Expert: Bill Richter Date: 6/25/2008 Subject: submitting a script for an existing show
Question My friends and I are obsessed with a fairly new show on ABC Family (Greek). We have written our own script, since the show is currently between seasons, for an upcoming episode. I think it's a great plot and true to the characters. Is there a way to submit the script and see if it gets picked up?
Answer Years ago it was much easier to get your script in front of a television producer than it is today. These days if you mail a script to one, he/she (actually his or her "people" won't even open the envelope. Instead it will be sent back to you unopened.
The reason for this is they are afraid of being sued for copyright infringement. If a producer were to accidentally come up with a similar idea, and you can prove that they had read your script (or treatment) you would have a copyright lawsuit that you could pursue.
Today most (if not all) shows will only accept pitches, scripts and/or treatments for shows from writers who are represented by reputable agents. So how do you get an agent? By having a show produced, or a script accepted...starting to see the Catch 22 here? You can't get an agent without prior work and you can't get prior work without an agent. But there is hope.
I have had two friends get their work before the right person. One got a job as a writer for Late Night with David Letterman. Of course this is the exception rather than the rule.
You can send the script to an agent in hopes that someone there will like it enough to agree to represent you. You can also try putting your script on-line at www.inkspot.com and hope the right person will see it and like it.
You can also check with some of the organizations like the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) (www.natpe.org) They have a boot camp each year from people who are interested in getting into the business and even have pitch sessions where you get to meet face-to-face with programming executives. You might even meet someone who has an in with the show. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) www.wga.org is another place to find great information and tools.
I hope this doesn't stifle your creativity. Shoot for the top. What's the worst thing that can happen?
