WHAT IS A SPEC SCRIPT?

In screenwriting, a “spec script,” short for “speculative screenplay,” is a script written without a commission or an initial buyer. In other words, the writer creates the script on their own initiative, hoping that a producer, studio, or individual will eventually purchase it. Spec scripts can be either original works or adaptations from existing works, although the latter can pose legal challenges if the writer doesn’t have the rights to the source material.

The primary difference between a spec script and writer-for-hire work lies in the origin and intent of the project. Here’s how they differ:

Spec Script:

1. Initiative: The writer takes the initiative to write a screenplay without being commissioned to do so.
2. Ownership: Initially, the writer owns the copyright to the spec script. If the script is sold, the rights usually transfer to the buyer.
3. Creative Freedom: The writer has complete creative freedom because they’re not working under the guidelines set by someone else.
4. Financial Risk and Reward: There’s no guaranteed payment for writing a spec script. However, if it does sell, it can potentially be very lucrative, and the writer may also negotiate for bonuses based on box office performance or other factors.
5. Multiple Buyers: A spec script can be shopped around to multiple producers, studios, or agents until it’s sold, or the writer may decide to produce it themselves.

Writer-for-Hire:

1. Commission: The writer is commissioned by a studio, producer, or other entity to write a screenplay. This is often based on a pre-existing idea, property, or assignment.
2. Ownership: The copyright generally belongs to the commissioning entity, not the writer.
3. Creative Constraints: The writer must work within the framework set by the commissioning party, which may include specific plot points, characters, themes, or even dialogue that must be included.
4. Guaranteed Payment: The writer receives a guaranteed fee for their work, regardless of whether the project is eventually produced.
5. Single Buyer: The writer can’t shop the script around; it’s commissioned and owned by a single entity.
6. Credits and Residuals: In a writer-for-hire scenario, there are often guild rules (such as those set by the Writers Guild of America) that dictate credit and residuals, but the writer may have less overall control than they would with a spec script.

Both routes have their pros and cons. Spec scripts can offer greater creative freedom but come with financial risk. Writer-for-hire work offers financial stability and the chance to work on high-profile projects but may offer less creative freedom and ownership. Writers often engage in both types of work at different times in their careers, depending on their needs, opportunities, and career goals.

Purpose of a Spec Script:

1. Selling the Script: The most direct aim is to sell the script for it to be produced.
2. Showcasing Talent: Even if the script isn’t sold, it can serve as a calling card to demonstrate a writer’s abilities.
3. Getting an Agent: Good spec scripts can attract representation, which can lead to other writing opportunities.
4. Career Advancement: Sometimes, even if the script isn’t made into a film, it gets a writer noticed and helps them advance in their career by leading to commissioned writing jobs.

Types of Spec Scripts:

1. Feature-Length Scripts: These are spec scripts intended for movies and are usually between 90 and 120 pages long.
2. TV Scripts: Spec scripts for television can be either original pilots or episodes of existing shows. The latter is often used to show that a writer can work in an existing universe and is common for writers breaking into television.
3. Short Scripts: These are less common but are sometimes written for short films, usually as a stepping stone to larger projects.

Risks and Rewards:

Writing a spec script is a gamble. There’s no guarantee of payment or that the script will be produced. However, the potential rewards are significant. If a spec script is sold, it can bring not only financial rewards but also name recognition and further work.

Spec scripts often serve as a way for screenwriters to break into the industry, showcase their talent, or get a unique story idea in front of producers. Sometimes, these scripts not only get bought but also go on to become highly successful, critically acclaimed films. Here are some famous movies that started as spec scripts:

Famous Movies That Were Specs First:

1. “Good Will Hunting” – Written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, this script catapulted both actors into stardom and won them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
2. “Juno” – Diablo Cody’s quirky, unique script gained immediate attention and eventually won her an Academy Award.
3. “Little Miss Sunshine” – Written by Michael Arndt, this script made the rounds in Hollywood for years before finally getting produced, and it went on to be nominated for Best Original Screenplay.
4. “Thelma & Louise” – Written by Callie Khouri, this spec script became a critically acclaimed film that won her an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
5. “American Beauty” – Written by Alan Ball, this script became a major hit and won several Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay.
6. “Lethal Weapon” – Shane Black’s script set the standard for buddy cop films and spawned a franchise.
7. “Die Hard” – Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza adapted this from a novel, but it was initially shopped around as a spec script and ultimately spawned a franchise.
8. “The Sixth Sense” – Written by M. Night Shyamalan, this spec script became a massive hit and was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay.
9. “Slumdog Millionaire” – Simon Beaufoy adapted this from a novel, but the script itself was initially a spec that gained traction for its unique storytelling and went on to win numerous awards.
10. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” – Though Charlie Kaufman was already an established writer, this script was written on spec and later picked up, becoming a critically acclaimed film.

Spec scripts often face long odds, but as these examples show, they can also lead to massive success for their writers, turning unknowns into A-list talents and spawning franchises, critical darlings, and massive box office hits.

Spec script sales can sometimes turn into major events, especially if multiple parties become interested in acquiring the rights. These bidding wars can skyrocket the script’s price and make instant celebrities out of otherwise unknown writers. Here are some notable instances of massive spec script sales and bidding wars:

Massive Spec Script Sales and Bidding Wars:

1. “Deja Vu” – This 2004 script written by Terry Rossio and Bill Marsilii sold for $5 million, making it one of the most expensive spec script sales at the time. Jerry Bruckheimer produced the movie, which starred Denzel Washington.
2. “Panic Room” – David Koepp’s script attracted a lot of interest when it hit the market, eventually selling for $3 million. The film, directed by David Fincher and starring Jodie Foster, was a commercial success.
3. “The Long Kiss Goodnight” – Written by Shane Black, this script was sold for a whopping $4 million in the 1990s. The film starred Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson.
4. “Basic Instinct” – Joe Eszterhas’s controversial script made headlines when it sold for $3 million. The film, starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, became a box office hit.
5. “Safe House” – This 2010 script by David Guggenheim sparked a bidding war before Universal Pictures ultimately acquired it for around $600,000. The film starred Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds.
6. “Snow White and the Huntsman” – Evan Daugherty’s script was involved in a heated bidding war before Universal Studios bought it for $3.2 million. The movie starred Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth.
7. “A Knight’s Tale” – Written and directed by Brian Helgeland, the script was part of a $2.5 million deal that led to the successful film starring Heath Ledger.
8. “Inception” – While Christopher Nolan was already a well-known director, the script for “Inception” was written on spec. It didn’t face a traditional bidding war due to Nolan’s clout, but its $160 million budget showed a significant level of investment in a writer-director’s original idea.
9. “Elysium” – Neill Blomkamp’s script involved a massive deal with Media Rights Capital for over $100 million, covering both the script and the production costs.
10. “Passengers” – Jon Spaihts’ science fiction script went through a lengthy development process and sparked a bidding war early on. The film eventually starred Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.

While these figures are impressive, it’s important to remember that these are the exceptions rather than the rule. Most spec scripts are sold for much less, and many are never sold at all. However, these stories show the potential for great success that can come from writing a compelling spec script that captures the imagination of producers and studio executives.

In summary, a spec script is a screenplay written on speculation, without the promise of it being bought or produced. It serves multiple purposes, from acting as a portfolio piece to potentially being sold and produced, making it a cornerstone of a screenwriting career.