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... a previously existing show. Does anyone have any experience in this or thought about doing it before?
I'm working on a TV episode for a show, and if I get it 100% finished, I'm just wondering if there's any links about how to go about getting them the script. I don't know. Any info or help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Generally, television shows are written by the same writer(s). If you submit a script, it will most likely be tossed in the trash. The producers don't have time to read it and the writers don't want the competition.
There are screenwriting competitions for television shows. Check moviebytes.com for them.
Generally, television shows are written by the same writer(s). If you submit a script, it will most likely be tossed in the trash. The producers don't have time to read it and the writers don't want the competition.
Yeah, I've heard that, too. But, I've also heard that that's how people break into the industry. Not sure, but it's a 50-50 shot, to me.
50/50 sounds about right - you either make or you don't.
I believe a few of the writers for Alias got hired based on specs they sent in. The episode they wrote didn't get produced but the producers were so impressed with their skills that it got them hired. So never say never.
Down in the hole / Jesus tries to crack a smile / Beneath another shovel load
I remember reading some spec advice in a screenwriting book: maybe send a script of another companies show to a rival company. Don't try and write what a particular company has already - do something the opposition does.
Something like that anyway; it made sense at the time.
I remember reading somewhere that you should send spec scripts for a show to the production company of a different show. This second company won't be as familiar with your script's 'world' as well as the original writers who will pick it apart. By sending it to the other company, you're showing them what you can do as a writer.
TV world is totally different from the feature world. Speccing existing shows is quite a common practice to "break in". The idea is not to get the script produced but use it as a calling card/writing sample.