Search - Dreams on Spec (2007) on DVD

A must see!

Film Buff | beverly hills, ca United States | 07/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Dreams on Spec" is a must see for any movie buff, aspiring screen writer or for anyone who enjoys the journey of a film's creation progressing from idea to reality. The transition from famous Hollywood writers to unknown aspiring talent is both fast paced and engaging. Nora Ephron's anecdotes are as charming as her films and Carrie Fisher is her usual bundle of wit and energy, just to mention a few excerpts. Joe, David, and Deborah embody all of the heart, sacrifice, and passion that go into the screen writers attempts in selling their story. I highly recommend "Dreams on Spec" to all those who think they have what it takes to write and sell a script, respect people who do, or dream that they can actually achieve it themselves."

Very Inspiring

Riding Writer | Los Angeles, CA USA | 01/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dreams on Spec is an uplifting and entertaining documentary! It is full of encouragement for all writers wherever they are on their writing journey. At times the writing path can seem like a long arduous hike towards your destination. We prepare for the journey by getting advice from those at the pinnacle of their careers such as the writers of Seabiscuit and Liar Liar as well as the prolific Nora Ephron and Carrie Fisher. They are like the beacons of light guiding you along the writing path. We also encounter three aspiring scriptwriters who have set out on the adventure of their lives. We learn as they learn about the screenwriting process. Dreams on Spec is an inspiring reflection upon the writing profession."

Okay Snapshot, but . . .

R. Fawcett | Washington DC | 01/26/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"not a very edifying documentary of the screenwriting business. First, the main subjects appear to have been chosen for their dramatic potential rather than writers who are slightly more rational about their commercial need to sell a script. This is okay, as I suppose filming a documentary about the travails of three or four very ordinary, unexciting screenwriters would be boring - a little more informative, perhaps - but admittedly boring. Second, these screenwriters were submitting specs to what appears to be independent film companies. I know that indies have been eating up their share of the market, but it seems like doing business with large production companies would be more likely for most aspiring screenwriters - Granted, this too would probably result in a drastically short film, as I understand large producers have a very efficient rejection systems. In any event, the film was good overall, but not quite the exploration of Hollywood screenwriting that I expected. To be fair, though, the filmmakers did share the purely business nature of the film industry - it was sharply contrasted by each subject's burning desire for their "vision" to be made into film (honestly, the guy who kept protesting product positioning and character re-writes as violations of his "vision" for a slasher film?). I would think that a more level screenwriter would approach at least their first few scripts as purely business propositions. Then, if (and it is clearly a very big "if") one becomes famous and more marketable, a screenwriter can start writing about their "art." "Dreams on Spec" is still good viewing, though - non-writers will probably find the documentary subjects entertaining. Writers can capture a glimpse of the movie business. I recommend it."