Marc Teichmann at 2011-10-27 14:56:06:

You mention that Sammy could just write scripts on spec to avoid all that run around. Well, how logical is that? Is it dangerous for a writer to only write on spec? If a writer has an agent are there ways for them to write on spec but have a deal in place before having to write the entire script? From reading this blog for 6 months or so, I've thought it would be nice to only write on spec because you're only dealing with things you're passionate about and you're not competing with other writers for that specific script. Is it safe to assume that this can be very hard financially?

Scott at 2011-10-27 18:03:21:

Marc, it's hard to write only on spec insofar as it's a big gamble every time you roll the dice on a project. However I do know a few writers who rely almost exclusively on specs. The thing is writers could stop much of the issues by simply agreeing not to rewrite each other. But that will never happen. And even if Guild members agreed to that, studios would have no hesitation to hire non-Guild members to rewrite Guild members' scripts.

Marc Teichmann at 2011-10-27 18:27:05:

One would think that writers are mostly in the same boat. They've gone through the same things, been treated the same way. I guess it would be too perfect a world for them to unite and help one another out. Are agents less likely to work with writers who only want to write on spec?

Scott at 2011-10-27 23:14:29:

"Are agents less likely to work with writers who only want to write on spec?" Yes, because that reduces significantly the opportunities for a client to land paying gigs which is the only way agents or managers get their cut. So if the choice came down to a writer who only wrote on spec or developed pitches on spec versus a writer who wrote on spec, developed pitches AND went up for OWAs, my guess is reps would be more inclined to sign the latter type of writers.

chris at 2011-10-28 00:12:25:

yeah it sucks but what else is new? studios have been looking for any way to get something for free from writers since day one. which is why the writers formed the union. if they want something from the studios, e.g., a bigger piece of the record profits pie, they're going to have to fight for it. but electing Chris Keyser sends the unmistakeable signal to the suits that the union has no stomach for any such fight