Hi
I'm writing my first spec script. I've read somewhere that you shouldn't put in C/U (cut to) in a spec script. Is that right or not?
Thanks a lot!
Cut to/ fade to - do you use these in spec script?
You can put CUT TO: between scenes, yeah.
Thanks for that quick response!
This is my first sitcom spec (though I have written and published books etc before). I'm aware that is is unlikely that a spec from an unknown writer will get picked up but I assume it is still worth hawking it round, is it? I'm new to this, so do I just get the writers and artist's yearbook and send it off to production companies with a covering letter? Or do I write a letter/proposal first asking them if I can send it to them (like you do with books?)
I'd really appreciate some advice as I've nearly finished but have no experience in this field (other than having managed to write the script!)
As Matthew says at the end of a scene, but not usually in it as in CUT TO A CLOSE UP OF BRENDA'S LARGE FEET, in stage directions for example.
Sorry Brenda.
Thanks Marc P - I get that. At the end of each scene. I don't want to give the impression to whoever I'm sending it off that I've never done a spec before.
Quote: Marc P @ March 23 2011, 3:17 PM GMTCUT TO A CLOSE UP OF BRENDA'S LARGE FEET
ToddB would pop that in Critique and ask for feedback.
Quote: chipolata @ March 23 2011, 3:25 PM GMTToddB would pop that in Critique and ask for feedback.
I'd say it needs clipping and a bit of polish.
Quote: Marc P @ March 23 2011, 3:41 PM GMTI'd say it needs clipping
Brevity is indeed the sole of wit.
Quote: chipolata @ March 23 2011, 3:42 PM GMTBrevity is indeed the sole of wit.
Outrageous! 
Quote: flaxhigh @ March 23 2011, 3:16 PM GMTThanks for that quick response!
This is my first sitcom spec (though I have written and published books etc before).
Do you have an agent,then?
Because they should be doing this stuff for you.
And if you haven't, and you're already published - perhaps you should think about getting one.
Do you need an agent to send specs off? I thought you just sent your script direct to production companies? Can someone who has done it talk through the process?
Quote: flaxhigh @ March 24 2011, 10:32 PM GMTDo you need an agent to send specs off? I thought you just sent your script direct to production companies? Can someone who has done it talk through the process?
No - of course you don't
But if you do have one your work will get read - it will be taken more seriously.
It's just that you said you had already had stuff published - if this involved an agent it would be silly not to use them - or get them to put you in touch with someone who could help.
I only really got stuff read properly after I got an agent.
But of course, getting an agent is another story.
Good luck.
Hey, Laz, please tell me the "other" story about getting an agent.
I can't go into details - but if you've ever seen "Last Tango in Paris"...
BYO butter.
Quote: flaxhigh @ March 24 2011, 11:32 PM BSTDo you need an agent to send specs off?
No, but lots of places say they won't look at a script if it isn't sent by an agent; though even some of the ones who say this might take a look if you ask first.