I have heard conflicting theories on this but do you guys think that it is wise for an aspiring writer to try to submit on spec, or in a screenwriting contest or even happy writers coverage a mini-series? What are you guys thoughts on the Mini-Series?
Screenwriting : The Infamous Mini Series!!!! by Jared Moses
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Should be perfect when containing a message that is important.
Dunno how aspiring writers with 0 tv experience are gonna wow Readers, Execs & Producers with 600++ page idea.
Do some research. How many rookie writers with 0 track record have produced a mini-series? (exclude journalists and Novelists).
HBO didn't hire G RR Martin to adapt his own book, Games of Thrones. But I guess there is 1. Give up 50% stake and partner with someone with a track record.
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Write what YOU want to write. Ignore the critics who will try their damnedest to discourage you. Write, submit, take classes, hire a coach, write some more, submit some more, find other screenwriters, write, submit, network....
Getting that mini-series out of you may be the start of a writer on fire. Don't think about selling it until you create it. Selling shouldn't be the focal point. Writing a kick-ass mini-series should be.
And then, when you're done, submit it. Get feedback. Have the experience. Then write something else.
This is a journey. How you get there is nobody's business. THAT you get there (even if it takes years) is yours.
Best to you. :)
Hmm... Never heard of it being done before, but if that's where your passion lies, write away. At most, you'll get lucky with a producer or agent willing to give it a chance -- and at the least, it'll be great experience for you.
There is no set formula, and for every "can't" there exists a "did." However, in winning at the Industry percentile game--where writing a spec is concerned for the purposes of getting it looked at or made, especially when you are unproduced and unproven--Dan's idea is very sensible in moving that winning percentile from 50-50% chance of having it ever looked at by an executive, to a 75-25% chance. If this is the case, wouldn't you want to increase your odds by entering the field under the banner of a reputable studio or even a produced co-writer?
I think trying to spec mini-series will decrease your chance because it's an enormous commitment and not tons of them being made. Better to pitch a pilot.
I have the first ep of a mini-series in my portfolio and it does OK. It works better as a reading sample because there is less demand for mini-series.