Hi fellow writers,
Every writer dreams of selling a "spec" script. And this is the best time in years to try and land a sale for your original story.
As we're in the middle of a "spec boom", and as I've sold a few spec scripts myself, I thought I'd put down a few pointers for anyone getting their script ready for industry readers:
- Shorter scrips (<100 pages) with lots of white space on the page tend to get more traction. Simply because they're an easier and quicker read for busy execs.
- Focusing squarely on genre, and referencing 2-3 comparable recent films, best positions your script for success.
- Creating a strong and compelling central protagonist that could attract A-list talent can get your script in the right hands and put it on the fast track to production.
- Building your writing momentum and network, and connecting with great producers, is almost as valuable as writing a great script.
I've written an article with more tips and examples of recent sales. I also go into detail on what a "spec" script is, and bust some myths about what it means to sell your script.
https://robhayeswriter.com/how-to-sell-a-spec-script/
Thanks for reading!
3 people like this
Checked out your article - fantastic read! Thank you for sharing it!
2 people like this
Thanks for sharing that article, as a newbie with a spec script being shopped by a production company I am eager to soak up as much info as is possible. I know the longshot nature of this pursuit but like each of us on here, I am confident that if just the right set of eyes takes a few minutes with the script movement can happen!
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Great tips, Rob Hayes! Congratulations on selling Gretel & Hansel and all your success! I used to write any ideas that came to mind, but I spend time picking the best ideas to turn into spec scripts now. I also test out an idea with a logline to see if there's an inciting incident, character goal, etc.
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Great story from someone who has done it.