Hi all and good to join you. I've had this idea for a TV series for years. It hasn't been done before and I always wondered why, since there's so much you can do with it. I'm talking comedy (dramedy?) and I've talked about it with many of my friends to flesh it out a little. In my head (and on paper) I have the outline for it (how many seasons, how it will start and end, the characters and their descriptions) and I've been trying to write the pilot but it's very hard even as a very first draft, because a lot of research is required. I'm completely inexperienced in the field. I'm not even studying something related - I study history and philosophy of science and I was planning a Master's on neuroscience. Do you think it would be possible to complete what I'm doing? I don't even know where to begin and while I did read on some basics, I wouldn't even know the proper format producers want the pitch and pilot in. What should I start with?
Introduce Yourself : Beginner in writing by Aikaterini Athina Bougoulia
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You can definitely do it, I think, but it is a steep learning curve for the first script, and will take countless rewrites most likely. You can find all the basic info you need online. It is also worthwhile to use a screenwriting software from the get-go. It will help you format correctly. There are several you can access for free, like Arc Studio (and others).
Many people also start with the ending. Writing the first and last scene of your pilot first, then adding the main dramatic moments (beats), will help you build an outline. You can also make an index card for each scene as you either write it or think of it to create an outline.
Another thing is to really think about your main characters and writing out a description. These descriptions are just for you. The more you can build them into actual people in your mind, the easier it will be to write their dialogues.
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PS: I am also in Athens.
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Write what you want to see.
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Jeff E. Gregory I'm not a US citizen - does that matter?
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Aikaterini Athina Bougoulia I'm in the UK and have used the U.S. Copyrigh Office.
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Hi, most new writers go through a phase of learning how to write before writing the script that has a chance to get made. You're better off taking some short classes screenwriting for beginners. You can now do this online from around the world. Write your Apprentice scripts first. The biggest asset you can have is to REALLY LOVE writing and to write finished scripts. My guess is that the majority of New writers don't ever finish a script - which is not a judgement but you need to have this discussion after you've written some scripts - good, bad or indifferent. Some people sell their first script but I'd suggest they are in a tiny minority. Good Lu k.
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Find scripts of shows you like, and start with that format. That's the easiest, cheapest way to start.
Or, for a couple hundred bucks, go to masterclass.com and pay for Shonda Rhimes' course on writing for television.
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Hi Aikaterini - you’re in the right place! Stage 32 offers classes and webinars that can help guide you on the process and protections when crafting your pilot. It’s all here for you in script services and education. One suggestion is Michael Sokol’s upcoming class on crafting your sitcom pilot: https://www.stage32.com/classes/Intro-to-Sitcom-Writing
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Hi, Aikaterini Athina Bougoulia. Welcome to the community. It's possible to complete what you're doing. It takes a lot of research to make a show (as you pointed out). A great start is reading the blogs on Stage 32 (to learn about screenwriting, to learn how to write TV shows, and to learn how to pitch), reading teleplays to see how they're written, and reading these articles:
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-tv-script-a-guide-to...
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/writing-for-television/
https://nofilmschool.com/how-to-write-a-tv-show
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-tv-script-a-guide-to...
https://www.studiobinder.com/tv-show-treatment-examples/
https://industrialscripts.com/treatment/