There is nothing more exciting than finishing your spec screenplay. It's like you've written a lottery ticket and are about to find out if you have the winning numbers or not.
If you're like me, you can be a little impatient when it comes to getting that script out on the town, but I'm here to tell you that before you send it to producers, there are five things you really need to do.
Now, some of these may seem obvious, but I think it's really important to do each step prior to taking your shot, because you really only get one of them.
Let's dive in.
1. Proofread!
Burn After Reading
Focus
I am so crap at spelling that I need to have my stuff proofed a few times. I have Grammarly, but I still get my manager to comb through stuff to make sure there are no glaring errors.
A screenplay riddled with typos, grammatical errors, and formatting mistakes will send producers straight to the "pass" pile.
Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing, pay close attention to formatting standards, and enlist a trusted friend or professional proofreader for a final sweep.
2. Get Brutal Feedback
Oldboy
NeonRight before I send my script out, I call in my buddy Evan Littman from GetMade and have him tear my stuff apart. I do this because I know he gives hard notes, and I know hearing the hard notes only makes my work better upon rewrite.
Step outside your echo chamber. Share your script with people whose opinions you trust and who won't sugarcoat their responses.
Seek feedback on elements like:
- Clarity: Is the story easy to follow?
- Pacing: Does the action drag, or is it too rushed?
- Characters: Are they believable, relatable, and do they have compelling arcs?
- Marketability: Does it fit into a recognizable genre or have a unique twist that could capture an audience?
3. Do Your Research
Get Out
Blumhouse
Producers and production companies have specific ideas for the things they want to make. Don't mass-blast your script to every producer on IMDb.
Successful querying is targeted.
Investigate production companies that specialize in your genre. Do they focus on big-budget blockbusters, or are they drawn to indie dramas? A comedy won't be a good fit for a company known for horror films.
Tailoring your submissions demonstrates professionalism and increases your chances of getting noticed.
4. Prepare a Logline
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Pyramide Films
Producers are inundated with scripts. Your logline is your first chance to make an impact. Make it sound like something they want to read right now.
- Logline: This is a one or two-sentence summary that hooks the reader with your concept's core conflict or unique element.
Make it clear, concise, and irresistible.
5. Network
Network
MGM
The film industry is built on relationships. Attend industry events, workshops, or festivals in Los Angeles or other film hubs. Connect with writers, aspiring producers, and other industry professionals online.
A personal recommendation can sometimes open doors that a blind query cannot.
Sending your spec script is a thrilling step, but taking the time to refine your work, strategize your submissions, and build connections will dramatically improve your chances of seeing your story come to life on the screen.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
