Film/tv spec script question

Here's what I am told:

1) The absolute hardest thing in Hollywood is to get read.

2) If you do get just ONE script read, they usually want to know if you've got more scripts for them to read (at least two more).

3) Having a spec script for an existing show is a good thing to have merely as a sample whereby you show people (not the producers of the existing show, but other people with no affiliation at all with that show) how cool your ability to write is, and also show that you have the ability to mimick the style and characters of someone else's TV show, and to successfully capture the "voice" of that TV show.

4) In recent years (as in the past five years), having a spec TV pilot has become vogue where you show you have the ability to invent an entire universe, project a viable tone, set up a premise capable of lasting three seasons or more, and embody all of the above in just one (the pilot) episode. They don't necesarilly want to MAKE your spec pilot, they just want to see that you have a grasp of it all.

Query on just one script --not several, just one. And make it your best script.

If they totally dig it, then MAYBE they will ask to see more stuff. Only then should you pull out the other stuff. If they don't ask to see more, don't bug them with more.





You want to know if you should focus on the TV people or the features people?

Query on your best script. If you believe that the feature is the best, then query on that one to the features people. If they want to see more, tell them about your two TV scripts, and let them decide which they want to see (they might want to see both). Don't worry that THEY are "features" people and it's ONLY a TV script you're showing them. They just want to see your mettle.

is the approach any different in getting someone to read your film spec script than getting someone to read your television spec script?

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the approach is not different. you should get an agent first. without an agent then you probably won't get your foot in the door.

Do agencies usually read only one type of script?

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agents and production companies usually do one or the other - tv or features - but some do both. you must do your research.

there are different methods to getting into tv than features. you cannot sell a tv script. they don't buy scripts they hire writers. tv scripts are your writing samples. go to http://www.tvwriter.com for enlightenment, learning, research, and disillusionment.

when I contact (over the phone) the agencies, do I ask for the television script development department or the film script development department?

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aside from the fact that with one feature and 2 tv scripts you're not ready to submit your work to anyone... every company has their preferred method of query. you can call on the phone and they will tell you but be prepared for them to shut you down with a "we don't accept..." response. this is because you are not an agent. it's really the preferred method for production companies.

there is so much more but i'm not writing a lecture book. i'm sure someone else will write one for you and post it.

RylenolFlu said:

Okay, is this a legit strategy to get something read: Sending the actual script with a release form enclosed? I guess I am asking, how come query letters aren't sent with the scripts inside already? Is that just a convention that shouldn't be broken?

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This is exactly what spec writers are advised not to do.

It's why the logline/query letter process came into being -- no one working at an agency or prodco has the time nor the inclination to read unsolicited material. If a script hasn't been requested, it's automatically destined for the landfill. If you lie about this (not that I'm suggesting you would), people may start talking about you, but in entirely the wrong way.

Tickle their curiosity with your logline and synopsis so they request your script.

I appreciate your frustration but we're all pretty much in the same boat (unsold/unoptioned spec screenwriters, I mean).

-Derek

Great advice, Plot Device (man...that's a lame joke).I already wrote four spec scripts (two TV specs and two film specs). I already have two to three outline plots on paper. Wish me luck (nah, that's silly. After the strike, I'll have lots of it!!!)