A spec script (short for speculative screenplay) is written without the promise of purchase or production. It differs from a shooting script in that it's meant to tell a story and highlight the voice of the writer, so technical details are less important. Spec scripts have a very small chance of reaching production, but some do. As a writing sample, spec scripts can help writers gain representation or positive attention in the filmmaking industry.

The distinction between television and film spec scripts in the streaming era is not as important as it once was; many screenwriters work in both mediums. Still, there are differences in the processes that can help aspiring screenwriters:

1. __Television spec script__: A TV series starts with a pilot script. After the long process of having the pilot [greenlit](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-pitch-a-television-show), produced, and picked up for series, writers need to create an order of episodes. If you’re writing “on spec,” then you can either start from scratch with your idea for a pilot or write an episode of a preexisting series. In any case, the TV spec script can showcase your skills and lead to showrunners hiring you.
2. __Film spec script__: Writing a feature film spec is similar to writing a television pilot, but you are completing the entire arc of the story in your script rather than simply setting up a world. When writing an original screenplay feature, emphasize your originality and voice. 
When deciding whether to write a spec script, consider the pros and cons of the process. For the beginning [screenwriter](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-screenwriter-10-tips-for-screenwriting-and-the-6-habits-of-successful-screenwriters-with-spike-lee-shonda-rhimes-and-judd-apatow), every script you write will be on spec—at least initially. You’re committing your time and energy to something that you find creatively satisfying, so even if it doesn’t turn into a paid writing assignment, you’re still gaining valuable experience. Once you have a reputation and a resume, writing a spec requires time and energy that you might otherwise be paid for. 
An original pilot or feature film spec script can be an excellent addition to your writing portfolio, operating as a kind of calling card to potential employers. It shows a prospective agent, manager, or production company executive that you can tell a story and create the foundation of a fictional world. Follow these tips to begin writing a spec script:

1. __Start with an idea__. Daydream or look around for [ideas](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/freewriting-prompts-to-help-break-your-writers-block) in your life experience, works of fiction, or in the news. There are stories everywhere and infinite possible variations on those stories.
2. __Get familiar with the format__. Screenwriting is different from writing prose in that you are not creating a finished project but a foundation to build an audiovisual experience. This can feel constraining to writers inexperienced in the form, but you can make these limitations work for you. The objective is the same: Tell an interesting story as well as you can. When writing a spec, it’s unnecessary to include camera directions. Focus on the [dialogue](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-great-dialogue) and [character-building](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-character-backstories-in-writing).
3. __Seek out feedback__. An excellent place to start is with your friends or anyone you trust to give good, honest feedback. Then move on to other forums, such as screenwriting classes or [fellowships](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tv-writing-fellowships-explained). 
4. __Keep writing__. The more you write, the better you will get at the craft. It requires dedication and persistence; there are many aspiring writers out there, and even the most successful still deal with rejection and dry spells. Develop a thick skin, and concentrate on what you can control about the process, such as your work ethic.

Become a better filmmaker with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Shonda Rhimes, Aaron Sorkin, Spike Lee, David Lynch, Jodie Foster, Martin Scorsese, and more.
Learn about writing a spec script, a sample script written without the commitment of production.

Learn about writing a spec script, a sample script written without the commitment of production.

Spec Scripts Explained: How to Write a Spec Script

A spec script (short for speculative screenplay) is written without the promise of purchase or production. It differs from a shooting script in that it&#39;s meant to tell a story and highlight the voice of the writer, so technical details are less important. Spec scripts have a very small chance of reaching production, but some do. As a writing sample, spec scripts can help writers gain representation or positive attention in the filmmaking industry.

What Is a Spec Script?

The distinction between television and film spec scripts in the streaming era is not as important as it once was; many screenwriters work in both mediums. Still, there are differences in the processes that can help aspiring screenwriters:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Television spec script: A TV series starts with a pilot script. After the long process of having the pilot <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-pitch-a-television-show' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-pitch-a-television-show","linkCopy":"greenlit","category":null}'>greenlit</a>, produced, and picked up for series, writers need to create an order of episodes. If you’re writing “on spec,” then you can either start from scratch with your idea for a pilot or write an episode of a preexisting series. In any case, the TV spec script can showcase your skills and lead to showrunners hiring you. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Film spec script: Writing a feature film spec is similar to writing a television pilot, but you are completing the entire arc of the story in your script rather than simply setting up a world. When writing an original screenplay feature, emphasize your originality and voice. </li></ol>

Television Spec Scripts vs. Movie Spec Scripts

When deciding whether to write a spec script, consider the pros and cons of the process. For the beginning <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-screenwriter-10-tips-for-screenwriting-and-the-6-habits-of-successful-screenwriters-with-spike-lee-shonda-rhimes-and-judd-apatow' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-screenwriter-10-tips-for-screenwriting-and-the-6-habits-of-successful-screenwriters-with-spike-lee-shonda-rhimes-and-judd-apatow","linkCopy":"screenwriter","category":null}'>screenwriter</a>, every script you write will be on spec—at least initially. You’re committing your time and energy to something that you find creatively satisfying, so even if it doesn’t turn into a paid writing assignment, you’re still gaining valuable experience. Once you have a reputation and a resume, writing a spec requires time and energy that you might otherwise be paid for.

Pros and Cons of Writing a Spec Script 

An original pilot or feature film spec script can be an excellent addition to your writing portfolio, operating as a kind of calling card to potential employers. It shows a prospective agent, manager, or production company executive that you can tell a story and create the foundation of a fictional world. Follow these tips to begin writing a spec script:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Start with an idea. Daydream or look around for <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/freewriting-prompts-to-help-break-your-writers-block' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/freewriting-prompts-to-help-break-your-writers-block","linkCopy":"ideas","category":null}'>ideas</a> in your life experience, works of fiction, or in the news. There are stories everywhere and infinite possible variations on those stories. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Get familiar with the format. Screenwriting is different from writing prose in that you are not creating a finished project but a foundation to build an audiovisual experience. This can feel constraining to writers inexperienced in the form, but you can make these limitations work for you. The objective is the same: Tell an interesting story as well as you can. When writing a spec, it’s unnecessary to include camera directions. Focus on the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-great-dialogue' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-great-dialogue","linkCopy":"dialogue","category":null}'>dialogue</a> and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-character-backstories-in-writing' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-character-backstories-in-writing","linkCopy":"character-building","category":null}'>character-building</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Seek out feedback. An excellent place to start is with your friends or anyone you trust to give good, honest feedback. Then move on to other forums, such as screenwriting classes or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tv-writing-fellowships-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tv-writing-fellowships-explained","linkCopy":"fellowships","category":null}'>fellowships</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Keep writing. The more you write, the better you will get at the craft. It requires dedication and persistence; there are many aspiring writers out there, and even the most successful still deal with rejection and dry spells. Develop a thick skin, and concentrate on what you can control about the process, such as your work ethic. </li></ol>

How to Write a Spec Script 

Become a better filmmaker with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Shonda Rhimes, Aaron Sorkin, Spike Lee, David Lynch, Jodie Foster, Martin Scorsese, and more.

Want to Learn More About Film?

Learn about writing a spec script, a sample script written without the commitment of production.

Learn about writing a spec script, a sample script written without the commitment of production.
