Something that's been worrying me lately: This idea that SPEC scripts are now mostly viewed in the context of a WRITING SAMPLE. In essence, a Producer is looking for the kind of useful talent can be bent unto his will.
This seems bleak and depressing to me. I can almost hear my serotonin levels plummet like water draining in a sink, when I think of original ideas becoming irrelevant in the eyes of the people who can make them happen.
What's the upside to this that I'm not seeing? At what point in a screenwriter's career does original work stand a chance.? Someone, please be the Prozac to my serotonin, and teach me why this a good thing after all, , and not a sign of an originality apocalypse. Thank you
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Nick Assunto - Stage32 Script Services Hey Nick, my name is Ray, I'm curious, there are so many management Companies out there. I'm wondering which ones would you advise sending a query letter to or that you've had excellent feedback too. I'm looking for a nurturing company that works with a comedy writer who does the work? I appreciate all the advice and counsel that you can bring to my table. Thanks, Nick. Look forward and appreciate your response.
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Hey CJ Walley You sound exactly like the authentic, genuine person I would like to connect with in here as a NYC native. I'm looking for exceptional people here and would love to connect further. Always searching for greatness.
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Anthony:
I've had several spec scripts optioned. But I've also written several scripts for producers looking to bring their story concepts to life. But I do look at spec scripts as calling cards.
A spec is something you can sell but it is calling card that you can use to show people in the industry that you know the business and how to write for it. Like other people here I have optioned a few spec screenplays so that isn't impossible. I also used spec screenplays to land a WGA Agent, get employed as a Staff Writer and a Script Consultant at two different production companies. I also used them to meet people in the business and have 7 projects in development and pre-production. I don't think anything I did is worth writing home about but what I have managed to do all started with writing spec screenplays.
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The kind of stuff I'm hearing from CJ, Phillip and Dan, THAT''S the good news I've been yearning to hear. You can still take an original idea and make it fly, as long as you stay mindful that show business is a force of nature, and you can't change its agendas any more that you can change the weather.
Anthony: Like me, you're a salmon swimming up stream but always do your best work and keep pitching to anyone who will listen and read. Best of luck to you.
Oh my. I think even if my scripts were just looked upon as writing samples that would still be great if it could get me a job. I'd love to work in a writer's room on a show or so something like that.
Basically I'll be fine with them being samples to start out with, keep working on my stuff on the side and someday making it happen.
I think it's also good to kind of have a track record. Working on projects, even if they're someone else's, is probably not a bad idea. At least that proves that you can do what needs to be done.