If I didn't already have a hard enough time with a 3-Act Structure, I now have to deal with Five Acts when writing my first tv pilot ever. I didn't realize that writing for TV and writing for theatre screens were that much different. Apparently, they're on a whole different level from each other. Anyone who has experience writing pilots......... throw me a couple of bones (or tips) on perfecting the way to write a one-hour TV Drama series.
Screenwriting : There's more to writing a TV pilot than I expected. by Nikki April Lee
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Well, have you considered writing a Show Bible first? It's essentially a short compilation of the main plot of your show, as well as themes, characters, plans for story development and (especially) writing style. Get that down, and you'll be a lot more familiar with your characters, your pilot, as well as setting up any plans for the future. You may need an account, but Google actually has a pretty strong collection on Pilots and Show Bibles here: https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/ Good luck!
I have been writing for TV for a few years now. Yes a pilot is very difficult, you have to give enough information to entice the reader/buyer/producer but not too much that it sounds gratuitous. Michael's recommendation is a good one. I am working on sitcoms and talk about difficult! I also recommend doing character bio's so you are sure to have a variety that creates conflict, tension, etc. Above all have fun!
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For a one-hour drama, aim for about 45 pages: A teaser of 2-3 pages to establish the theme of that episode, followed by 5 acts of about 8-9 pages apiece. Each one of your acts should end on a cliffhanger that raises a new unanswered question or does something to move the story in a different direction. For a pilot, it's important that the audience will have a clear idea of what the ongoing series will be about so that they will know what kind of story to expect if they tune in next week. But the most important thing you need to do in a pilot is to introduce a cast of characters who are all highly distinct and interesting, and who all have some kind of conflict with every other character in the story. You could plop down an amazing cast of characters in a hospital, restaurant or police station and have a better show than if you have mediocre characters in a script with an amazing premise. But try to have both. :-) Good luck!
I'm writing a pilot now as well, and it is pretty difficult but fun. I'm learning more about myself each day. The advice you guys are giving is awesome.
yea, theory books and classes all talk similarities, but when you're thrown into the lions den clad in meat, things are very different. Some general tips; keep it snappy. quick dialogue that's straightforward and avoids meandering is important, a skeleton approach to plot is always a good idea. Try not to use the A story to flesh out characters, keep it focused on the main arc. never give detailed explanations when a simple 'in x' or 'at y' or 'because shutup' will do. And above all, don't patronize or dumb down, the audience are always smarter than that, and deserve better.
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lol, I was still battling for a foothold. Should it be needed in the future, i'm happy to help.
I bought the program "Screenwriter" and it saved me! It has examples of how to format your script based on your project. Also there are many pilot examples online that you can download and study for free. Good luck!
That all depends on the type of pilot you're writing. What is the premise of the drama?
Pamela Douglas's book, "Writing the TV Drama Series" is an indispensable resource for writing that bizarre animal called a TV pilot: http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Drama-Series-3rd-Professional/dp/161593058...
You also need to consider what aspect of TV you are writing for. Network shows are written differently to cable shows. It will also impact the length of the script. 45/50 pages for Network and around 60 for premium cable.
You guys are awesome with the responses. Now my other issue is, the drama is a tad bit politcal. The show I've got the closest to it, is the drama serries BOSS starring Kelsey Grammar. I can't stand politics but this show would be weak without it seeing as how the main character will be a political figure....... the mayor. I'm not working on it yet but laying the ground work is definitely gonna take some time. lol
Find a friend/colleague/family member/hated enemy who knows politics and pick their brain how to weave it in if you're not comfortable/really savvy with it. "Hey, I've got this MAYOR, and he's X and does Y but I need to rope in something about the city council and I'm banging my head against the wall. What do you think would be a good conflict for him?" Politics may not be your forte, so go find yourself an "expert". I'd also recommend reading the local paper and, as much as you can stomach it, watch the local news about happenings in your town/city/state. Plenty of material there to cherry pick from.
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I'd stick to what you WANT to write. If you can't stand politics choose something else. That said, politics is only common drama on a larger stage. My advice, get a wipe board, and write what your OUTCOME is, then work BACKWARDS. It may sound strange, but it works.
@Marvin ahh yes, I've tried and exercise like that before. It was so surprising how good it worked. At first I was like "This is impossible." But indeed it does work.
Told ya. I take donations. LOL!