Agents are brokers who negotiate deals between screenwriters and producers, studio executives, and financiers. Note: Agents are closers. They may never even read your script. If you manage to get one, your script is already polished, and your pitch is short and easy-to-sell. You do not need an agent to sell a screenplay, but if an agent acts on your behalf on a sale, they are highly likely to help you sell other projects. By law they can take only 10% compensation for their work and connections, payable after the sale. An agent who seeks an advance from a writer they represent is not legitimate. See Manager.