SPEC SCRIPTACULAR

WIN CASH - CONTACTS - CREDIBILITY!

The basic fact about the television business is that in order to get into it you, the writer, must have at least 3 great spec episodes written for existing shows. These episodes are your calling cards. They demonstrate that you have what it takes to write "on assignment." In other words, they show that your writing can meet the demands of a show's individual (we would never say "peculiar") style.

As more writers work on spec scripts, the competition between them for Industry attention increases. That's why TVWRITER.COM has decided to step into the fray with the Spec Scriptacular Competition. TVWRITER.COM aims to help you get your spec episodes, pilots, and MOWs read by those who can buy or hire you - by giving your work the ultimate validity short of having been professionally produced. That validity is a Contest Win or high placing in one of the most respected competitions on the web.

The Spec Scriptacular has three categories - Sitcom, Action/Drama, and Screenplay/MOW.

• The Sitcom category is for spec episodes of current (or very recent) broadcast and cable network sicoms, which are usually (but not necessarily) half-hour shows.
• The Action/Drama category is for spec episodes of current (or very recent) broadcast and cable network action or dramatic shows - including sci-fi shows, medical shows, cop shows, lawyer shows, dramedies, et al. These are usually one-hour shows, but this is also the proper category in which to enter any current half-hour action or drama series.
• The Screenplay/MOW category is for any and all original spec TV movies, and for any and all original spec specials regardless of length, genre, or subject matter. We know that many of you have already written or are writing feature screenplays that can fit into the MOW mold. This is the contest and category in which to enter those screenplays.
• Have your heart set on entering a series pilot script? Don't despair. The Spec Scriptacular may no longer be accepting them, but the slack has been taken up in the place that should've done this long ago - The People's Pilot.

Tips For Entrants

1. If you're writing a sitcom spec tell a good story and BE FUNNY.
2. If you're writing a one-hour drama or action show remember that even the "softest" show is STORY-DRIVEN. Keep your scenes short and pack in as many twists and turns as you can in the appropriate page count.
3. Regardless of whether you're writing a sitcom or an action/drama, always keep in mind that your intended reader is not the showrunner of that specific show but of another, similar show. The showrunner is looking for GOOD WRITING, so it's your job to shore up the weaknesses of the series you've chosen. Stick to the format but make it BETTER where you can.
4. If you're writing a TV movie, think "HIGH CONCEPT." Base your screenplay on a simple logline. Present hot issues in which the viewing public will be interested.
5. If you're writing a TV movie, remember that the television audience is not the same as the film-going audience. Juvenile humor is OUT. Gratuitous sex is OUT. Meaningless action and violence are OUT. (We know what you're going to say, so let's qualify that - deliberately meaningless action and violence are out. What's in? Intelligence, believe it or not. The TV movies that get commissioned or sold are ABOUT SOMETHING. Yours should be too.
6. If you're writing for New Media, remember that above all else: Be Bold. Write something so far out of the box that it just screams, "Read me! See me! Buy me!" Because, after all, that's what New Media is all about.

We at TVWRITER.COM always try to be honest with you, our loyal visitors. We want you to know that the bottom line reason we're holding this Competition is simply this:

WE BELIEVE IN YOU

What Series Are Eligible?

All current and recent series airing in all English-speaking countries now are eligible for the Spec Scriptacular. This means series airing on U.S. broadcast and cable networks, Canadian broadcast and cable networks, United Kingdom broadcast and cable networks, Australian broadcast and cable networks, South African broadcast and cable networks, and in first run syndication in the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia and South Africa. In addition, teleplays for all current and recent series being presented via cell phone, ITunes, YouTube, and any and all entertainment websites available online in the English language are elibible in the New Media category. More reasons why, if you're going to enter only one contest this year, the Spec Scriptacular is the one.

Some Final Suggestions

Your script should look as much like the script from the series you've written it for as possible. Don't forget the title page!

Register your work. TVWRITER.COM recommends the Writers Guild of America, West, one of the pioneers of intellectual property registration.

Any questions? E-mail us HERE! The SPEC SCRIPTACULAR competition is held once each year and is open for submissions from January 1 to June 1.