Screenwriting : Spec script by Jeremy Trahan

Um, they're all spec scripts. a spec script just means something you have not been hired to write. you're writing it for free and not for a producer who has asked you to.

Find books, take classes.

You guys are funny. But in all seriousness Jeremy, buy a book called "the screenwriter's bible" and then come back to us and ask what kind of scripts should you look at for examples. Not every script available online is the ideal script you should he trying to replicate. A ton of new writers love Tarantino movies, Google his scripts and replicate his style, but his scripts aren't what the industry is accepting from new writers. So learn the basics. Read quality scripts. And then write.

Download a couple of free pdf scripts of films you've liked in "draft" versions, not shooting scripts. A good site for this: http://www.simplyscripts.com I'd suggest reading at least two or three, read them again, seeing if you can figure out how the screenwriters held your interest. And then get the Screenwriter's Bible or one of the many self-help tomes out there.

Don't replicate Tarantino's style!! its one of the biggest mistakes I see new writers make. Have your own style. You're not F'ing Tarantino! you can't get away What he can. Read Michael Clayton & Little Miss Sunshine & Her & 100 others.

Thanks for the advice so far everyone! I really appreciate the advice!! I've never written a spec script. I write screenplays. Are they different from each other?

This will seem unusual because the movie was panned. But a script that really, really reads a lot like decent amateur specs is 10,000 BC. 10,000 BC has very conventional story structure too - so it is a really good example for a beginner - people don't like the movie for reasons above the script such as an inaccurate portrayal of history and bad acting - unless the genre really, really turns you off I very much suggest it. Please remember though, not everything in it is proper. It has some camera directions, second person, passive voice, etc. These are frowned upon.

What Danny said: Read a stack of screenplays until you think in screenplay. Then take your 100 best ideas and pick the best one and write it.

"Spec" is short-hand for the word "speculative", and means you've written it without having a buyer before you wrote it, and with the speculation (and hope) that someone will option it, buy it, or offer you a writing assignment as a result of your efforts. All of your screenplays are probably spec scripts, unless someone paid/contracted/commissioned you to write them. Good luck!

What do you mean you've written screenplays but not specs?

oy... like I said, spec scripts are screenplays you wrote without being hired or paid to write.. this us really day 1 basic basic stuff...how have u written screenplays without knowing this?

I just feel the need to say to Bix Santana and the seven people who “like” his comment that that is a horrible thing to say to someone asking a question. If you have to ask that means you are interested in learning. To flat out state that anyone who has to ask basic questions about screenplay's should stay away from it is short sighted, foolish and exactly the opposite of what Stage 32 is all about. I'm thankful for the others who have taken Jeremy's question seriously and offered helpful advice. To me that is the spirit of stage 32.

Well said.

If someone inspires you to write, be it Tarantino or anybody else, then absolutely use that positive energy to stay motivated, develop, and find your own voice. As an artist, the worst thing you can do to hamper your growth is to follow the guidance of those who doubt you.

D Marcus, I agree and deleted my like. Plus, I checked his profile which says he wants to become a screenwriter. Hence, he has all rights to ask how it works. I do my best to give an advice: I'm no friend of learning only from books. So, I would recommend - like already mentioned - you read some screenplays of films you like or those you find on people's profile here on stage32 to get an idea of the formal structure. You can find them on the member's profile page under 'loglines' and click there - you will know then when you open it. Then, you think about what kind of story you would like to tell. Begin with something that you experienced or heard and let your fantasy fly or run or swim or whatever - create characters and dialogues and save it. It doesn't matter at all how short it is. Short films are a great way to learn. I guess you have no program to write screenplays yet. Hence, look for programs which are for free. I think celtx is free - but maybe someone else here can give advice for that. And then you write. Just do it. You will already learn a lot by this first writing. For all the then upcoming questions you can find all answers online or ask someone here. If you then still find it is what you always wanted to do and you don't fear the hard work and the business problems you should think about taking classes or initiate meetups etc.

Elisabeth touches upon a point I often like to highlight. The more you know about yourself, specifically how you learn best, the faster you're going to develop. There is no single right way, some forms of learning can motivate one person while demotivating another.

Oh CJ, this reminds me to the first time all here thought i wasn't normal - when I mentioned the only book for writers which brought me a step further was this old book by Dorothea Brande (first published 1934). They all laughed about me and doubted my way of learning and writing instead of asking why. This book is all about the writer and how he learns, how he develops his personality, what motivates, what hinders, what brings you on the next level of writing etc. In other words: Writing actually is all about knowing yourself - only then you will write great authentic stuff. Tarantino is mentioned here so often and also not to copy him. Why not? Well, simply because he is authentic and give a .... what other people think about his style (for what most people love him). But his style won't be you, even if you agree to his way of thinking. Be you, be true, be unique, be authentic and simply dare to be the person you are - then you will make it, not if you follow the advice of people who doubt you.

I'm doing just great. I don't copy anybody, but I also don't pussy out of getting a little pulpy simply because some robo-readers don't allow it in their rulebook.

Oliver, I'd like to point out that I was the first person to actually answer his question in this thread. Then 20 comments later, he asked the question again basically which I had already answered nicely. I'm happy to answer any question and I think any question no matter how basic can be asked. But the truth is, if you're already writing screenplays, then it should behoove you to learn at least a tiny bit about the biz first. And I don't think I was being mean, just pointing out that its probably a question you should be able to answer if you've ALREADY written scripts!

Also, Stage32 is supposed to be a great place to connect and learn and promote and discuss - but its not supposed to be a shortcut to Google. So many people seem too lazy to just research or Google a basic and easily answered question or read a book or article or blog on screenwriting and instead post it here to get quick answers. Again, I'm happy to answer any question but writers should be learning about the biz they want to be a part of in other ways than message boards...

Hi Jeremy! Spec scripts, shooting scripts, short scripts, feature length scripts -- all are screenplays. As you are a beginning writer, I strongly recommend "The Screenwriter's Bible" by David Trottier -- previously mentioned by Jean-Pierre. This book is incredibly helpful in the sense that it explains and clearly describes the tools and devices available to you as a writer. It includes examples. It clearly defines all the terminology that you will encounter. This is by no means meant as creative direction, just clarity about writing tools and formatting guidance. Now, what you choose to write or how you develop your own voice is completely up to you. As others on this thread have already given you great advice about finding inspiration and your own path. As you go, please feel free to post questions. We're here to help! I have a long list of books that helped and inspired me. I'm happy to share it if you are interested -- just send me a private message. Also, SimplyScripts is a great web site and resource for finding both produced shooting scripts as well as spec scripts from aspiring screenwriters; http://www.simplyscripts.com :)

Yes, self-responsibility and due diligence will serve you well. However, neither gives a writer encouragement and support.

Google is terrific. Research is essential. Connecting with other writers is yet another way to learn. The personal touch is what a place like Stage 32 is all about in my opinion.

Dear Jeremy, you ask a very good question, but somewhat difficult to answer, but I will try to give you some basics. First, you need to have an idea for a story ;) Next, go to celtx.com and use their free script writing software. This will help you with structure. Don't worry about trying to write Gone With The Wind first shot out of the gate. When writing, don't concern yourself with things like which music to use, or how a room is decorated (unless it's useful to the story). The first rule of script writing is "show and don't tell". Movies are a visual media. Make the first page of your script a "grabber". It must have a hook that holds people's attention from the get go. Your first 10 pages should be the set up. By page 25 there needs to be a change. That change can be where the hero is in a different location, situation, etc. Pages 25 to 75 is your "fun and games" times. In other words, how the story unfolds. Pages 75 to 100, or 110 is the third act and how your story ends. Be mindful of character arcs, meaning, the hero gets better, and the villain gets more evil. Give your hero a weakness (remember Indiana Jones? He was afraid of snakes). This makes them more human. Let your hero work through his problem or situation and don't resort to deus ex machina. Someone once described script writing as, taking a hero, putting him up a tree, having people throw rocks at him, and then him finding a way to overcome and make his way out of the tree. This is a very simplistic way of putting it, but it's true. Try to resist the urge to edit as you go. Just bull through your first draft and once it's finished, go back and edit, edit, edit. If you experience writers block here's a little trick I use. Just keep writing, even if it's total nonsense, you will be surprised at some of the ideas that will come from this simple little exercise. In other words, don't stop the pen. Now go and write your first script. Hang out with other writers that are better than you. Get them to read your script, but learn the difference between them giving you their opinion as opposed to enlightened critique. Much blessings and success.

Danny - I have written several screenplays as a matter of fact! None have been sold or publicly produced because I am trying to hone my craft to make it better as I saw in documentary that someone gave on here on selling your first screenplay and it takes 3 to 10 yrs to perfect your screenwriting skills. They stated things about spec scripts and I was just wondering what the difference was between a spec script for television and screenwriting in general. I know all the basics of the business as I have learned about that in reading some books, film school, and talking or networking with others in the business Even though I have experience I really appreciate the advice on here as I am always looking for encouragement even if just simple reminders on what to do when you start out writing. I need to buy the screenwriters bible as I had forgotten about that book so thank you for reminding me about that! Onward and Upward, Jeremy

I'm 100% with Danny on this. Agree with all his statements so I won't repeat them. He wasn't being rude he was being blunt. And quite frankly when people don't listen you need to be blunt. A few on here could do with some bluntness in their lives.

And I'm 100% with Cherie on this. To be very, very blunt, I'd love a merry, merry blunt right now. And it's like 110 degrees here and will be for the next 100 days or so, with lows of mid-80's at night. And the Electric Daisy Carnival starts here in a few days. The good news: I gots me a ticket, compliments of a friend of my brother. The bad news: now I have to be nice to my brother until after the concert. I don't know if I should sell it for five times its face value, or if I should go there dressed as a sunflower or a bee, and be the oldest person in attendance. But yes, I 100% agree with Cherie: few, if not all here, could use a blunt right now. And maybe two blunts and a bottle of wine. I'm not trying to twist Cherie's words, but I sure wouldn't mind twisting a blunt. Or two. And in an ideal world, all writers would start with Aristotle's Poetics. And then a bit of Shakespeare. Then follow that with some Ibsen, and then a little more Ibsen for good measure. Then go to your screenwriting books and screenplays. But without Aristotle, Shakespeare and Ibsen, I don't think movies would even exist.

I'm sorry I and others have misunderstood your question. As has been said earlier, any script you write without someone asking you to is called a spec script, because you are speculating for a sale with it. To write a "tv spec" of an existing show, obviously you need to know everything about the show. But anyway, it's sort of an inside baseball thing but you can get templates for the shows in question, and work off those. I've personally never done it, I'm sorry if this answer isn't helpful. But there's something to aid you in starting off, and you go off of it.

My goodness. I'll never answer to these questions here again. Look, actually Jeremy wanted only an explanation for the expression, but asked for how to write it. So, he really could have used google for that and get an answer within seconds. Such bs makes me really mad. What a waste of time for all of us who seriously thought about how they could help. I'm out!

Elizabeth - I really appreciate your advice on here and anyone else advice as well! I really need to find my personal voice in my writing! I really need to know myself in my writing. Again I really appreciate any advice on here whether big or small or even if it's honest to the core! I'm a very blunt person as is anyway so I don't mind it at all!

Well, goodbye then, Elisabeth. :) Jeremy, feel free to post questions -- that's what we're here for. The spirit of this site is to support and encourage each other.

Beth you said it all in just one sentence. Thank you

Understand story structure! Develop your characters not just their physical traits.

Jeremy – you say you’ve written screenplays and have a pretty good understanding of the process so I assume that your question points more toward the technical/format side. Dave’s book “The Screenwriter’s Bible” is the best there is right now. Good screenwriting is about the most difficult writing forms there is and it can take years of practice and study to do it correctly (and while you’re learning, the process changes.) You speak of television and film writing. I’ve played in both arenas - they are similar in some aspects but vary dramatically in format and layout. Perhaps you ought to study and then try writing a half hour pilot. Remember, writing is a life long commitment – all the best.

Out of all the books being suggested here, I'm surprised that no one has recommended "Save The Cat" by Blake Snyder. Of all the books I've read, his book cuts through all the fluff and gets straight to the point. Read that book, it is awesome. Here's the link: http://www.savethecat.com/

I write lots of spec scripts because it keeps me in the groove of being original (interesting) and helps to avoid clichés (yaaAAWWwwnnn). Writing original trains your creative mind into a stronger creative tool. I follow these mechanics of writing original in order to define the story limits: 1. write down a one page description of the inspiring idea as close to verbatim as memory allows - be ready for change because change it will 2. devise a log line that digests the one page into one, two, maybe three sentences - as you go along be ready to edit this log because, lo and behold, it WILL change - think 3 sentences = 3 acts in 3 or less sentences - even if it's one sentence 3. break the one page, present tense description, into three acts: it's nice if you can describe beginning, middle, and ending (3 acts) on one page, and in three paragraphs - you want to fence yourself in 4. title the 3 acts 5. define the inciting event - it's probably associated with the idea's inspiration 6. now you have the world of your story and can home in on characters - WARNING: don't do characterization until now because early on, your characters will not talk to you, they'll be uninspired and they are waiting for you to give them a stage, a world in which to tell their story - in the beginning of this #6, just list their names and return to your three page narrative to identify where they belong in your story - in this #6, there's lots of thinking and reading what you wrote while 1 - 5 is a lot of writing. 7. once characters start talking to you, slipping you ideas, and snippets of personality, you start you dialogue with them and record these conversations and ideas in screenplay format in Final Draft or otherwise software, typewriter, hand writing ...as you write dialogue and devise where to place characters in your story's world, things will change - you may have to go back and rewrite [ooohhhh curs'ed word] your entire one page description. That's fine, because it will represent a refinement of your story and will fit round things into round things, remove characters, define new ones, and shape every single line of script to tell the story. At some point, a title comes to mind; I let it come on its own. 'Till then, I name the script Working Title #1 and change the number as I go along so that I may have 3 or 4 working titles I can refer to; after a while, most of them disappear as the writing process refines and the title which is the theme of the story becomes crystal. But be ready, even the crystal title will change if it ever gets to studio or producer. Be flexible, be flexible but be consistent with your story ideas. This stuff ain't easy. Good writing is rewriting and repeat. And if it ever gets to studio level, be ready to REWRITE !! lol : ) because, things are gonna' change, including the title unless you develop, produce, fund, direct, cast, etc. Have a nice day and write every day. Michael Fort Collins, Colorado

I use a laptop.

Save the Cat is a structure book not a formatting book. And it isn't going to tell you much about the biz. Check out Lee Jessup's book if you want a quick Industry 101 lesson.

While SAVE THE CAT is mostly about structure (but not only), Jeremy's question was "How do you write a spec script"? Structure is a part of this process. And a new script writer should know this process before sending it off for someone to read. Because if the structure is wrong, the reader (agent, producer, etc.) won't even make it past page one before they throw it in the trash. And that is part of the biz. All the other books mentioned here are great books on script writing, and what I would consider a "must read". The point is, there are a lot of good books on the subject, and it's better to understand that, there's no harm in too much education.

Oh...writers.

Step 1: While clenching an ink pen tightly between your butt cheeks, squat over a piece of paper... Again: What's with the vague questions? If you can not ask a specific question, you are in big trouble... and wasting everyone's time as they try to figure out just what the heck you want to know.

yes Faith persistence, persistence and more persistence. I wrote 8 books before my 8th became my first published. I was later able to go back and revise 4 of the prior 7 and when I saw how I wrote then ...I almost gagged...I am still learning and still growing despite my numerous publications and productions. And yes, outlining is the best way to get a handle on things. It shows you where you need to set up and pay off and where you need to plant clues, etc, as well as where things are falling down in the story. Because I outline, I am sometimes able to write several things at once because they're at different stages.

Yes, SAve The Cat is good, but I also love Karl Inglesis -Writing For Emotional Content - because it is the emotional aspect of the character that carries the story

Sounds great, Fiona and Serita. You never stop learning; evolving as a writer. :)

The initial question is quite vague which leads me to question the writer’s skill level (perhaps the intent was to stimulate some discussion – I don’t know.) What I find interesting is the number of you who recommend “Save the Cat “as the be all universal remedy. Blake & I attended a conference in Anaheim some tears back and over lunch we talked of his then new book. My concern was that he was establishing a one size fits all formula that would become some holy blueprint to be blindly adhered to by industry upstarts. He assured me that it was only a guideline for the creative types. He intended to correct that in his “The Cat Strikes Back “book; but unfortunately, we lost him too soon. Blake was a wondrously generous person.

I don't know what the hell is going on with this thread, but it's Friday, and I wanna play! To answer the question: Writing is easy. All the words are in the dictionary. All we gotta do is pick out which ones we want and put 'em in the right order. That's all - nothin' to it! Happy freakin' Friday!

Jeremy, your question was vague. There are literally thousands of pieces to the puzzle of writing a spec script (screenplay). Thousands! Any specific question you have can be found doing your research on Google or any of the hundreds of writing websites you can easily find. I believe there are no bad questions and you have many answers here on this thread. If you have a burning desire to write something you believe will have value and meaning to an audience, my advice, is follow your bliss. Read books, study like crazy, take on line classes, do anything you can do to fulfill your dream. As for anyone else on this thread that might get their feelings hurt in any way by a couple of 'blunt' answers, well . . . what in the heck do you think is going to happen when you finally get to 'town' ? Hollywood, that is.

You come up with a great idea, characters, plotline, dialogue - then you pick up a pen and a notebook - or buy Final Draft - and you write it.