Screenwriting : Specs vs Pilots by Kelly McInerney

Pilots can be broken into series or limited series as well.

If you have a one and done story - spec

If you have a universe/world where many stories can be told - series

If you have a big story that has many stories and resolutions- limited series.

I have never written narrative TV. So I do specs. If you think you can get a contact in TV. There seems to be more channels and streaming that stars in the night sky.

Not sure there is a correct answer.

Either way....I am competing against the best of the best of the best, and I'd write what I'm most passionate about; what I'm most proficient at doing; and what I think has the best chance of selling/getting me noticed. (And which could also include short-form web-based content, and even short film content, too.)

Best fortunes to you in your creative endeavors, Kelly!

I write both. Both have their benefits. Writing both keeps your pencil sharp imho.

I'd write a spec, but I don't have time to write fan-fiction. I only do originals. I have too many ideas sitting around and I don't intend to waste any of them.

Hey Kelly! Try and have a few specs and at least one pilot (and series bible) in your back pocket.

Since when did Spec become the new term for fan fiction? A Spec (speculative work) was always the term for a non-assignment or non-commissioned script.

Spec still means that, Pierre.

Hey Kelly, Your name is very sweet. Really! Can we become friend.

Raj!

I'm with Bill and Aray. For me it's all where the passion lies, that's when the best of you emerge. I haven't even once thought of going the Pilot route because my passion burns for specs. Never know though, as I grow and continue writing, I may become infatuated with Pilots and talk to my specs about being in an open relationship :)

Not according to this post, Phil.

I think it was just a derogatory sling at spec scripts in existing universes/shows/channels. The commenter was saying it was not their preference to do anything but original work. I'm not aware of current fellowships but in the 90s, the only way into TV writing was to have current, on-air, viable broadcast shows that you had done at least two prospective scripts for. Usually a half hour example and an hour example.

Yes, that's my point, a pilot IS a spec.

All of these perspectives are spot on. So much has changed over the years, too.

So to add to the thread, my perspective is:

You write a PILOT if you have a "big" idea. Original. Something you can't stop thinking about. Maybe you want to produce it yourself or pitch the idea at festivals. So you create the world, the characters, write the first episode (maybe a second). and then a show bible. You are likely an indie writer if you do this, or have been hired by someone to write their "big" idea.

You write a SPEC for an existing show you admire and think you can emulate. You choose to do this if you're trying to get into a writer's room. You may also choose to do this to add to your portfolio to show diversity in your writing. Or, because the fellowship you're going after requires one.

Both - are still SPECS. :)