spec script
Uncommissioned film manuscript
A spec script is a screenplay written without a commission or contract, on speculation that it will sell.
Writers create spec scripts to demonstrate their abilities or break into the industry: She spent six months on a spec script that eventually got her an agent.
The term also applies to television scripts written for existing shows as writing samples.
- teleplayDrama written for broadcast
- unproducedNever manufactured or performed
- unsolicitedNot asked for
- query letterManuscript pitch to agents
- loglineOne-sentence story pitch
submission · screenwriter · punch-up · treatment · breaking in · coverage · draft · playscript · calling card · black list · pitch meeting · pilot · on spec · cold open · original · scriptwriting · rewrite · story beats
- HollywoodHollywood, Tinseltown, Hollywood Sign, silver screen, movie stars
- TV lingoon air, off air, showrunner, cliffhanger, cue
- screenwritingscreenplay, screenplays, screenwriter, screenwriting, scripts
- Hollywood termsbox office, logline, opening weekend, pitch, green light
- media industry jargonratings, sweeps, pilot, greenlight, pitch
- TV/Script Termspilot, episode, scene, act, dialogue
spec scriptassignment
Allocated work or duty
work-for-hire · contract work · commissioned work · polish · salaried work
script, specific, specify, specs, specified, specifically, specification, speculative, nonspecific