How to pitch on an OWA (open writing assignment)

Spyder reacts

O.W.A.

I’m sure you’ve heard the term… Or maybe not. I remember when I first heard of it. I had been on a series of general meetings (jerk-off generals, but still productive in creating momentum), and was told by my agent at the time to ask if they had any OWAs I could pitch on.

OW-what?

Open writing assignment!

Basically, it’s a property (like an IP) or original story that the company already WANTS TO DO, but hasn’t found a writer to take them to home plate. They often have spent a large chunk of change on the project - like on A-list writers, and have yet to crack a draft to get the project greenly.

So now the assignment is open — for who? Anyone!

Correction: anyone who can get in the room…