Hot shows for spec scripts

Do those shows accept unsolicited scripts or listen to pitches from people they've not worked with? I ask because many don't...I had an idea for 'Drop Dead Diva' but Lifetime doesn't take these sorts of scripts.

IIRC -- and it has been awhile, so I may not -- most series buy at least a couple of non-staff-written scripts each season. HOWEVER, the way to get that job is not by writing a spec script of THAT show and pitching it to them. You write a spec of a different hit show and send that. If they like your style, then they'll call you for an in-person pitch meeting. In that meeting you *might* get to pitch an idea of your own, but more likely, you'll be given a assignment that was developed by the staff and probably taken all the way to individual beats. Write some of those successfully, and you may make it onto the staff, which is where you'll get to pitch original ideas. Maybe. Unless the showrunner rules with an iron fist.

How would one go about doing that? Sounds interesting!

rainsmom said:

HOWEVER, the way to get that job is not by writing a spec script of THAT show and pitching it to them. You write a spec of a different hit show and send that.

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Truth.

Basically any show that isn't on the bubble and has the promise of more seasons to come are prime spec material. Comedies like 30 Rock, Modern Family, Parks & Rec.

And because those shows are most likely staffed with experienced writers, you take that spec script you wrote for Big Bang and query it to the little guy writer who just landed a new series for a higher chance of getting your foot in the door as a writer's / prod. asst.

Hollywood Reporter or Variety generally keep tabs on shows prod. execs sign up for. So, you can watch out for those reports, do a little digging on who the lead writers are, find their agency through wga and send a nice query letter to their agent, asking them to pass your info along to their client.

Does the hit show have to be one that is currently on TV? I'm sure we can all think of shows that have simply run their course (House, Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City) and are only found on syndication. That, or shows that were great but 'canceled before their time'.

ShannonR. said:

Does the hit show have to be one that is currently on TV? I'm sure we can all think of shows that have simply run their course (House, Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City) and are only found on syndication. That, or shows that were great but 'canceled before their time'.

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Not necessarily. I remember an anecdote from one of my texts, talking about how a writer queried a really great spec of I Love Lucy. Sometimes it can set you apart.

Other times, if it's a show that's freshly gone off air, it may leave a sour taste and suggest you aren't keeping up with the times.

Following the I Love Lucy example, you could write a spec for something like Firefly and target it towards agents representing scifi to flex your muscles in that genre. But then again, a Fringe spec might be more appealing since it's current.

It really depends on the quality of writing.