About the Founder

Why Spec Scripts?


Hi, I’m Heather McCluskey, creator of Spec Central Films. I started out my film career writing/directing shorts at home and school. After graduating at 16, I was hired on my first major production as PA and moved into the Grip role. Although I love the set life, the 16 hours a day 6 days a week didn’t leave much time for writing. So, I took a day job, while I focused on perfecting the art and have been screenwriting in my spare time for over 20 years now. I’m a member of several different production groups and have lived alongside you through the frustrations of not being able to succeed in an industry that is designed to promote who you know and not what you know. I understand the desire to bring your creations to life, and the inability to do so, which is common for even seasoned, paid screenwriters who are already in the industry.
The film industry has become a place for remakes, reboots and reimagined stories that we already know, but it’s not because we’ve run out of ideas. There are thousands of talented writers, who’ve drafted millions of original scripts. So why aren’t we seeing more original content being produced? Because Hollywood has been actively keeping it out. They know that if you have already seen or read a story, played a game or heard a fairytale, you are more likely to go to see it in the future even if it’s just to see how bad it is, making any content with a pre-existing fan base guaranteed revenue.
An original screenplay, that was not asked to be written or based on any existing content is called a Spec Script, because they are ‘spec’ulating on whether or not it will make money.
Additionally, there is a large catch-22 within the film industry that blocks new emerging talent. Screenwriting is one of the only jobs in the world you are not allowed to apply for. You aren’t permitted to send any unsolicited material to any production company to review. In order to be able to submit a script to a production company you need representation, in order to obtain representation, you need to have sold a script. In order to sell a script, you need to be able to show it to a production company..
In an effort to give the public something new, that inspires and entertains, and give new talent a way into the industry, I created Spec Central Films, a production company, designed solely for spec scripts, and developing talent.
Our Mission
At Spec Central Films our mission is to revolutionize the film industry through original content productions, opening closed doors for new talent, while captivating audiences. The current industry focuses only on revenue earned through producing remakes and reboots, while we support originality and believe the world needs more of it; bringing you the only company committed to producing solely spec scripts and giving new screenwriters a window to climb through when they just can’t get their foot in the door. At Spec Central Films we will never produce a remake or reboot because we know that there are millions of stories still waiting to be told and millions of writers still waiting for the chance.
Our Vision
Our vision is to support originality and inspire creativity while captivating audiences worldwide and holding a door open for new talent.


Are Spec Scripts the same as independent films?
No, a spec script is a story that was not commissioned, meaning no one paid the writer to write it. Any story a screenwriter writes without being asked to, a story they want to tell, is a spec script, whereas many independent films are used as a way for an aspiring director to get their name out there and these films do commission a writer to write them a specific script for their shoot. If the director is the writer, the indie film is supporting originality, but this is not a given for every independent film.
I keep getting turned down, what should I do?
At Apec Central Films We believe in learning how to “Fail with Grace.” This is a concept that teaches us that within every bit of negative feedback there is at least one nugget of truth. There is always something we can take away from the experience and learn from in order to improve our next attempt. Our readers will never provide criticisms without advice or instruction to help you learn and grow as a writer. If you get turned down, learn from the feedback, try again. Your opportunities are only limited by your willingness to persevere.
Does Spec Central focus on a specific Genre, or only accept specific genres?
Yes and no. Spec Central Films does primarily produce Action/ Sci-Fi/ Fantasy films. Though we are focused on these genres, we don’t want to limit your opportunities as a writer and do accept scripts from all genres for public consideration.
