Spec script

Definition

A spec script is a screenplay written without any prior agreement or payment from a production company, often created by a writer in hopes of selling it or attracting interest from producers and directors. It serves as a way for screenwriters to showcase their talent and creativity, as well as to establish their voice in the industry. Spec scripts can be used for various types of projects, including feature films, short films, television shows, and web series.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Spec scripts are typically created as original works, not adaptations or based on existing material, showcasing the writer's unique voice and ideas.
2. Many successful films and TV shows have originated from spec scripts, making them a vital part of a screenwriter's portfolio.
3. A strong spec script usually follows industry-standard formatting and demonstrates effective storytelling techniques, character development, and dialogue.
4. Screenwriters often write spec scripts in hopes of getting representation from agents or managers who can help them sell their work.
5. Spec scripts may also be submitted to competitions and festivals as a way to gain recognition and open doors in the film industry.

Review Questions

• How does writing a spec script impact a screenwriter's career trajectory and opportunities within the industry?
  • Writing a spec script can significantly impact a screenwriter's career by serving as a key tool for showcasing their skills and unique storytelling voice. A well-crafted spec script can attract attention from agents, producers, and directors, leading to potential job offers or contracts. It allows writers to demonstrate their ability to create compelling narratives, which can open doors for further projects in television or film.
• Discuss the role of spec scripts in the context of different types of screenplays such as feature films versus TV shows.
  • Spec scripts play an important role across different types of screenplays, whether they are intended for feature films or television shows. For feature films, a spec script is typically an original story meant to be sold outright or developed by producers. In contrast, for TV shows, spec scripts often serve as samples that demonstrate a writer's ability to capture the tone and structure of an existing show or present an original pilot. Both forms can help writers gain visibility in their desired market.
• Evaluate the significance of spec scripts in the relationship between screenwriters and industry professionals such as producers and directors.
  • Spec scripts are crucial in establishing relationships between screenwriters and industry professionals like producers and directors. These scripts serve as calling cards that display a writer's talent and creativity without prior agreements. Producers use spec scripts to identify fresh voices for new projects while directors often look for material that aligns with their vision. This dynamic interaction can lead to collaborations that shape the future of film and television, making spec scripts an essential element in the creative process.

Related terms

Pitch:

A brief presentation where a screenwriter presents their story idea to producers or studios in hopes of gaining interest or securing funding.

WGA: The Writers Guild of America, a labor union representing writers in the film and television industries that provides guidance and protections for screenwriters.

Script Coverage: A written evaluation of a screenplay that includes feedback on its strengths, weaknesses, and overall marketability, often used by producers and studios to decide whether to move forward with a project.