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How a Book Becomes a Movie: What Authors and Screenwriters Need to Know

October 28, 2026
The filmmaking business is complex and baffles many—even those working in it. The reality is, there is no single way to get a film made. But there’s no question that Hollywood loves adapting intellectual property. The more authors and screenwriters understand the different adaptation paths, the better their odds of success.

Book Pipeline

Book Pipeline connects writers to publishers, agents, and the film industry through competitions and workshops, providing hands-on support to bridge the gap between emerging authors and the industry since 2014.

Script Pipeline

Script Pipeline connects writers with producers, agents, and managers, facilitating over $8 million in sales through competitions and ongoing industry support, helping launch major films and secure high-profile representation since 1999.

Film Pipeline

Film Pipeline connects filmmakers and writers with agencies and executives, focusing on diverse storytelling and playing an active role in developing and promoting projects, reviewing thousands of submissions annually since its launch in 2018.

Better Your Chances of Getting an Agent, Manager or Mentor

Held

March 18, 2026

Duration

2 Hours

Cost

$35

Subject

Screenwriting

Topic

Business

We all know the struggle. It feels harder than ever before to find an agent, or even a mentor to help with a little advice or guidance. On top of that, we send out a million polite emails hoping for a nibble. Ghosting's getting worse. And 9 out of 10 of our emails aren't even read or responded to. 

It's frustrating and exhausting. But something can be done about it. You just need the right insight and tools to find someone who is a great fit for you. 

This session will give you that insight and those tools. It'll be equal parts irreverent, fun, and really useful. Packed with practical things you can do to differentiate yourself from the masses, and make yourself more of an undeniable catch.

We'll be covering things like: 

  • Biggest mistakes people make during the quest - the biggest problem with their early decisions about reaching out, why not doing a little secret research on them works against you, the things writers and artists do that makes them an instant "no"
  • Why the expectations between agents/managers/mentors and us have changed - how the industry works now versus a few years ago, why the opportunity squeeze is not all it seems and how you can get around it, what their day-to-day lives are like now, and the things they think make an attractive client/mentee
  • Figuring out exactly what you need to do - Understanding where you are in your career, what you have to offer, your past attempts to get an agent/mentor, and your challenges. 
  • The biggest question - What's in it for them? - How to flip the "I need you to help me get what I want" to "I am here to help you meet your goals and here's why." How to learn what motivates an agent/mentor and give yourself a huge advantage. 
  •  How to write that first email that will get their attention and get an actual flippin' response - Learning how to structure an email from the subject line to the sign-off so that your email will get read and responded to. And how to follow-up once that happens. 

You'll leave the session with the tools you need and stronger confidence in finding an agent or mentor. You'll also leave with multi-level insight that most people don't have. 

What attendees have said ...

Amanda’s session was really informative, actionable and funny, too. There was plenty of practical advice I can put into practice straight away.

I'm a playwright, trying to go to the next level and this symposium gave me some steps toward getting an agent.

Ms. Graham did a fantastic job and offered a LOT of very helpful insights.

Host

Amanda Graham
Amanda Graham has written 23 eps of BBC tv and edited scripts and ghostwritten pitch decks for 92 film and tv development projects including for the BBC and Channel 4 and the Zero Gravity Group. She has two of her own projects with Olivia Colman and Ed Sinclair's indie South of the River, one with Colman and Tristram Shapeero […]

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Upcoming Events

How a Book Becomes a Movie: What Authors and Screenwriters Need to Know

October 28, 2026
The filmmaking business is complex and baffles many—even those working in it. The reality is, there is no single way to get a film made. But there’s no question that Hollywood loves adapting intellectual property. The more authors and screenwriters understand the different adaptation paths, the better their odds of success.

The Power of Short Story IP—From Concept to Execution

November 10, 2026
Short stories are emerging as essential IP for an intro to the studio system, and some of our most iconic films began with only a handful of pages. Using short fiction references from Stephen King and more, this course explores how writers can recognize the cinematic engine (and core dilemma) inside a short story and to brainstorm or refine an idea of their own. 

Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting for Writers

November 18, 2026
Hosted by goal strategist, author, and The Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling, this session will introduce you to The DEB Method®, her system for goal-setting simplified. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, and Brainstorm Your Path. Writers will define their goals, prioritize projects, and create a plan to turn their vision into reality.

Latest Streaming

A Book Proposal Coach’s Secrets to Selling Your Book—Non-Fiction or Fiction

October 21, 2026
Even your fiction book can benefit from examining it like a business person. Because that's what editors and publishers do. Your proposal, which outlines your project for a publisher, has to be so good that editors fall in love with it and believe that readers will, too. In fact, writing a proposal will set you up for success even if you plan to self-publish. The problem? Most writers have no idea how to create a winning proposal. They simply don’t think like business people which is exactly what's needed. And this is a problem for authors. But Amy B. Scher is going to change that.

Stop Waiting for Permission. Write and Produce your Proof-of-Concept Short!

October 14, 2026
Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, Merridith Allen, guides you step-by-step through making a proof-of-concept short film that will get you noticed ... and expand your options for either financing or representation.

I Finished My Script—Now What?

October 7, 2026
Timothy Michael Cooper shares the insights earned during his decades-long career, teaching you how to interpret and incorporate feedback, find the true heart of the story, focus your rewrites,cut away characters and scenes that aren’t pulling their weight, and build strategic relationships to get your script into the right hands.

Symposium, presented by Pipeline Artists, is a year-round virtual conference empowering creatives with honest, no-nonsense guidance across the arts. Through seminars, industry panels, and Town Hall discussions on screenwriting, filmmaking, publishing, and career-building, Symposium offers grounded advice from working professionals to help you forge your own unique path.

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