I have this opportunity to enter a sort of contest resulting in employment. The required part is to write a spec script; something I'm very hesitant in doing. Writing a spec for a comedy show would be easier; it would't mess with the overlying story. But my strong suit for writing is in drama. Writing a spec for a drama is difficult though because by the time someone see's it, the story line has long moved on and my spec script is useless. So what do I do? Go with the easy comedy that I'm not so good at, or stick with my talent and tough out the drama?
Screenwriting : Spec Scripts by Becca Zenga
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Episodic drama is not necessarily dependent upon pre-existing storyline. Serial however is. If you find the "show bible" for a good contemporary drama that has ran a while your spec. should be pretty contemporary.
just write it. they will know it's impossible for you to keep up.
A spec script for a TV show will show the reader your talent as a writer. It is not meant to further an existing storyline. Take the "what if" approach to the characters in whatever show you want to write for. Tell a single, stand alone story that is not connected to the current storyline. Or... Continue the current storyline and go in a direction that is unexpected. You are not writing on assignment, you are writing on spec - you can do anything you want with the characters.
WB Writer's Workshop has some really decent advice that reflects a lot of what D Marcus says. In addition don't bring in new main characters but of course you have to bring in new supporting characters. Don't advertise the spec. either if it is for a fellowship other than maybe a mention like I did a spec. for whoever. A lot is a learning experience for me too and learning what not to do is just as important as learning what to do. With that said I myself need to write and stay off this site for a couple days. I don't want to come off like a know it all when in reality there are many craft marketing skills I myself need to work on. A lot of what I post is just shared information but I do try to incorporate my thoughts into it and do original postings too. If I succeed and make it to the WGA then what I pass along will have more weight. I so need a writers room and face time to excel to the next level. Good luck and hope you excel Becca.
If you're funny get out of your comfort zone and write comedy. If you're not funny then forget it. Are you funny?
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I fucking am.
Since this is a one-off, don't worry about the longevity of the spec with regards to the drama's story line. Write what you are good at writing, especially if you're on a tight deadline. Right now, only contests and fellowships want to read specs based on existing shows. Producers, showrunners, and execs only want original pilots. So your spec is for this one thing, and this one thing only. Dpn't expect to use it to get work around town.
Original dramas aren't time limited. Writing a spec script based on an existing show (e.g.: a spec S.H.I.E.L.D. episode) has limited longevity. A S.H.I.E.L.D. written in October will definitely be out-of-date now, and that's only 6 months different.
However, a writer isn't writing a spec script for "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." (as an example) that will be produced. A writer writing a spec script for any TV drama is using that script as an example of their writing. It does not need to fit into the current (or upcoming) season so it will never be out-of-date.