Reality check: your original spec screenplay is probably never going to get sold. But that’s okay because your primary goal is not to sell your script. The truth of the matter is that a career as a screenwriter is less about selling your great screenplay and everything about selling yourself. A good original screenplay with a unique and memorable voice is hard to come by, and just because the “power people” might not want to make your movie, they do want to meet the person who wrote a really great script. And here’s why: most screenplays produced in Hollywood are on-assignment work, meaning that some creative development people at some studio are throwing ideas at the wall to see what sticks, and when they find a movie marketing idea that they believe will be a winner – often after they have already attached a director and talent – they embrace the reality that they need to manufacture a screenplay.
~ Michael Schilf
How do you feel about the above statements? Do you agree?
I agree that finding a buyer for your spec script can be difficult. However, as Rocco Lampone said in Godfather Part 2 said, It’s difficult but not impossible.
I’ve had several options and right-to-shop agreements for my spec scripts.
However, I’ve always been open to writing stories other than my own. This year included taking on two novels and a treatment by a director. However, I also secured option deals for my spec screenplays Purgatory Station and Dirty Real, The Bukowski Biopic. And this Friday evening, I’ll learn if one of my adaptations, Tunnel Rats will win Best Action Screenplay at the Urban Action Showcase International Film Festival.
So I continue to write spec screenplays and use them as calling cards. I finished my latest spec two weeks ago and already have an actress reading it. But this can’t happen unless you’re looking at every possible way to get your work noticed. And I believe being open to working with filmmakers on their ideas probably doubles your opportunities to make films. I agree with Michael Schilf that you must sell yourself and your writing. This year alone, I’ve assured several people why I was the right person for a job.
Spec scripts are not just calling cards. But being flexible will increase your opportunities to work with other filmmakers.
What say you?
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I write specs for two reasons.
1. Calling cards for possible assignment work.
2. For funsies.
I don’t really worry about whether or not they’d be produced. I take the Stoic approach of low expectations in that regard, but if they did then it would be a welcomed surprise.
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Jeff C:
Good way to think.
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that dude, M Schilf, is 99.9% correct, but truth don't sell Hollywood dreams. Lies and con ppl sell dreams! Schilf's advice won't sell script services.
It aint the end of the world if I don't make a movie the way I want and I want all the Hollywood perks. I'll just find another hobby.
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Today's factory films require manufactured scrips - sad but true. Artesian film (& scripts) have settled into the past, probably never to be seen again but some of us old timers keep trying. There are jillions of ways to make a living - screenwriting is not the only way.
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100% agree...cause I actually did it...used my spec as a business card and sold myself to work on paid assignment...and all this in Europe...so it's universal way on becoming professional writer...came active here two years ago green as avocado, waiving my specs like everyone else...but I adopt quickly...my superpower...and I listened so some quality, no BS accounts on here, changed tactics...and it worked...but that's not all...main strategy is - no matter how much cliché it sounds - never give up...
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Spot on summary by credited producer-writer-director Michael Schilf.
It was spec that had a producer approach me with an assignment. I very nearly sold the same spec a couple of years later but backed out on the deal at the eleventh hour because of the changes they wanted to make.
This is something I don't think many screenwriters realise about selling a spec. You are selling a draft and the rights to the intellectual property. It will almost certainly get changed, either by your hands or someone else's. It isn't necessarily the dream come true people think it is.
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1,000,000 people say they have an idea for a movie.
10% will start writing it, 100,000
10% will do more than one draft, 10,000
10% will finish and produce a good marketable item 1,000
If all you ever do is create one good screenplay. You are far better than the 1,000,000 with a world beating idea.
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I agree with Michael Schilf about this part: "The truth of the matter is that a career as a screenwriter is less about selling your great screenplay and everything about selling yourself. A good original screenplay with a unique and memorable voice is hard to come by, and just because the “power people” might not want to make your movie, they do want to meet the person who wrote a really great script."
I don't agree with "Reality check: your original spec screenplay is probably never going to get sold. But that’s okay because your primary goal is not to sell your script." My primary goal for my spec scripts is to sell them. Using them as calling cards is my secondary goal. Of course, I wouldn't be mad if one of my spec scripts got me a writing job before I sold it. That has actually happened to me before. :)