Hey, I love being the bearer of good tidings. The total spec scripts sold in Hollywood during 2016 was 75. This was up considerably from the previous year's total of 55. I've attached an article below for you to review if you're so inclined. I've also attached an older article with stats on total number of spec scripts circulating in Hollywood. By my quick calculations, 1.5 scripts are sold for every 5000 spec scripts entering the Hollywood spec pond.
I don't about you, but I'm pumped!
https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2016-spec-script-deals-analysis-genre...
http://www.screenwriterunknown.com/observations/odds-of-selling-a-spec-s...
And don't forget....that's just the number that Scott Myers can actually track. I'd bet the number is closer to 400 than it is to 75 - most low-budget/mid-budget, of course. That's great news for screenwriters trying to sell their beloved pound of paper. Good luck and Happy Writing, everybody!
Good news to hear!
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Hardy
Yes, you should be pumped. It's the best time to be an aspiring Writer. The playing level has shifted. More employers. Apple Computers is ramping their Film & TV division, hiring ex Hollywood Studio Executives. More content needed.. more Writers, filmmakers, Actors... more jobs.
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Good to see this! Maybe one of us on here will sell a spec in 2017!!!
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Bill C: I like your figure of 400 screenplays way better.
Philip me too. 400 sounds pretty damned exciting
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With more streaming options and content providers popping up, the fight for fresh content should steadily incline. Can only work in the favor for one of us soon!
I have a great feeling about 2017. I believe it's going to be stellar!
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Thank you for sharing! We can all use a bit of good news these days...
Thank you for sharing, hope many more are sold in 2017
I don't know about anyone else but I've noticed things have been picking up a wee bit.
Hardy
Dunno if spec scripts have jumped this month but the TV world, they are busy shooting pilots, known as "pilot season". Probably 60-70 pilots are in production now, maybe 10-15 pilots will be greenlit for a network TV series run. So there is plenty work for TV Writers on new shows, some of 'em hire rookie Writers for Staff. Cable/Internet TV is wild wild west. Netflix is throwing $$$ to filmmakers for original content.
Maxy: As you well know, I have a ton of content including two television pilots with show bibles. I have my gangster/family drama Holland House and my film noir detective show Murder-Go-Round. But I'd be happy to be a junior writer/coffee gopher on any cable or network show. I'm like a Boy Scout... always be prepared.
First of all, thank you for sharing this article! These are good news indeed. However, I've read that action spec sales have decreased and, unfortunately for me, I wrote a few scripts in this genre:( Anyway, best of luck to all of you with your screenplays!
Victor:
Thanks