. Would forming an LLC before sending the query letters (and referring to myself as the LLC, rather than just my name as a producer) be a more professional quality?

Keep in mind that at this point I don't have much money to spend. I've calculated it's going to cost $14 for each query letter and script sent out, not including materials ($14 x 60 = $840!). I realize there are a zillion bells and whistles I could add, but I want the price as baseline as possible while still achieving a professional/respectable look.

 

[Knoxworth]

I know that postcard idea sounds like the least amount of effort for them to do. Is that something you've heard be done before? If I were you I would fax.

But I don't know these things, have no experience. But a postcard, unless its standard practice, would be a red flag in my opinion. If they think they'll benifit from the script its in their interest to do more than simply check a box and drop it in the mail. Again, faxing is cheaper.

 

[mrWr0ng]

If they don't want the screenplay, they just won't bother to contact you.

if they do want the screenplay, theyy will.

 

[taormina]

Why not try picking up a phone first. Who the hell reads a letter in 2007. Better yet, get a casting director to call for you.

 

[shutterspeedfilms]

I know that postcard idea sounds like the least amount of effort for them to do. Is that something you've heard be done before?

I've heard of novelists and screenwriters doing this. The idea is to make it as easy as possible for the agents to actually get back to you. It also establishes a paper trail. As I'm reading these responses and my own typing, however, it does seem a bit like... mass marketing, though, doesn't it? :lipsrseal

Maybe the letter, with a follow-up phone call, would be best.


Despite prior advice, I'm foregoing the casting diretor route.