Should I Write a Spec Based on a Pre-existing Intellectual Property?

Question:

In the current market, in which specs are not selling, and every new project that takes off if based on a preexisting intellectual property. Is it useful to pepper a spec with known elements/characters in the public domain? Take for example that script “Galahad” which launched its author’s career. It’s a spec, but built around a re-imagining of the Arthurian Legends. The material comes with a built-in factor of pre-awareness; everyone heard about Galahad, Camelot, etc.

Is a spec like this more attractive to buyers than a spec which is 100% original? It this a viable strategy for the new writer to pursue?

Screenwriting Compass:

This is a genre of its own. The question here is really, can you write a script like this? This is almost like asking should I be writing a comedy spec?

There have been a lot of specs in the marketplace that have gone out like this, and some have sold and most have not. There are a lot of 3 Musketeer specs that went out and actually there are a few in development. There have been a bunch of 20,000 League Scripts that went out and there are some in development. The key is finding a public domain name that isn’t in development, and that can be very tough to find since Hollywood has milked these titles…and will probably continue to do so.

Adapting these titles for today’s audience is challenging. If this is not your forte, then you shouldn’t be doing this. If you are good at doing this and write a great one, does it add value? Yes, it add’s a little value, but remember, scripts in this genre tend to be period pieces and very expensive.

Now remember, writing something in the public domain is different than writing something based on pre-exisiting properties. This always adds value. I’m referring to toys, comic books, video games, etc etc. The key is how successful is that pre-exisiting property. And I bet, for most of you new writers, getting one of these is going to be very difficult.

So if you are good at adapting material, then this may be right for you. If not, then continue to writer your own original screenplays.