Scott Myers has analyzed the 2021 spec scripts specs and reported the results on his excellent website Go Into The Story.
The takeaways:
- There were 34 spec(ulative) scripts sold in 2021.
- That number is up from 2019 and 2020 but less than 1992-2018.
- There was one first-timer who sold a spec script.
- “Streamers acquired the same number of spec scripts in 2021 as did the major studios and their subsidiaries.”
- Streamers doubled the number of their deals from 2020 to 2021.
- The most popular genres were Action and Thriller.
- Then came Drama and Comedy.
- The least popular genres (that were bought) were Science Fiction and Horror. (I mean, the least popular genres were actually the ones that weren’t bought at all, like my Family Western or my Polka Musical.)
Here are all Scott’s links:
- “2021 Spec Script Deal List
- 2021 Spec Script Deals Analysis: Genres
- 2021 Spec Script Sales Analysis: Buyers
- 2021 Spec Script Sales Analysis: Agent and Managers
- 2021 Spec Script Sales Analysis: Top Sales
- 2021 Spec Script Deals Analysis: First-Timers
- For The Definitive Spec Script Deals List [1991–2021], go here.”
My take: I can’t say enough good things about Mr. Myers. And I’m proud that in my own small way, I’ve contributed to his excellent website: see my breakdown of Andy Samberg’s Palm Springs.