Update: Spec Script Sales (2011)
While there is still one possible project I might add to the list, I am basically done with my mid-year review of spec script sales. Over the weekend, I added several projects. Today I am posting some revised numbers both through June and up to date.
Spec script sales from 1/1/11–6/30/11: 52
2010 (mid-year): 29
2009 (mid-year): 40
2008 (mid-year): 57
By any valuation, this is a good number, representing a 79% increase in spec script sales through mid-year compared to last year.
Spec script sales from 1/11/11–8/7/11: 60
2010 (through 8/7/10): 32
2009 (through 8/7/09): 47
2008 (through 8/7/08): 64
These numbers are even higher, representing an 88% increase in spec script sales over the same period last year.
An equally startling number is the comparison to 2008. If you recall, the WGA was on strike from November 5, 2007-February 12, 2008. Arguably sales in 2008 went up considerably due to a post-strike environment when writers flooded the market with specs and the studios needed to restock their development slates. The fact spec script sales are almost on par this year with 2008 is another sign the spec market is on the rebound.
It’s a good time to be writing a spec script. And remember: A spec script can help you in a number of ways beyond a possible sale:
* A spec script can get you representation.
* A spec script can be optioned.
* A spec script is a writing sample to land you meetings with producers, studio execs, talent.
* A spec script may get you considered for OWA’s (Open Writing Assignments).
* A spec script is an asset, even if it doesn’t sell today, it can get set up down the road.
So when you see 60 spec script sales this year, you also have to think of hundreds and hundreds of representation deals, meetings with industry insiders, options and writing assignments.
A spec script is a powerful tool. But — as always — only if it’s a good script.
Tomorrow I will provide a list of all the scripts that have sold through mid-year 2011 including title, writer, genre, and buyer. At the end of the year, I will provide my annual analysis of spec script sales.