What is a spec script verses a commissioned script?

SPEC V COMMISSIONED SCRIPTS.

Spec scripts are industry speak for speculative screenplays. This is a script written on your own time, intending to persuade a producer to buy it.

A spec script is very different from a commissioned script where a production company has hired you to write a script in advance.

An A-list actor for example, who wants to turn their hand to screenwriting would probably be able to negotiate a commission and an upfront fee, especially with the help of their agent, since they are already established in the industry.

It’s extremely difficult for you as a writer or beginner to get a foot into this highly competitive industry and I strongly recommend starting with a spec script because a producer who finds your ideas fascinating may want to commission you in the future.

It may be hard, but it’s not impossible. But I feel your pain.

I have personally felt how frustrating it can be to have to work on something without guaranteeing it will be accepted and with no upfront payment, but this hardship often makes writers tougher and thirstier for success.

I would encourage you to think of it as your induction or your job application for the job of a screenwriter. Remember, a spec script is not supposed to be the finished screenplay. Producers, script consultants, technical supervisors, directors and more will add in any extra details needed to make it a shooting script after a production company has decided whether to give you the green light.

You might feel despair at the prospect of writing a spec script and wonder how many get made compared to commissioned ones.

But take heart from the fact that many films get made from this process, many of them successful and here’s some wonderful examples.

Hollywood actor Matt Damon wrote the screenplay for ‘Good Will Hunting’ as part of an assignment for a scriptwriting course at Harvard University. He finished it on spec and then sold it to Castle Rock Entertainment for...$675,000!

See what l mean?

Matt Damon was also offered an additional $100,000 if the film got made. The fact that he was a known actor would have helped but he was totally unknown as a writer, like you might be right now.

Another great example is ‘American Beauty’ written by Alan Ball, an unknown writer trying to make it in the film industry. He wrote it in the early 1990s as a theater piece but adapted it and updated it in 1997. Producers sold it to Dreamwork Studios for $250,000. ‘American Beauty’ went on to make $350,000,000 and received many awards.

I don’t aim to discourage you as a TV streamer writer, but quite a number of spec scripts compete so it’s really important to make yours stand out.

To do that, a totally unique premise is a huge bonus.
Then all you have to do is write a brilliant screenplay, simple!

You also need to make it as watertight as possible. It’s got to really grip producers, agents, managers and actors right from the very start. The characters must leap off the page, be believable and there must be a clear, satisfying ending.

A great script must have all the components of a great story.
But a spec script must do more than even this, it must be viable as a commercial prospect. This

is showbusiness after all, so producers and investors need to feel it can be a box office winner.

That’s where comps, comparisons come in. Look at projects that you consider compare to yours. Research how successful they were, then when you pitch to producers, make the comparisons to them, add the posters too.

You’re comparing the projects along with the revenue they generated and it’s usually X meets Y, for example Batman meets Superman which became ‘Batman v Superman,’ two massively successful characters and franchises.

One of my elevator pitches was three words: ‘Seven’ at Christmas.
‘Seven’ made over $330m and producers want to read scripts that have favorable comps.

They often don’t want a story that’s too original because that’s taking a big financial risk, unless A-list talent is attached. Even then, investors get antsy, because where’s the comps?

Now you know why a lot of what we watch is similar to what we’ve already seen.

Ironically, producers don’t want material if it’s not original enough, but a premise with a twist, if it’s good enough, will grab their attention.

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of screenwriting!

They might also pass if an idea doesn't quite fit with their production company’s output, so make sure you research companies that make projects like yours.

But remember, there are many more options for getting your script made than when the spec scripts for ‘American Beauty’ and ‘Good Will Hunting’ were written.

In the modern age of TV streaming, huge content providers like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ have bigger budgets and are more receptive to shows and films from unknown writers, particularly if a producer they work with is championing your work.

Meanwhile, I reiterate that it has never been a better time to gather your creative ideas, resources, team, and equipment for your independent film or TV series without the need for a green light from a production company.

You can make a short Taster of your film or series more easily than ever.

Creating that reinforces that you’re serious and by sending that with your spec script, you could land a paid writing assignment which in turn can lead to representation by a manager or agent.

If you write a great spec script and producers are impressed by it but isn't what they are looking for or doesn't fit their needs right now, I want you to understand that all is not lost.

The studio or producers might offer you a different writing assignment. They already have an idea of the sort of film or series they want to create, perhaps they've already scheduled it, and they want you to write it because they like you and your writing.

You might even get work writing a sequel to an already popular film or show that the producers know is more likely to garner viewers.

But the lesson here is keep writing spec scripts, even the ‘go to’ screenwriters do that.