Hi dear writers! I need a tip. I wrote a spec episode for an existing TV show that had its final season this year. It’s okay to use it for my portfolio, but would it be okay to submit it for screenwriting contests copyrights wise? I mean the show is not mine obviously:) the spec is though.
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I wouldn´t unless you have permission, this could get ya in some trouble if I am not correct Mariia Rudenko
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thanks Mark Deuce ! well tbh I thought so too, but the thing is many people are writing for their favorite shows. And it made me rethink it. It’s not for selling or shooting obviously, but just to take part in a writing skills competition.
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I would just be careful Mariia Rudenko and best of luck with your project.
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thanks a lot Mark Deuce ! you’re right, must be cautious every step of the way
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Have a fantastic rest of the week Mariia Rudenko
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thank you
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Mariia, Managers love reviewing Spec scripts for existing TV Shows because it shows them you can write for an existing brand. Head over to the COVERFLY site. There are multiple screenwriting competitions which accept Spec scripts for existing TV shows. Plus there's one competition I remember seeing which only accepts spec scripts for existing TV shows.
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Bradford Richardson thank you! it totally makes sense! I’m on coverfly but never saw such competitions. Will check it out
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I am going to push back on this a bit. Obviously, we work with thousands of directors of development, producers, managers and agents and other execs on this platform. In the last 5 years, less and less, especially on the representation side of things (managers & agents) will read scripts for existing shows. Why? Because while it proves you may have a feel for tone and theme of that show, it doesn't show that you have an original voice or original ideas. And that's what ultimately matters to any exec, especially those in the representation game.
We've been doing pitch sessions, coverage, consulting and mentoring calls with execs here for 13 years. Can't remember one who wanted to see a script based on an existing show.
So while it can be an interesting exercise, I can't recommend enough that you begin building an arsenal of original specs which show off your creativity and voice, Mariia Rudenko.
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Richard "RB" Botto Thanks so much for your advice. Yes, I'm actually googling now and seeing the same opinions. Makes perfect sense, especially if we're talking about representation, which I'm desperately looking for as a lot of us:) I'm of course developing original ideas same time. But this one spec is so funny tbh, I'd like to submit it somewhere to see whether it'd be appreciated:) I see Austin Film Festival accepts specs for existing TV shows. Maybe will try when submissions are open next year
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You're so very welcome, Mariia Rudenko. No matter what a manager reads, the next question is always going to be "What else do you have?" Reps want to know that you're not a one trick pony. That's why I always recommend having at least 3 original scripts that have been polished and vetted before even thinking about approaching a rep.
My first manager had read one script of mine that he loved. Couldn't have been more complimentary. But, understandably, he wanted to read more before he took me on. I had 3 more scripts in my arsenal. All had received very good to excellent coverage, so I felt pretty confident. Ultimately he told me he loved 2 of them and told me to "burn the other one." But because I had 3 he loved, he signed me. And he went on to sell 2 of those 3 in pretty short order.
In short, reps want to be excited about a new voice and fresh ideas.
As for contests for scripts from existing shows, I'd say save your money. I have never once seen a winner for a contest like that get signed. Never. That's one of the reasons that we've never run one ourselves. Our goal with our contests is to get people signed, produced and financed. And our track record for doing that over the last 13 years speaks for itself. But when we talk with execs regarding our contests, I can tell you that not once in those 13 years has there been a desire for a spec from an existing show.
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Thanks so much for sharing your experience Richard "RB" Botto ! yeah, I hear you. Well noted. I am working on 2 more feature screenplays now and have a TV pilot idea in my head. Hopefully soon will get to it as well.
By the way, do you happen to know Half-hour TV writing courses you could recommend? Not recorded lectures but live online courses. NYFA and UCLA have wonderful programs, but for now they all are scheduled for evenings, which means around 2 a m in Spain where I am :)
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Hey Mariia Rudenko . I am going to jump in here because I think we have exactly what you are looking for. We have a class coming up next week that is a perfect fit.
Stage 32 4-Part Screenwriting Class: How to Rewrite Your 30 Minute Pilot
https://www.stage32.com/education/c/education-classes?h=stage-32-4-part-screenwriting-class-rewriting-your-30-minute-pilot
We also have a fantastic Lab coming up that could be a huge help if you are looking to write a drama:
Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Write a Drama TV Pilot in 8 Weeks - From Concept to Completed Script (July 2024)
https://www.stage32.com/education/c/education-labs?h=stage-32-screenwrit...
Additionally, we also have these on-Demand options that would also be a huge help to you:
Stage 32 Writing Class: Structuring Your 30 Minute TV Pilot: Your A, B and C Story - With 3 Free Pilot Script Downloads - https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944921280819
Additionally, we have this, which is great if you intend your pilot to be multi-cam:
How To Develop Your 30-Minute Multi-Cam Television Series
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944936878387
AND we have this if you are in need of some guidance on the treatment of a half-hour comedy, we have this:
Learn How To Write A Professional Half-Hour Comedy Treatment For Your Pilot Script
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944898441523
These are just some examples that fit very specifically what you are looking for, but we have so many options on the site (over 3000 hours of educational content), that no matter what your desired outcome, we almost definitely have multiple options to help you out. Please feel free to reach out if you need some more suggestions.
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Tom beat me to the punch, Mariia Rudenko. All the execs leading the charge on the classes/labs Tom mentioned are working execs as per our mandate here the last 13 years. Hope that helps!
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Mariia Rudenko - here's another great video from @rb that I think you'd find helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCP7s6Zz88c&t=5s
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I agree with Richard "RB" Botto on building your arsenal and cultivating scripts that show off your unique voice. That's what excites reps and showrunners looking to staff. The courses that Tom Lapke are fantastic and the educators are world-class. One other nugget of advice that I've heard from multiple managers and agents - when you're looking to sign with your first rep, it's helpful to have several samples in the same genre. They are looking not only at your voice and talent but they factor in how they are going to sell you as a writer and make money in the relationship - that's what they do - so if each script is in a different lane, it can be tougher for them to see the initial pathway to success. So have a couple of single camera TV scripts or mulit-cam TV scripts or original feature scripts - as opposed to one of each - and help them see a business model. Of course, in success, you can spread your wings and write what you want - Aaron Sorkin can write a Broadway musical at this point if he chooses - but a focus on one-hour TV drama when he started out was helpful in launching his career.
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Tom Lapke thanks for tips and this great list of labs and courses. Will absolutely check them all out! is there one with workshopping pages option?
Sam Sokolow thanks so much for precious advice. I actually always thought the opposite, making myself come up with ideas in different genres, but actually always wanting to stick to what I do best - dramedy. What you recommend makes a perfect sense indeed! thank you so much again
Richard "RB" Botto Amanda Toney thank you guys for the info
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What great advice from everyone! I agree with everything that you should show your voice!
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Mariia Rudenko Here are some options that will cover what you are looking for:
What Do I Cut? How to Approach Your Script Rewrite
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8948284096819
How to Better Rewrite and Polish Your Feature Screenplay or Pilot
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944868884787
Your Guide to Proper Script Formatting
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=9242220855603
Let me know if you need more recommendations!
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Sam Rivera thanks for encouragement ❤️
Tom Lapke thanks a lot! already checking those out!