Literary Manager Alex Robles From Diegetic Media Reveals What He Looks For

Alexander Robles is a manager and producer. He represents writers, directors, and producers of scripted shows, unscripted shows, and podcasts, primarily in the horror and comedy genres.

Alexander started Diegetic Media after he left Buchwald, where he was an agent in unscripted, podcasts and alternative media. After six years of working alongside clients, Alexander wants to continue to represent talent while playing a more active role in their projects.

What compelled you to start Diegetic Media in a crowded management marketplace?

I had a lot of clients that still wanted to work with me after leaving my previous job. I’d toyed with the notion of starting my own company and initially decided against it. However, it was the enthusiasm and support from my former clients and colleagues that got me to start. Everyone I’d worked with wished to continue. So, I got to thinking and Diegetic Media was born!

What are some career highlights from your previous professional experience?

I worked for nearly six years at Buchwald Talent and really loved/valued my time there. I met a lot of fantastic talent and agents and built some very strong professional relationships. I worked on numerous deals both in the Branding and unscripted/ Alternative space and represented talent both in front of and behind the cameras. Prior to that, I’d done a bunch of production/ script work.

What makes Diegetic stand out from other management companies?

Diegetic Media is a multi-pronged entity in that it’s both a production company and a management group. I’m able to help clients develop and cultivate their ideas and get their materials to the right people. I like to have a close professional relationship with my clients. I’m looking to bring on people I’m enthusiastic about and who’s works resonate with me. I feel it’s important to really care about clients work.

It’s very easy to tell in the room if an agent or manager are really passionate about their clients. Sadly, that’s not always the case and it’s noticeable. I want to ensure that I care about my clients’ work.   

What are the types of material/ writers you’re most interested in representing?

I’m a big science fiction/ horror fan so I’ve found that I have gravitated to talent in that space (and them to me!).

What career level of writers are you most interested in representing?

I’d like to work with talent that’ve made a name for themselves. However, I’d also love to work with some very talented up and comers!

What makes you keep reading a script submission?

I read a lot of scripts and I’m always looking for works that have a certain energy to them – hard to explain. I’ve read so many scripts that have no life, as if all the lines of dialogue are monotone.

I’ve read some out there ideas, but the energy of the writing is so on point, the characters feel alive and you can envision the work cinematically as you read despite the story being totally insane.

That’s what keeps me reading a submission,  if I can see the idea playing out cinematically in my head.

What recent films/ TV shows would you have loved to have been part of?

I’m a huge Trekkie so anything Star Trek related. That said, I’ve really been enjoying What We Do in The Shadows and Only Murders in The Building.

How do you assess the current state of the industry?

The industry is in a very interesting place. There’s going to be a lot of belt buckling moving forward and I don’t think we’re going to be as oversaturated with content as we have in recent years. The last time we had a strike of this magnitude was in 1988 and that ultimately gave rise to reality television. With so many commercial franchises falling below studio expectations, I do think we are heading into an era of content with lower budgets and, hopefully, new and original ideas.

Where do you see more/  sometimes overlooked opportunities for writers in the current climate?

I think podcasting is in an interesting place. There are new podcasts both scripted ad unscripted popping up everyday. I think many industry professionals are beginning to see the value of the medium. Certainly, if Augmented Reality becomes a commonality in storytelling, it opens up avenues to potentially really ambitious ideas and projects.

Complete this sentence… Before reaching out to Diegetic Media make sure you have done the following things…

Include a resume, writing samples and a brief bio!