But you're writing a spec

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But you're writing a spec

by Dave Trottier

Dances with Wolves was a spec written by Michael Blake that was well over 120 pages, breaking a "sacred" rule. That's true. Of course, the writer's friend was Kevin Costner.

We often talk about the differences between a spec script and a shooting script in terms of formatting--yes, a shooting script numbers the scenes, includes camera directions, and so on. But there are other non-formatting differences. The spec is written to inspire people to see your story the way you do and to want to buy it. The shooting script contains directions for the shoot, at least to some degree. It doesn't have to impress anyone.

Most shooting scripts are the result of development deals where a studio or production company hires and pays a writer to write the script. Most movies that you see in theaters are produced from such development deals. Because the "developed" script is written in-house by an established writer (usually), many conventions for writing a spec become less important and more fluid.

For example, sometimes such a script is over 120 pages or contains mentions of many specific songs or the formatting is sketchy or the script contains a lot of camera directions and editing directions. If William Goldman used a lot of CUT TOs, that's fine--he had nothing to prove.

The spec writer, however, has a lot to prove. Just because Aaron Sorkin can get away with an opening eight-page "talking heads" scene (in The Social Network) doesn't mean you can. Or maybe you can, assuming you can write that well; that's the decision you have to make. And you probably should limit your spec to 120 pages or less. Actually, 110 would be even better.

Write a great spec script with due respect to established conventions that are important to readers, producers, and agents.

Having written the above, I hasten to add that it is crucial you apply your creativity to established conventions. If you have the perfect camera direction that has an important dramatic or comedic purpose, maybe you should leave it in. You must decide what you feel you need to keep or omit to sell your spec script (sometimes called the "selling script").

The above reality check is not intended to discourage, but to give you a competitive advantage. I'm rooting for you, so keep writing.

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