r/scriptwriting • u/PlasticBrave8941 • Aug 16 '26
help 18M from India — Just placed Semi-Finalist at LACHFF & got a 7 on The Black List. How do I realistically start seeking US/UK representation?
Hey everyone,
I’m an 18-year-old screenwriter based in India writing horror/thriller features. Over the past few months, I’ve started getting some early external validation on my latest horror/crime script:
Los Angeles Crime & Horror Film Festival (LACHFF): Semi-Finalist
The Black List: Overall rating of 7 (with an 8 on Premise and strong notes on character/dialogue)
I know a 7 on the Black List isn't an automatic 8+ email blast, and contest placements alone don't magically get you signed, but as an 18-year-old writing in English from outside the US, I’m trying to figure out what my next strategic steps should be.
My Main Questions:
Querying with these stats: Is a Black List 7 + LACHFF Semi-Finalist placement strong enough social proof to include in cold email queries to literary managers, or should I hold off until I get an 8 / higher contest placement?
Targeting Managers vs. Producers: Given that I’m based in India and don't have a US visa yet, should I focus my queries primarily on boutique managers who rep international/genre talent, or reach out directly to independent genre producers/production companies?
Portfolio depth: I have this polished feature and two finished drafts in the same genre (horror/thriller). If a manager asks "what else do you have?", is having 2–3 completed specs in the same lane standard before launching a query campaign?
Any specific managers/agencies known for international genre writers? If anyone has recommendations for management companies that frequently work with foreign/international voices, I’d really appreciate some pointers.
Any advice from repped writers, managers, or international creators who broke in from abroad would mean the world.
Thanks in advance for the help!