Saturday, November 01, 2008

Q. How would one go about writing a spec script for a show that's only in the works? E.g. "The Greysons" which the CW is putting together about Robin in the vein of "Smallville". Or would I be better to write a Smallville spec?

The rule of thumb is never to spec a show that hasn't got a full season under its belt. Sometimes adventurous writers will spec a first year phenomenon that is obviously going to get picked up. For example, many people specced DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES before the order came in for Season 2.

So I would not spec THE GREYSONS. The production could fall apart. The show could flop and get pulled after four episodes. Most new shows don't make it. You're better off with SMALLVILLE.

The thing to do before you write a spec is: call three agents' assistants. Ask what shows their clients are speccing. Pick one of those shows. The list of what people are speccing changes all the time. I haven't had to write a spec in some time, so I just don't know. (I have a really fun I LOVE LUCY stunt spec in mind, actually, if I should have the time.)

Labels: spec features

2:55 PM

3 Comments:

While I agree that specing "Smallville" is exponentially better than blindly specing a new show, I'd avoid specing "Smallville" at all - it's on it's last legs and is not a popular read around town.

So - if it's for fun, spec whatever (I fantasize about having the time to spec "Larry Sanders", "Undeclared", and "Studio 60" myself). But if it's for a professional portfolio, I'd dedicate my time to something else.

By  The Spec Life, at 4:24 PM  

Thank you guys (and gals) for the help. I appreciate all the advice.

By  Andrew Kosarko - Screenwriter, at 9:46 PM  

Greysons was canceled before it even got off the ground.

Source = http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEBQ3BBCh7apEG


Thank you for the solid advice.

- Andrew

By  Andrew Kosarko - Screenwriter, at 8:50 AM  

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