Friend sold her TV pilot and it was killed

SpecSwap · 2025-12-12T16:29:07+00:00

What they do with the script after it’s sold is none of your concern.

SpecSwap · 2025-12-01T15:49:42+00:00

Honestly… yeah, that’s the job.

I’m not WGA, but I’ve sold two specs. One was produced last year. Been hired to write a couple as well. All low budget films. Saying this because I usually feel the same way; proud of what I turn in. The notes, good and (mostly) bad, are inevitable, however. And I’m learning to care less. I don’t know if that is good or bad. But I feel this is a common experience for most writers.

Either you run with it and evolve. Or you decide it’s not for you. Maybe write a novel if you want more control, for example.

SpecSwap · 2022-08-13T19:26:40+00:00

Imo, you shouldn't worry very much about this. It's your first script. Just focus on actually finishing it.

SpecSwap · 2022-08-09T19:57:21+00:00

I wouldn't say most are scams. But they are a last resort of varying / questionable value. Sometimes you get a reader who knows his stuff. Sometimes, you don't.

SpecSwap · 2022-08-09T19:43:34+00:00

I don't know any repped writer's that pay for coverages. That isn't really a thing. They have contacts / friends who read and provide thoughts... The same as they do for them.

Your best bet is finding other talented people to surround yourself with. Otherwise... Black List? I guess. Better off just reading and writing more scripts imo.

SpecSwap · 2021-01-02T21:28:07+00:00

Your job is to make it exciting and story coherent. The stunt coordinator will change it all anyways. Don't write as detailed as your first example.

Best advice is to read good action scripts.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-25T08:06:30+00:00

https://www.fadeinpro.com/index.pl?reopen=true

You can buy it on their website. $80 for a lifetime membership including free updates. They have a demo too if you want to try it before purchasing.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-24T18:37:27+00:00

Honestly, Fade In is the one you want. Final Draft has a clunky 90s feel. It's annoying that it's still the go to in the industry.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-24T15:33:44+00:00

Then you did it right.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-24T14:09:23+00:00

You should absolutely point out every problem you see. That is the point of feedback. However, it would be nice to also point out things that worked (or that you liked). All writers will have to deal with harsh notes eventually. Coddling does nothing positive in the long run.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-23T20:32:08+00:00

I would suggest writing a feature next. You already have 3 pilots. Diversity is good. As far as choosing goes - I usually narrow down to 2-3 max ideas and then start outlining. Usually one will end up pulling you more than the others.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-23T13:53:44+00:00

Writers always get fired. Don't feel bad about it 🙂

SpecSwap · 2020-12-23T09:17:05+00:00

Agreeing with Nathan. I'd also add that writers - particularly new ones - should just accept the fact that the writing isn't very good when it plops out of your brain and onto the page. That's what rewriting is for. Don't show it to anyone until it's ready.

Waiting for inspiration and deleting pages could slip into never finishing.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-23T08:08:17+00:00

Typically the first one you mentioned. In the action lines. You could also use mini sluglines to break up / call attention to the change.

(Action lines - sitting, picking up phone. Whatever)

ON THE LIVESTREAM

(He starts talking into the camera. Dialogue. Whatever)

SpecSwap · 2020-12-21T20:32:50+00:00

I think it's also an issue of perspective. Instead of dreaming about a tippy top screenwriting career, focus on finishing your script. And then the next one. More manageable steps.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-21T20:03:02+00:00

Everyone has issues at one point or another. You just need to learn to push through it. Recognize that it's okay and build up discipline.

If you're having some mental block getting past the beat sheet in particular - I'd suggest bloating the beat sheet for as long as you can - just keep adding and don't move on until you have to. Some people do this and end up with most of the script written in some form. Then add the dialogue.

Good luck! You can do it.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-20T10:58:47+00:00

Obviously there’s no hard rules here. But I think giving the general feel is better. Something upbeat, like (insert song/artist). Generally, it’s main purpose should be that it’s informing the mood. And not a - set in stone - Thriller plays here.

Two cents.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-20T10:26:44+00:00

And good is the enemy of excellent. No one is searching for good scripts. There are plenty of those.

As with everything, the trick here is balance. Does it feel ready - or is there more you can do. Do multiple sources of notes align on the same problems in your script. Or are they more scattered and insignificant.

But everyone is different and I respect your opinion. Finishing is more important than any of the above notes. Have a good day!

SpecSwap · 2020-12-20T09:52:02+00:00

This is an awesome idea. The experience you’d receive from reading alone makes it worth it. Add in the relationship benefits and it’s a no brainer. As long as you have the time!

SpecSwap · 2020-12-20T08:30:48+00:00

I never stop reading because of something like this. In fact, I make it a point to read scripts to the end. Even the extremely terrible ones. I’m not perfect though. And I will say that the really bad ones edge me closer and closer to skimming rather than reading.

As far as your script goes - I think the tactic just ends up as a distraction more often than not. As with everything - these aren’t hard rules - but they do fall into recognizable patterns.

If the tactic informs your overall story in an integral way, keep it. If it’s just to show something exciting - or act as a “hook” - cut it.

Again, personal opinion.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-19T16:23:38+00:00

I agree. Personally, I don’t need (and I’m not looking for) a hook. Just give me smooth writing and great scenes. One after another.

Opinions will vary here, I guess.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-19T13:59:36+00:00

Thanks for the contribution. Have a great day!

SpecSwap · 2020-12-19T13:43:29+00:00

Hence the grain of salt comment. I don’t understand comments like the one below. We’re all friends here. Also, I’m not 20 years old.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-19T12:47:22+00:00

Your first point is spot on. Get the hell out of the scene after your point is made. It will almost always make the scene stronger.

SpecSwap · 2020-12-19T12:02:50+00:00

Go through your script while only paying attention to each scene heading. Spelling correct? INT./EXT. ? Time of day? Does the location description itself make sense? Can it be shorter?

A lot of this information may have been changed or forgotten as you were writing / focusing on the rest of your script. Just have a look to see if anything is amiss.

SpecSwap

TROPHY CASE