a script (or screenplay ), for TV or film , that is written without a contract , by the initiative of a writer
a script that was written, as most are, without any advance assurance that it will be bought
a script written without a deal
Screenplay written by a writer on their own initiative, with the hope of selling or optioning the screenplay once completed.
a script written (but not commissioned) in order to sell to potential buyers once it is finished.
Script written before any agreement has been entered into ("on spec" or speculation), in hopes of selling the script to the highest bidder once it has been completed.
A screenplay written to be sold on the open market, as opposed to one commissioned by a studio or production company (see Work-for-Hire). No guarantee of payment. Often the greater risk of a spec script pays off in a bigger sale.
A script written without being commissioned on the speculative hope that it will be sold.
