Judy Carter said it: “Spec scripts—don’t try to get a job without one.”
In The Comedy Bible, author, Judy Carter, says aspiring script writers should get to work on a spec script. But don’t expect to get paid for it. That’s not how the system works. You’re more likely to win the lottery than you are to make a buck on your script.
So why bother? Because what the spec script can do is display your talent; maybe help you get an agent or manager, or even a writing assignment. And some day, you might even make a lot of money—if that’s important to you.
Oh, and forget about writing an original sitcom pilot with you as the star. Regardless of how talented you are, Judy says the investment in such a gamble is too dangerous and painful for most producers to even consider.
Anyway, if scripting is your goal, start with The Comedy Bible and jump to the chapter titled: “19 Days to Writing Your Sitcom Spec Script.” When you’ve digested all it has to offer and have read the rest of her book, get a copy of The Complete Book of Scriptwriting, by J. Michael Straczynski.
While The Comedy Bible covers the whole spectrum of comedy writing, Straczynski’s fat book concentrates on scriptwriting for television, film, animation, radio and the stage.
If you have the talent and put forth the effort, these two books will give you tools, tips and techniques you need to crank out that spec script.
(Cover my butt info: I’m an Amazon Affiliate. If you buy either book, I’ll get a little bread. And that’s a good thing. But I wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t think they were excellent.)
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Filed under: Insights & Opinions, Writing Technique