When I've pitched my feature around and talked with folks through Happy Writers consultations, they suggested that to increase my opportunities it could help to adapt my feature sript into a TV pilot given the momentum at the moment with that medium and since the content of my story would translate very well to that form. All my expereince has been with feature writing, so I was wondering if anyone could suggest some great go to resources/books, etc that assit with getting the basics down of the TV script world in terms of format and what is expected when requested such as the pilot and show bible, etc... I just want to translate my story into a series format in the most impactful and polished way. Thanks!
Screenwriting : Converting Feature to Pilot, Any Suggestions? by Pete Stone
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Translating feature to pilot is not simply a matter of formatting, and acts and buttons. With a feature, the story is fairly contained within two hours. With TV, you have the opportunity to really open up and explore your world. Take that. Take that and ride the heck out of it. It can be a lot of fun. You may find that your pilot episode ends after you've covered only 1/3 of your feature material -- and that's fine. You've got 15-22 hours of story to tell on TV. You can introduce more minor characters, more subplots, in a nutshell, much more story. Your pilot may take your feature plot in a different direction. Relax, be true to the idea you fell in love with, and take advantage of what the TV format allows. That said, you're writing a 60-page pilot, with supporting material (character bios, episode ideas... the TV bible). While it's great to be excited about the idea of a series, don't let it consume all of your writing time. Get the pilot and bible done and polished, then see what happens. Don't work on episode 2, start the next idea. You could end up down a writing rabbit hole if you try to do more than the basics.
Steven, Yeah I love the screenwriter's bible, but the chapter on TV in it is kind of sparse. Davie Trottier is great, wish he'd write one just for TV but not sure that is where his expertise is.
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Shelley, Thanks for the great advice! Yeah, it will take more than just chopping the screenplay in half and calling it a pilot for sure. I look forward to getting the details you mentioned hammered out and explored but will certainly heed your warning to avoid getting lost in over writing for it at this point for sure. Thanks!
Steven, I much appreciate you taking the time and your suggestion! I'll keep you posted once I find something!
Thanks Sylvester, will do!
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Start thinking about creating a show bible. You need decide where you want your pilot to end and where you want your first season to end. that is where the adaption for the story is most important. What do you need to do to each arc. As well as a A,B and C storyline.
Noah Appreciate the advice, I'm looking to find some books that lay down how to format the show bible in terms of what to include, how long, presentation, etc...
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Hi Pete, I have not read S32 member Bill Taub's book, http://www.billtaub.com/automatic-pilot/, but I've heard good things. Here's another post, with some of my comments, which may be of interest to you. Best of luck!! https://www.stage32.com/lounge/development/TV-Show-Creation-Process
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Hi Pete, Jen Grisanti's book 'TV Writing Tool Kit: How to Write a Script That Sells', is fantastic. Highly recommend it!
Regina, thanks for the reference, I'm going to check it out for sure! Also thanks for link to your other post, very helpful!
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Emma, I'm ordering the book you suggested now! Much appreciated, thanks and have a great weekend!