... 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.

Phil

Quoted from dogglebe 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.

I don't think your odds are that good, but I wish you luck anyway.


Phil

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.

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 seem to recall reading that "Cheers" always shot one script per season received on spec -- from an outside writer.

I do not recall all the details, but the article I was reading was about a Cheers episode filmed from a spec script -- of that much I am certain.

So it is not an entirely lost cause, but you do need to be very familiar with the show, and most importantly, its characters.

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.

Phil

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.

Check out TV writing blogs like for example: http://aspiringtvwriter.blogspot.com/

It's from an aspiring TV writer that worked at an agency for some time and gives advice based on her experience there.