Screenwriting : TV pilot by Travis Sharp

It's pretty much the same formatting as a feature script, I believe. Just different pacing and story structure (and act breaks?). This link seems to be helpful: https://blcklst.com/help/tv_script_standards.pdf

Gracias

One-hour shows are formatted like features, except for the act breaks. You begin and end them as you would a sitcom, however there are no scene breaks. Each page equals about a minute of screen time and script lengths usually fall between 53-60 pages. There are some, however, such as West Wing, which can be as long as 66 pages. Again, you must know your show. The best advice is to read the teleplays and copy the format precisely, The Cover Page should indicate the name of the show, episode title, and the writer's name. The Title Page should contain show name, episode title, writer's name and contact information. Typically, a one-hour drama consists of a teaser and 4 acts. Acts are designated numerically, usually written out and centered at the top of the page. Placing "End Act One" or "End Act 1" creates act breaks. This is centered and double-spaced beneath the last piece of narrative or dialogue. FADE or CUT may be used to end a scene, but it isn't necessary. A simple scene slug line will do nicely instead. Begin each new act of a fresh page. The act break is where the script reaches a strong dramatic moment. That's where the station typically inserts commercials. The big question here is whether or not the story moment is strong enough to break your audience back. The time breakdown works like this: Teaser: 2-4 pages Act One: 14-15 pages Act Two: 14-15 Pages Act Three: 14-15 Pages Act Four: 14-15 Pages Tag: 1-2 Pages Total: 59 to 66 pages

Travis. The one I sent is typical for a one hour drama.

1000 thank you's kind sir!

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This has been my problem...I love writing pilots but I don't live in L.A. and was told to stick with features and novels.

I love pilots too, but don't live in L.A. hence being told to stick to novels and features. As for TV pilot templates, Final Draft has good ones and so does Amazon.

You don't have to live in LA to sell a pilot idea. Only if you want to work onsite as a tv writer.

@ Jody...I was told that if L.A. buys a spec pilot (rare) that they want the original writer there for the most part so that the original writer has creative input and investment in seeing the product (series) through. No? I LOVE writing pilots, but from what I'm hearing, L.A. has their writing pool they pull from and it's incredibly hard to get in ... unless you know someone, get a referral from someone who is already in, and even then the writers who are there get the work. I don't have any real desire to be in the writer's room, just write pilots, bibles, etc. And I don't need a ton of money or a ton of credits.

@ John.: 59 to 66 pages in a one hour drama. There is usually more dialogue versus a feature so the one page equals one minute of screenplay is not the same.

@katie to my understanding, if they were to buy your pilot (and you're right, it's very rare) then it could potentially be negotiated that you are hired on as a writer. Or you could get "created by" credit and not be hired on as a writer. I could be wrong but that's what I was told by a couple different industry professionals. There are paid pitching opportunities on here and on other websites (I've had some luck with virtual Pitchfest), as well as contests, etc. You can also start attending film festivals to make connections with people in the industry.