Screenwriting : Series vs Featurelength by Kimberlie Failoni

It’s hard to say without know more about the story. But everyone in looking for limited series right now. In that regard alone if the story works in this format. I say go for it.

no, that's ridiculous advice. Nobody's don't just create a tv series without track record and known backers. Tv business is all corporate controlled, harder than making one indie feature film on your pace and Time.

But it's possible. My lawyer-friend did contracts for "It's Bruno" on Netflix. Very simple stories, cheap locations, handheld camera, the main actor directs, acts, and writes. One man crew w/ a dog.

Thank you guys for your help! I really appreciate it. I like it better as a film, but it's my first screenplay and I wanted the best product I can make.

The story is about my ancestor during the second Jacobite rebellion, so there's a pretty definitive timeline - Bonny Prince Charles was only in Scotland for 14 months.

Depends entirely on the company you’re pitching to. Your concern, as a writer, should be to create something that’s marketable because it’s good, regardless of format. If the story wants to be a feature, let it be a feature. If it leans toward series, let it be that. Follow whatever path will create the best story.

I've always felt unless you have a legit Showrunner pitching your show, it's much harder, HOWEVER< you can make a reasonably-priced, but STILL Healthy Indie Feature Film that can make waves on the Festival circuit and get on Amazon, Amazon Prime, I-Tunes and Hulu, DVD/BLU-RAY and even theatrical, be it full-on, limited or even one-night screenings. I feel it's much more reasonable and do-able to make an Indie Feature. That's been my truth, at least. And, again, you will have more distribution windows - so long as it's made well - and you will now have an example of your work. I would advocate for you to raise the money independently and get an experienced producer on board. Either way, as we say in NYC, BREAK LEGS! And, as I always say, GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! ;) <3 ;)

There are a lot more buyers for a feature film versus a series so that would give you the best odds.

While I agree that there are a lot more buyers for feature films, the Buyer's Field narrows quite a bit if the proposed story is big budget. Seeing how this is a historical drama that involves a war, the end of a dynasty, and royalty and religion issues - and is a period piece to boot - hmmm....I'm guessing it's a big cast and might be a big-budget type of story, Kimberlie?

If that's the case, it could be a pretty even sell either way, I'd imagine.

"And in this race a single horse hath not I!" (Heh-heh...that was my audition as a Brit, by the way. )

It sounds like this is a project near and dear to you. If that's the case...maybe try it both ways? A period piece war epic - especially one like this one - would obviously have to find the right interested party, he said as the Understatement of the Month. But I'm kinda betting that it could go either way.

As an aside...I can't recall the name of the famous novel that was written about this point in history, but you probably have already read it. In case you haven't....you should maybe seek it out, too.

Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Kimberlie!

Do both. You can pitch TV projects during the pitch season this summer. That gives you time to put a pitch together.

Thank you all so much for your input! I'll most likely have lots more questions as the process goes and I seriously appreciate the help.

There is a big demand for limited series at the moment.

Honestly, it's chaos out there and anybody that gives you conclusive advice should be probably be kept at arm's length.

The fact is, and it's a little terrifying to take in, is that there is no right answer. That's the world of writing on spec for you. But here's the good news, if a producer loves your writing/concept, and you're willing to be flexible, they'll work with you to turn what you have into what they feel has the best chances in the marketplace.

I had an established UK production company reach out to me only a couple of months back asking me if I had any pilot scripts. I didn't but they were more than happy to look at a feature I felt would make a great mini-series. I also took on a feature writing assignment last Sept that was originally based off a TV pitch.

This is the reality of professional screenwriting, especially in the early stages. You're often just trying to best play the hand you've been dealt.

Thought about short to feature avenue? If the bible is there the first episode might propel short to feature. Streaming ideology perhaps.

It is harder to sell a television series and selling a big budget script is like trying to push a rope up a hill but somebody has to do it. I managed to option two big budget script but having well-known directors attached helped.

Major screenwriting festivals have pitch places with execs/producers looking for stories for tv/web stream. There is a demand for historical episodic story but you would need to get your work in front of the right eyes. As CJ quite rightly points out, there is no right or wrong answer but you first need to get work in front of movers and shakers. Do not lock the work with one label. As CJ points out, if a producer/exec likes your work, it can be re engineered to fit a certain market. Why not consider both? Closed ended film and enough seeds planted in dialogue for growth for episodic? Have BOTH pitches ready and at hand. Have two aces up your sleeve.