So here I am, a complete novice. No experience, no representation, no resume', just the "hey I'd like to do that" feeling since I was 19. Anyway, a couple of years ago I finally had what I think is an original-ish idea, and after a few cycles of writing and putting it on the shelf, I finally finished it over the last month. My question to everyone is: Now what? What does a pipe-dreamer like me do with a finished TV Pilot? The one small caveat is that I do know someone in the business, someone with a decent amount of status in Hollywood. Regardless of anything else, I did finish it, and I'm sure there are those that never even made it that far. Anyway, feedback appreciated. CAH
Screenwriting : I wrote a Pilot, now what? by C. Andrew Hayworth
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Use it to get a manager who can use it to get you one of the 2 non-staff episodes on an existing series.
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If your friend is someone you trust and they are at all knowledgeable, ask them to read it and give feedback. Maybe they would be willing to pass it on to someone else if it's ready. Otherwise, I'd seek out some contests, there are plenty for tv pilots. look for those that offer feedback with submissions. Good luck!
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Thanks everyone for the input. Jody: Early on, I sent my connection a few rough pages, basically an opening scene. All I really wanted was feedback and she sent it to her manager, which surprised me. I'm hoping the finished and refined script gets the same treatment. It certainly will be worth more of a look than 5 or 10 rough pages that have since completely changed. CAH
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Congrats! I would also start writing something else just in case. When in doubt, keep writing!
This is your first script. Have you had anybody read it? Feed back?
G Alexander - it's a lot easier to follow a few technical protocols/operations' procedures and interface with a computer for four minutes to ensure a successful mission than it is to interface with 100 people for ten hours and the upper network brass to ensure a successful mission. And computers don't try to sneak out for cigarettes; complain about their amount of lines; or drop microphones at crunch time. And I'd call Procopius the original "angry writer". He beat Rod Serling by about 1,500 years, with probably another few thousand angry writers in between them. Happy Earth Day, bro, and thanks for not blowing up the world - in a simulated way or in a real way!
Every writer is angry aren't they?
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Write episode 2.
It's the 'idea' Dan. If you can put your idea up against anyone's I say you have a chance- probably not going to happen, but, don't tell it never has. The trend is moving away from network TV.
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I can't even hardly name a network show off the top of my head right now. Of course Amazon or Netflix, etc. Those are the venues that are wanting to find great stories- People binge watch these days. I have nothing against any entertainment. I know how hard it is to get anything produced. Don't get good ideas confused with great ideas. If there were an abundance of great ideas there wouldn't be a CSI 4992.
Dan Max - Please stop giving advice about things you clearly have no expertise in. First time writers CAN sell TV projects and HAVE done in the last five years.
Like anything, it depends on your intent. I'm not trying to be a smartass. I really believe that different goals are associated with different paths. In any case, break a leg!
I'd write a series Bible to accompany it then you're good to go.