How long should a screenplay synopsis be?

How do I find an agent for my screenplay?

• I have been working incredibly hard on an epic, fantasy, science fiction screenplay for the past two years and now it is finally finished and ready to sell. I live in Vancouver, if that is important, and now I need to start looking for agents so I can begin having my screenplay read by production companies. So the two questions I need answered are: 1. How do I go about finding an agent that will read my screenplay and potentially represent me? 2. If I copyright my screenplay with the WGC (Writers Guild of Canada) will the copyright apply everywhere? For example, if I circulate my script around in Los Angeles will it be safe? And for anyone who is about to type out some discouraging insult, telling me how I have no chance and I'm wasting my time, please don't even bother. Even though I have a horrible self image I am incredibly proud of this screenplay, and I know it's brilliant. Like J.K. Rowling said: "When I was writing the first Potter, I knew that getting it published would be the hard part. But once it was published, I knew it would be big." It's the same thing here. I have more determination than anyone you will ever meet, and I have worked so hard on this, nothing can get me down or stop me :) That being said, I know that it is very difficult to even get an agent to read a screenplay, so I am thinking realistically as well. Thank you for all your help in advance!

• Answer:

  Don't bother with the WGC registration, go with the WGAw instead. They'll ask for it anyway in LA regardless of whether or not you're WGC registered. Remember, registration IS NOT a copyright. Copyright can only be legally obtained through the Canadian Intellectual Property Office or through the same type of institution in the US. Registration with the WGAw is more about the arbitration process should a conflict arise in regards to screen credit. As for finding an agent. You can cold query but you will be met with limited (zero) success. Every year during the Vancouver International Film Festival holds an adjunct Film and TV forum. I met my agent there (spend the money do the lunches). And just to inject a bit of reality. Films take years to get off the ground. Be prepared for that as it can be very frustrating. I've got one project right now that is pushing into its tenth year of development and even if I get a green light tomorrow, I'm still looking at another year before we'd go to camera. Vancouver's a bit of a closed shop in many ways, I've had far better success in Toronto (though I miss riding my motorcycle in the mountains). Good luck with it. I'm a produced screenwriter with feature film and TV credits, I also produce.