Spec scripts that started careers
Got a request via Twitter from @TheWriteScript and forwarded by @tracinell to create a list noting screenwriters whose writing careers in Hollywood started with the sale of a spec script. I responded with the first two to come to mind:
Juno, Diablo Cody
Little Miss Sunshine, Michael Arndt
Here are some others to add to the list, again off the top of my head:
Lethal Weapon, Shane Black
Highlander, Gregory Widen
The Cheese Stands Alone, Kathy McWorter
The Santa Clause, Leo Benvenuti & Steve Rudnick
Monster-in-Law, Anya Kochoff
Milk Money, John Matson
You can add all the ‘first-timers’ who have sold spec scripts which I’ve tracked since 2008:
2008
2010
Surprised to find I didn’t break those out for 2009. When I get a chance, I’ll do that.
So I open the floor to your research abilities. If you can find out screenwriters who kick-started their writing career in Hollywood by selling a spec script, please post in comments.
And as noted previously many times, a spec script doesn’t have to sell to give you a boost as a professional writer in Hollywood. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that there are a lot more working writers in Hollywood who did not sell a spec, but it got them an agent, a manager, up for open writing assignments, and so on.
Finally if you haven’t read the account Michael Arndt penned about how he wrote and sold Little Miss Sunshine, you absolutely should. It’s a terrific story. I excerpted it here;