Watch Dreams on Spec

Dreams on Spec is a documentary film that chronicles the journeys of three aspiring screenwriters in Hollywood as they try to make it big in the highly competitive film industry. Released in 2007, the film offers a fascinating insight into the struggles, sacrifices, and risks that come with pursuing a career in screenwriting. The film follows the lives of Joe Aaron, Deborah Goodwin, and David J. Stieve, who are all at different stages in their careers but share a common dream: to write a blockbuster screenplay that will make them famous and successful. Through interviews, personal testimonies, and behind-the-scenes footage, the filmmakers show the highs and lows of their journeys: from the initial burst of inspiration and creative energy to the long, frustrating periods of writer's block, rejection, and financial woes.

Joe Aaron is a struggling writer who has been trying to break into the industry for over a decade. He has written several screenplays, but none of them have been picked up by a studio. Despite his struggles, he remains optimistic and dedicated to his craft, working tirelessly to develop new ideas and make connections in the industry. He is charming and likable, and viewers can't help but root for him as he faces setback after setback.

Deborah Goodwin is a talented writer who won several prestigious awards for her screenplays, but has yet to break through to the big leagues. She faces the challenge of balancing her writing career with her family life as a single mother of two. Her story is both inspiring and heartbreaking, as she juggles her responsibilities while trying to fulfill her creative ambitions.

David J. Stieve is a young writer who has just graduated from film school and is eager to make his mark in Hollywood. He is ambitious and confident, but also naive and inexperienced, which leads to some rookie mistakes along the way. His story offers a glimpse into the ways in which technology and the internet have changed the landscape of the film industry, offering new opportunities for aspiring writers to get noticed.

Throughout the film, we also hear from several industry professionals, including successful screenwriters, producers, and agents, who offer advice and insights into what it takes to make it in Hollywood. They discuss the importance of networking, persistence, and taking risks, as well as the challenges of developing a unique voice and avoiding formulaic storytelling.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it explores the role of luck and chance in the screenwriting business. The filmmakers show how even the most talented writers can struggle to get their foot in the door, while others achieve success seemingly out of nowhere. We see how a chance encounter with a producer, a lucky coincidence, or the right timing can make all the difference, and how even the most well-written screenplay can be rejected for reasons beyond the writer's control.

Overall, Dreams on Spec is a compelling and thought-provoking look at the realities of pursuing a career in screenwriting. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever had a dream, and who has faced the challenges and uncertainties that come with trying to turn that dream into a reality. It is a reminder that the path to success is rarely a straight line, and that perseverance and passion are often the keys to making it in the creative industries.

Dreams on Spec is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.