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The spec script can be an invaluable tool for Screenwriters wanting to put on display their craft know-how.

Yet many emerging creatives struggle with consistently bettering their expertise through this essential sample of talent and technical skill.

For those wondering why the spec script is so important—or even exactly what it is—follow along as we answer these common questions that Writers often ask.

What Is a Spec Script?

There’s no shame in wondering what a spec script is, considering that the term has two different definitions, depending on who you ask.

For TV Writers, a spec script is a sample teleplay of an existing television show. To be sure, a crucial tool for those working in this part of the entertainment industry, but it is not the same as a spec script meant to be produced as a feature film one day.

When it comes to the movies, which is the medium we’ll be covering for the rest of this discussion, a spec script is a non-commissioned screenplay1. Meaning, it’s a script that a Screenwriter writes as a sample or potential future sale—but without payment.

How Does a Spec Script Differ From a Commissioned Script?

Many production companies and studios have properties they want to develop. It may be a book or magazine article they think could make a great film. It could be a sequel they want written for another film. It might even be a one-sentence idea that a Producer or Executive believe has legs as a movie.

In all of these cases, one or more Screenwriters will be brought on board to flesh out those ideas with the agreement that they’re getting paid for their work.

Note: Getting paid and getting writing credit are not one and the same. Pending the amount of work done on the screenplay, a Writer might receive payment but not have official credit for the script. For any Writer who accepts an assignment, paid or not, a discussion should be had regarding whether credit will be given.

In any case, getting to the point in one’s career where they are paid to work on a screenplay generally comes only once that Screenwriter has proven that they have the chops for such a job. Hence, the spec script.

Many people refer to a spec script as a Writer’s “calling card” because it is indeed just that. It’s an opportunity for a Manager, Agent, Executive or Producer to read a Writer’s work and decide if their expertise and writing style lend themselves to being the right fit for an assignment.

That’s why it’s so important for Screenwriters to choose carefully what they write, as well as to stick to a consistent writing schedule so they have a sample to show when asked.

So let’s tackle the first half of that equation—deciding on the right story. Truthfully, there is no wrong choice. It simply depends on what the Writer is passionate about. For some, that means broad comedy. For others, historical epics. For still others, gritty crime dramas or horror.

One of the biggest benefits of writing a spec script is getting to choose the material, especially given that the Writer typically has zero restrictions on it. But that doesn’t mean that Screenwriters shouldn’t give serious consideration to their script topic and genre. Remember, every time someone else in the industry reads that spec script, it informs on who the Writer is.

Filmmaker and Screenwriter Alice Shindelar weighs in on the topic of genre: “Sometimes I mislead myself by trying to read the market or create the thing that other people think I’m supposed to create, but that always turns out to be fruitless.

When I’m being smart, I usually try to take two things into consideration when working on a new idea—can I see this thing through to the end on my own if no one is interested in jumping on board, and is this something I’m really excited about working on.

I’m not always able to say yes to both of these questions, but I try to make sure I strongly agree with at least one of them. Finally, I used to think I needed to stick to one genre, but over time I realized I’m drawn to many genres and sometimes trying a new genre is exactly what excites me about a new idea.”

Now onto the next part of the equation—sticking to a consistent writing schedule. The bottom line is that many people, Screenwriters included, are motivated by outside forces, such as a paycheck or a deadline. So even when a Writer has a paid writing assignment for a screenplay that doesn’t inspire them, the need to pay the bills can guarantee that they’ll get the job done.

The opposite isn’t always true. Even when a Screenwriter is in love with their spec script idea, it can be difficult to work on it on a regular basis. Job, family, social and other commitments can and often do take precedence. That’s why many writers find ways to keep themselves accountable2.

Writers’ groups are hugely popular for this very reason. Writing classes, even those that are a single day, can help with consistent writing as well. But really, all it takes is asking one person to enforce a deadline to help in sticking to it. Says Screenwriter Talie Melnyk, “What keeps me going is a coach. My accountability to her and having to submit at least ten pages every two weeks propels my work forward and forces me to set clear writing goals.”

Moreover, every Writer has a different definition of what a “consistent writing schedule” looks like. Some creatives really do write every day (maybe it’s just a line or two, but it still counts!).

Alternately, some Writers have designated days during the week when they know they’ll be sitting down to work on that spec script. It’s totally individual and there’s not necessarily a wrong way to do it—just so long as those pages are getting written.

Make sure to check out our article about the shooting script!

What is a spec script in screenwriting?

Anna Keizer (CareersInFilm)

A spec script in screenwriting is a script that a Writer crafts on their own minus any hiring or assignment-giving by a Producer, production company, or studio. The Writer creates the script without pay or even the possibility of pay. That being said, a spec script may later be optioned or bought, which can mean financial profit for the Writer.

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In Conclusion

When it comes down to the spec script, it truly is the calling card that every Writer—even those who have already enjoyed paid success—needs to have in their arsenal. In fact, having multiple spec scripts is even better to show that a Writer is more than a one-hit-wonder.

And for those creatives intent on forging a career for themselves as feature Screenwriters, sky’s the limit when it comes to finding success through the spec script.

  1. 1. "What is a spec script?". Screenwriting.io. published: . retrieved on: 16 December 2019
  2. 2Bradshaw, Claire. "7 Useful Tips For Establishing A Writing Routine". Writer's Edit. published: . retrieved on: 16 December 2019
  3. 3Hellerman, Jason . "How To Sell A Screenplay In Hollywood". No Film School. published: 24 October 2018. retrieved on: 16 December 2019
  4. 4Myers, Scott . "The 10 Most Expensive Screenplays Ever". Medium. published: 3 May 2013. retrieved on: 16 December 2019
  5. 5Miyamoto, Ken . "10 Mistakes to Avoid When Entering Screenwriting Contests". Screencraft. published: 27 September 2019. retrieved on: 16 December 2019
  6. 6. "Academy Nicholl Fellowships". Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. published: . retrieved on: 16 December 2019
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