Also known as spec · speculative screenplay
A screenplay written on speculation — no deal yet — meant to sell the story or showcase craft. Specs usually skip production numbering and camera direction.
Spec craft is about story clarity on the page: clean sluglines, playable dialogue, and action a reader can see without a deal attached. You are asking someone to fall for the movie on the strength of the read alone. That job rewards momentum and character, not production paperwork from a later phase.
Resist shooting-script habits until production needs them -- heavy CONTINUED, shot lists, scene numbers, and revision colours. Those signals can make a sales draft look like it is cosplaying prep. Keep the read effortless; let the story be the only complexity on the page for a cold manager.
Length is a pacing signal. Most contemporary feature specs land roughly in the 90-120 page range depending on genre; comedy often trends shorter. Extreme length without cause is a common pass reason because readers treat page count as an early estimate of runtime and writer discipline.
Most contemporary feature specs land roughly in the 90-120 page range depending on genre; comedy often trends shorter. Page count is a pacing signal -- extreme length without cause is a common pass reason.
Many writers register with the WGA or copyright office before wide circulation. That is a legal process choice outside Inkwell -- treat exports and shared links as real distribution either way.
Yes. An original pilot written on speculation is still a spec in the sales sense. Follow TV formatting and act structure expectations for the market you are aiming at.
Yes. A calm title page with title, writer name, and contact (or representation) is standard. Skip artwork, cast wish lists, and synopsis text on that page.
