Alright. I've done my fifth draft of my supernatural detective TV series pilot. Using the 5-Act Structure. It has been quite a challenge. Read a few Law and Order scripts. Next steps are edits and then on to script coverage. One note is I got a First 10 pages review of a previous draft (and yes I submitted the entire script as per the guidelines). I got a pass on Writer and a pass on Project, but the comment was that the pilot had a solid start. I didn't know how to take that , but I incorporated the comments (which were helpful) so we'll see next go round. Happy Writing!
Screenwriting : TV Pilot for Supernatural Detective Series. by Martin Reese
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Project is usually related to the concept itself and the characters. Writer is usually related to the writing style and voice.
Is it serialised or procedural (a term I am not a fan).
Is each episode self contained or do you need to watch them in order?
Self-contained, Craig.
Self contained (for me) means you can watch them in any order. Like Buffy the Vampire slayer. There is still some story outside the episode. But the episode has its own start and conclusion. Versus Game of Thrones or Walking Dead. Some episodes have a conclusion, but most are just building a narrative.
You are spot on Craig.
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Hey, Christopher. I get what you're saying, but I was just surprised that the reviewer would essentially say based on the 10 page review your pilot is solid even though the score was Pass on Writer and Concept. I am by no means discouraged. I knew there were areas I was struggling with which was why I submitted for review.
It is a bit of a contradiction. But it could mean that your structure was solid.
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Hey Martin Reese - don't worry too much about a "Pass" on either at this stage. For a couple reasons - first it is an early draft and to receive a pass at this stage is common. Second - and I know you know this, but it is worth repeating - you are an incredible adept and capable writer, so a pass on the writer should not be seen as an overall critique of your writing ability.
I think if the reviewer thought you had a solid start and offered constructive comments, there was definitely an interest in seeing this project develop and advance.
Thanks, Jason!
Hey Martin - I want to congratulate you on getting into the arena. It takes guts, not everybody can do what you're doing. I've had those kind of notes... just remember it's all subjective, eye of the beholder. Trust your vision, even if you have to give the project a little space. You will see what you agree with or disagree about the notes and move forward. Learn, trust, and persevere.
Hey, Martin Reese! I don't know if this helps, but I recently was talking with a friend of mine who is a writer's assistant on a tv show - she actually just got her first writing credit on one of the episodes! During this talk, she mentioned she signed up for a class to help her with her next round of revisions. This blew me away - she's a professional and she's taking a class? Sure she doesn't need it! But she reminded me that everyone needs help, and especially writers who do so much work alone. This is just another step on your way, and we all need that structure and feedback. Keep going, sir! * long-distance high-five *
Thanks, Tony!
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Thanks, Karen! long-distance-high-five
A TV series is the most intimidating thing I could think of writing- best of luck Martin. It's funny, I've just been re-reading the William Hope Hodgson Carnacki, the Ghost Finder stories- but I'm sure your series is very different to those.
William Hope Hodgson