This site is meant as a forum to discuss breaking into the tv writing industry. If you have a good spec script that you would like to share, please let me know, and I will try to post it on this site. Any good tips, insider information, or just general conversation is welcome.
a shameless attempt to become a television writer
Just a note, bottom of page 17, you have Mac appearing at the liquor store when it’s only Charlie and Dennis. There were a couple of grammatical errors too. I know when I look at my stuff over and over, I always miss something. I also agree with a couple other comments….some of Charlie’s lines I feel would be better suited for Dennis, and the story seems to lose a little steam about halfway through. You’re so close, dude. I love the idea of bringing in the bird, and I think the yellow shirts are funny too. Just so you know where I’m coming from, I’m trying to decide what show I want to try and write. It’s between Sunny and Fringe. Odd, I know.
Hello,
I was just wandering through (looking for a Glee script, of course) and found your site. Very informative and well written.
I hope that you do well and succeed in breaking into the TV writing industry.
I have just started browsing, but if you don’t have it already, something you might like to add (because it seems to be impossible to find) is a script for the TV show Leverage. It’s definitely a different show from what a lot of networks are working with right now, and I think it would be interesting to see what a script looks like.
Again, best of luck!
Meredith
SPEC QUESTION
Hey guys, I’m writing an Always Sunny Spec and was curious as to how many pages should it be? It’s an half hour show but I’m noticing the specs available online are beyond 30 pages. Is that okay? What are thoughts on this?
I found your site helpful and I also enjoyed your spec.
I recently wrote my own: http://www.dalezcomedy.com/2010/05/its-always-sunny-for-dale-zawada/
hit me up on facebook. facebook.com/dalezawada
Just stumbled upon your site and spec and was struck by how professional they both are. I have been trying to write my own spec and tend to get halfway through (or less, if I’m being honest) before abandoning for another idea. Basically, I think I work better with a partner- preferably someone who shares the impossible dream of writing for a New York based sitcom- only I’m at a bit of a loss as to where to find such a person. If you or someone reading this has a suggestion- like a match.com for professionals I’m not aware of (is jdate more accurate or just more offensive?)- I’d really appreciate any advice you might have. Either way, thanks for reading this and good luck in your television writing endeavours..
you just laid out your sitcom….talented writer aspiring to come up with a hit sitcom in NY and looking for a writing partner having to put up with one kooky one but yet can’t seem to find one any better. Good Luck
I was doing some spec script googling and found your site. I don’t watch It’s Always Sunny (one of those shows I’ve always wanted to watch, but just haven’t gotten around to it…), but I still chuckled at the first few pages of your spec. Anywho, nice site and keep up the posting.
Evan
Yeah, I liked it as well. Definitely some fantastic moments.
From the get-go, though, I questioned some of the characters dynamics. Although, the guys are all very similar, they have differences. I think you used them interchangeably in a way that wasn’t organic. For example, why was Charlie the voice of reason in the first scene? Charlie doesn’t watch the news. Dennis could easily be swapped in. I also have a hard time believing Charlie would make the taliban joke. I would examine the character’s differences and then redistribute accordingly. That being said, I think you have Mac pretty spot on.
The recurring jokes are fabulous. Penis drawers, all that stuff…good work. The black guy entering the store was struck me as very strong. That easily could be found in any episode.
Also, I’d title it ‘the gang becomes a gang’
it goes with the established tone of the show. This is especially important in the beginning of your spec, you don’t want to turn people away before they get to the plot.
hope this was helpful! these are just my opinions as someone who only found this site because i’m writing my own ‘its always sunny’ spec.
You’ve got the characters voices down well. I got to page 15 and still wasn’t invested at all in the story. Dump some jokes, and description to get deeper into a story by at least page 5/6.-cheers
Nice script. I love the show. Check out mine if you can:
“Big Trouble in Little Chinatown.”
When Dee and Dennis learn that their cousin, Cripple Kenny, is getting married and they might loose their inheritance, the Reynolds decide to take a trip. A coin toss leaves Mac in charge of holding down Paddy’s, as Frank, Dennis and Dee catch the Chinatown bus to New York.
http://glassprogrammer.com/BigTroubleInLittleChinatown.pdf
“National Travesty”
When Mac and Charlie find a tunnel in the basement, the gang all form their own theories as to why it’s there. Frank is convinced that it’s a Shanghai tunnel leading to the Delaware River. Dennis and Dee search for a World War II Safe Haven. And Charlie believes it leads to the greatest treasure of all –The Declaration of Independence!
http://glassprogrammer.com/NationalTravesty.pdf
Your spec is hilarious. Good things. x