The short answer to this question is: If you’re not getting paid to write a screenplay, the screenplay you’re writing is called canonical script.
But what does this mean? Why is it called that? What can a spec script do for my screenwriting career?
In the latest article in our screenwriting basics series, we’ll introduce this topic and provide a simple breakdown to answer these questions.
What is a canonical script?
Specification It is the abbreviation of the word “speculation”. If you look up the definition of speculation, you’ll find a variety of official definitions.
Examples of abbreviations best suited for this use include:
- Taking unusual business risks in the hope of receiving corresponding benefits
- thoughts or speculations about unknown things
- Forming a theory or conjecture without definite evidence
- A relatively risky investment in something in the hope of making large short-term profits from market fluctuations.
All four of these definitions apply in many literal and metaphorical ways to the film/TV industry term spec script.
Industry term specification script meaning
Let’s take these four definitions and imagine the best context (literal and metaphorical) to help you understand what the term means in Hollywood and what it means for your screenwriting journey.
when you write in Specification:
- You assume that what you write will help you make financial gains by selling your scripts to studios, production companies, networks, and streaming platforms.
- You are making a calculated guess in the form of a playbook about what these entities are willing and able to buy and hope to produce.
- You are formulating a theory or conjecture without any solid evidence that these entities would want what you are selling.
- You invest time and effort in the hope of profiting from the film/TV industry by: canonical script market.
In short, you write for free. No one pays you.
- You have chosen an idea to develop.
- You’ve done the right research.
- Now you are writing a screenplay or have already written it.
All undiscovered screenwriters begin their screenwriting journey by writing spec scripts. However, professional screenwriters also often write “according to specifications.” During their paid screenwriting assignment contracts, many hope to develop their own concepts and create feature film scripts, which they will attempt to bring to Hollywood for promising acquisition sales.
Again, if you’re not getting paid to write them, then you’re writing by specification.
The risk involves the time and effort you put in to one day sell it for a profit.
The same goes for TV pilots. When you write a TV pilot and want to make it available and available online or on a streaming platform, you’re also writing to a spec.
Read more: How to Write a Screenplay: A Ten-Step Guide!
Wait, my spec script might not sell?
The hard truth is, most spec scripts don’t sell. Most novice screenwriters think the process goes something like this:
- Write a high concept or ideal script.
- For sale represents a high concept or ideal script.
- Keep repeating to have a successful screenwriting career.
The sometimes shockingly brutal truth for newcomers is that this mod is an anomaly in Hollywood. For most screenwriters, this would never happen.
- In 2020, reported spec sales were in the high 20s, mostly from already represented writers.
- In 2021, there are an estimated 34 (again, most created by already-represented screenwriters).
“But that’s because of the pandemic,” some countered. But the reality is:
- In 2019, reported spec sales were just 35 units.
- 2018? 40.
This is not to say that speculative markets are dead. Not anyway. This is just something novice screenwriters need to know and understand. 99% of script contracts in the industry are assignments, not spec sales.
Read more: Why screenwriters should focus on getting assignments instead of selling scripts!
So why do I write a specification script?
First, don’t worry. Spec scripts still sell well. They are purchased and produced every year. While large lottery-type contract amounts (six to seven figures) are an anomaly, they still occur. When they don’t hit those amounts, you can still get interest rates as high as five figures. These spec deals have to happen to someone, right?
You can still dream big and pursue the high-end goal of selling a spec script to a studio, network, production company, or streaming platform.
You treat it as an unknown by:
But the real reason to write your own spec scripts is to use them as calling cards for potential screenwriting assignments. That’s where the real money and careers in screenwriting are.
99% of screenwriting contracts in and out of Hollywood are assignments.
How to use spec scripts to get screenwriting assignments?
Screenwriter assignment contracts are the driving force of the screenwriting industry. They are the bread and butter of all professional screenwriters.
Even if you’re a top-notch professional screenwriter, assignments are the bulk of the contracts you’ll sign.
- A studio wants you to write the latest installment of their main series.
- Producers hire you to develop their acquired intellectual property for the big or small screen.
- The development lead has an original concept and they want you to turn it into a script.
But no one is going to take your word that you’re worth hiring for these critical screenwriting jobs. So what makes you want to engage in a conversation with them?
Specification script.
These types of scripts serve as writing samples that prove your worth as the perfect screenwriter to take on their tasks.
- That’s why spec scripts have to be amazing.
- That’s why you want to develop engaging ideas and concepts.
- That’s why you need to hone your skills and get to the point where you have three to five great writing samples.
- That’s why you need to get these scripts through contests, contests, scholarships, and cold query marketing.
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Spec scripting is a basic term that all screenwriters need to know and understand. It’s crucial to understand the ins and outs of spec scripting, what the terms mean, and how spec scripting can help your screenwriting career.
Read more: Industry terms every screenwriter needs to know to be successful
Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.
As a production writer, he participated in numerous studio meetings with companies such as Sony, DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, Disney, Warner Bros., and numerous production and management companies. He previously had a development deal with Lionsgate and has had several writing assignments, including the miniseries power failureThis thriller stars Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Hayley Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric Rasa starring er and bruce bucklina Hunter’s creedas well as many making Lifetime thrillers. Follow Ken on Twitter @ken电影 and Instagram @KenMovies76.
