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How to Write a Spec Script

 How to Write a Spec Script

Spec scripts, or speculative scripts, are generally written in order to practice the process and gain a stronger understanding for the individual steps and techniques that are involved in writing a script. Spec scripts are not sold to a studio or paid for. They’re written purely as an example as to what the writer can do and what their skills are. Learning how to write a spec script is really about taking the time to figure out all of the important elements of the screenplay and how to balance the creative process alongside the writing on spec or on demand process. 

If you’ve never written a spec script before, you’ll almost certainly find the process to be something of an art.

In fact, being able to write on spec in order to sell or otherwise share your scriptwriting skills with businesses in order to create a stronger representation for yourself is certainly challenging.

In this post, we’re discussing how to write a spec script and what it takes to achieve success in writing TV specs.

That will attract industry professionals to garner interest in you, as a writer, and as a brand.

What is a Spec Script?

A “spec” script is a screenplay that is written for film or television in which there is no immediate connection to a production entity when the script is written.

It’s a speculative film or television script that the writer creates as his or her own will without any immediate known purchaser.

The writer may have a goal in mind, that they wish to sell the spec script when it’s complete. Or that they hope to use it as representation of their skills and abilities.

In order to secure additional script writing assignments in the future, but at the time when the spec script is written it is really just practice.

Why Do Screenwriters Write Spec Scripts?

So, if you don’t already have a producer looking for a script from you. Or you don’t have a purchasers in mind. Why would you want to take the time to write a spec script?

The reality is, screenwriters, especially aspiring screenwriters, have a number of reasons that they consider spec scripts important and they write them because:

  • They want to gain practice in the screenwriting industry.
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  • Want to have scripts that they can share with producers or other industry reps on demand.
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  • They want to improve their skills as a screenwriter.
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  • Want to show off their screenwriting skills.

Practice, Practice, Practice

So, while it may seem kind of silly at first to focus on learning how to write a spec script that initially has no particular plan in place? Practice makes perfect!

How to Write a Spec Script

Learning how to write a spec script is about practicing your skills in screenwriting and in evolving your abilities as a screenwriter. The first step to writing a spec script is to decide on your topic.

Since the purpose of the spec script is to improve your skills in screenwriting, rather than come up with an original topic, you might want to write a spec for an existing television show.

This is called a TV spec script and it essentially means that you’re writing a sample episode for a current television series.

The idea is to prove that you know how to write a script, how to format the script, and how to adapt your writing to the existing voice, tone, and style of characters and other elements associated with the television show.

For Example

Begin by choosing a television show that you’re going to produce your spec script about. Perhaps you choose to write a script for a show that was once popular.

Such as Friends or Seinfeld or Code Black. You can really choose any television show you like.

Now, imagine that you have been asked to write another episode of the television show. This is your spec script.

What To Include in a Spec Script

Your spec script is going to include everything that would be in a regular script. You’re going to need to keep the script the appropriate length.

You should consider how you will create sub-stories within the script to engage your audience.

And you should also consider how each act will end at a peak so that commercial breaks keep your audience on the edge of their seat waiting for the next part.

With this in mind, make sure that you include the following in your spec script:

  • Key focus on dialogue that takes place between important characters. 
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  • Character building elements that prove you know how to give your characters life.
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  • Title elements, scene elements, and character designations.
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  • Scene directions as necessary, with an understanding that the script is not the shot list. Don’t overstep your boundaries as a screenwriter you are not the Director. 

What to Do With Your Spec Script

Once you’ve learned how to write a spec script it is time to decide what you’re going to do with it. Ideally, you should share it with some of your closest friends or closest industry professionals first.

This way you can get feedback on the script and you can revise it as needed. Once you have made revisions, consider sharing it with industry reps, producers, or studios where you’re seeking work as a screenwriter. 

You can even share your spec script with forums or fellowships to show your skill and network.

The overarching idea and purpose of learning how to write a spec script is to gain skills in the industry, build up your portfolio, and create a stronger name for yourself as a screenwriter. 

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