Spec Market Eligible: |
Yes |
Review Length: |
4-6 pages |
Scouting Eligible: |
No |
Synopsis Length: |
1 Page |
Sharkgrid: |
No |
Turnaround: |
2-3 weeks |
What is our Scripted Television Service?
The ScriptShark Television Dept. offers an array of services for aspiring television writers. Whether you are looking for notes on your spec episode or ideas on how to make your Reality Show a reality, ScriptShark can give you the edge you need in a competitive market. Show-runners and network execs look for a solid breadth of material, as well as accessible, collaborative writers. As with the feature world, ScriptShark is dedicated to discovering new literary talent for the small screen.
What's the difference between One Hour and Half Hour scripted teleplays?
The term One Hour usually refers to “One Hour Drama” teleplays. While there are a few comedies that work under similar structure, most prime-time dramas range from 50-70 scripted pages. “Half Hour Comedies”, on the other hand, usually run somewhere between 30 and 50 pages. These scripts are usually dialogue-heavy with limited action lines.
What's the difference between a spec teleplay and a pilot?
Spec teleplays are sample scripts from shows already on-air. Due to liability issues, however, producers and executives for existing television shows won't usually accept scripts from their own actual show. So, if you have the desire to write for a specific show, it's usually best to write one with the same tone or style. A “Pilot”, however, is the lead-in episode to a new series. Because the characters and stories are usually original, these often work well as samples.
Do television executives ever read feature film screenplays as samples?
It’s actually quite common for a television executive to be introduced to a writer through a feature film script. However, because of the nature of television writing, they rarely, if ever, hire a writer without a body of work built around a specific television genre or type of show. Just as important, the people in charge of staffing place a high level of importance on writers who have previous experience. For such a fast-moving business, it’s important that a writer not only knows how to deliver scripts, but understands the process.
Can I sell my television script?
It's extremely difficult to translate television coverage into successful sales/writing jobs. Unlike the film industry, television executives rely more upon how established a writer is, as opposed to the state of an individual piece of material. It's extremely rare to see an original concept sold without the attachment of a show-runner or major piece of talent attached.
Can I post my television script in the Spec Market?
Yes, this is an excellent option for television writers looking to get discovered. The Spec Market offers a great place to market both you and your writing and gives an agent or manager a good idea of your entire body of work.
Why do you only do notes for television and not coverage?
Because it's so difficult to break into the television business with a single script, we choose not to promise things we may not be able to deliver. That being said, if our industry analyst deems the material to be very solid writing, the opportunity may exist to promote it to various television agents/managers. In turn, you should look at our television services as more of a writing resource. Our team of readers will provide you with some great thought s and help you build a body of material. Then you may want to post your work in the Spec Market for Industry exposure.
What's the difference between Scripted and Unscripted television?
Much like the name implies, scripted television works off of pre-existing material such as teleplays. Conversely, unscripted television is reality-based (Unscripted Television) and game-show (Unscripted Television) television, in which the narrative (if there is any) develops out of the editing of hours of footage.
Do you accept M.O.W.'s (made for television movies)?
We do, in fact accept MOW's. Because the process of submitting this type of material is similar to submitting feature films, we have our writers submit them for Coverage, Story Notes, or Notes Plus as if they are feature screenplays, but clearly mark "Consideration for MOW" on the cover page. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to let us know.
Click Here if you have additional questions about ScriptShark Submission policies.
