Spec Script Market Analysis (2008–2022)

Detailed analysis of fifteen years of spec script deals.

I launched Go Into The Story in May 2008. Since that time, I have tracked spec scripts deals. It’s an inexact science. There are sales. Options. Some deals get announced in the trades. Others do not. But I’d say the deals I have reported on and aggregated do a pretty good job of representing the annual state of the spec market.

You may ask: “Scott, why do you do this?” In part, it’s a habit I developed since I sold my own spec script and broke into the business in 1987. I’d read the trades each day and follow the conversation within the Hollywood script acquisition and development community because I was curious about what buyers were buying. The practice has also helped me decide what of my own projects I would choose to write. Plus, reading plot summaries of specs that get set up has led me to generate story concepts. Sometimes a spin on a logline. Sometimes a completely different idea pops up inspired in some serendipitous way.

Beyond whatever value the practice of tracking spec script deals has brought to me personally, since one of the goals I have for my blog is to create a resource for screenwriters, archiving each year’s deals feels like it bring something of value to blog readers.

I not only report on spec script deals as they happen, but also write an in-depth annual analysis covering these areas: Genres, Buyers, Agents and Managers, Top Sales, First-Timers.

Here, I have assembled links to each of those annual analysis series. This represents fifteen years of spec script deals totaling over 900 acquisitions.

2008 Spec Script Market Analysis

2009 Spec Script Market Analysis

2010 Spec Script Market Analysis

2011 Spec Script Market Analysis

2012 Spec Script Market Analysis

2013 Spec Script Market Analysis

2014 Spec Script Market Analysis

2015 Spec Script Market Analysis

2016 Spec Script Market Analysis

2017 Spec Script Market Analysis

2018 Spec Script Market Analysis

2019 Spec Script Market Analysis

2020 Spec Script Market Analysis

2021 Spec Script Market Analysis

2022 Spec Script Market Analysis

The spec market has slowed considerably over the last six years, but the value of a spec script extends beyond whether it sells or is optioned. A spec script can generate interest in the writer from a manager or agent. It can open the door for general meetings. It can put the writer in a position to go up for an OWA (Open Writing Assignment).

In effect, a spec script represents YOU and YOUR VOICE. For an aspiring screenwriter, it is still the best way to break into the business.

I hope the information in these archived articles inspires you in your own writing. Good luck!