Older animated specs

[jacinthee]

I have heard of people who write one spec in their portfolio for old shows (in the extreme, think "I love Lucy"). I assume it's because they had a neat idea and didn't mind sticking out of the X-Files pile.

Let's say I have a concept on the back burner for an older animated show for adults -- in the vein of the Simpsons/South Park.

1. Can an "animated" spec be used as a regular sitcom sample?

2. Can an "animated" spec of an older, defunct show be used as a regular sitcom sample? (providing other samples would be of current shows)

Thanks!

Edited to add: Sorry for the repeat part of my twofold question. I just read a thread discouraging writers to write for an older show -- unless you write comedy, don't mind risking shooting yourself in the foot and/or having people scratch their heads, and want to stand out... Sounds good to me. :)

I'm still wondering about the "animated" part for a "live" show.

[Basic B]

1. Can an "animated" spec be used as a regular sitcom sample?

My answer: Hell yes. King of the Hill, Simpsons, South Park. I'd stay away from Futurama or Family Guy since their status is questionable.

2. Can an "animated" spec of an older, defunct show be used as a regular
sitcom sample? (providing other samples would be of current shows)

My answer: Depends. What are you talking about? Writing a "Flintstones" spec? If you do a GREAT job, perhaps. You've already figured out that you need to have other more conventional specs in your portofolio.

Writing an oddball spec is risky. I have heard of others doing well with "gimmick" or "stunt" specs. But not everyone is going to respond.

You might also want to consider having something original in your portfolio, such as a one act play, a pilot, a short story, a feature (also sitcom readers frown on having to read a feature because it's more work) or some sketches.

Bonita

[jacinthee]

Grand!

Thanks for the heads up, Bonita.

I've been thinking of writing a Duckman for a while and I just found out Comedy Central airs repeats at an early hour on weekends. To make matters weirder (or better), the storyline I have in mind cross-references a classic show from the 60s, very much in the Duckman spoofing tradition.

Sketches, you say? Looks like it's time to brush up on my Kids in the Hall.

Jaci

[InvaderUjin]

My gut feel is that Duckman is too old and too obscure to be an effective spec. It's been five years since they stopped producing it and not a lot of people watched it when it was on USA.

I wrote a Tick spec a few years after it was cancelled, thinking that maybe the new live-action show would renew interest and awareness of the the animated show. I was wrong.

Can you take your idea and turn it into a South Park? SP has been known to spoof things as well. Maybe around Cartman as your foul mouthed protagonist? Maybe make Butter your Cornfed?

Butter - "Cartman, either you're babbling or you just told me in Cherokee that my scrotum is many-colored...." :)

[Basic B]

I have to second Invade U. Duckman's too obscure. I can think of a handful of folks who would read it, since they worked on the show, but you'd have to get an agent first, and I can bet most agents wouldn't read it to consider taking you on.

But write it anyway. It might be good practice.

Bonita

[jacinthee]

I see your point about Duckman being too obscure, guys. It's unfortunate, but I'm glad you mentioned it.

I wouldn't mind to do something different, but not to the point of it alienating everyone in sight. South Park could indeed be an option. I'll think of an appropriate angle -- I'll let this brew while I finish my current feature spec.

:)