Screenwriting : I want to write another pilot; what are people watching? by Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique

The comunity shows ! for exemple

Sitcoms are forever appealing.

GIRI/HAJI and PEAKY BLINDERS

I'm not sure what people are watching but I know what networks are looking for. They're looking for mostly more of the same but with slant toward positive light-hearted material that takes people away from their current problems. However, unless you have good access, what they want or what people are watching now is kind of misleading as you won't be talking to anybody with executive power for months/years.

They also don't want a pilot. Talking about a pilot can make you look amateurish. They want a very well developed bible.

you have so many people watching the same thing. Create your own genre to stand out

Don't write to trends, create them. By the time you write a script and can get it into the right hands, the trend will be over. You'll always be behind.

Here you go, Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique, August 2020 TV and Streaming calendar sorted by most popular according to IMDb

Hardly the best numbers to go by but it's the best public record I can think of utilising. It's refreshingly diverse and I'm struggling to see any trends there.

I know you're not asking what people here are watching but I've only just realised there's a new season of Rita so I'll be watching that.

CJ:

Thanks for posting the info. I've created show bibles and pitch decks for every pilot I written. I've presented them first and had production companies subsequently request a pilot. But I've also presented pilots first and nobody's ever objected to me doing that.

That's great to read. I'm only sharing what some people involved in TV have told me. They think the idea of a writer submitting a pilot script unrequested is laughable but they've only done big stuff. It's also worth considering that this is an industry that kills with kindness. Someone not objecting doesn't mean they object. I was told a story about a writer who killed a big deal and part of that story included a referenced conversation with the line "...and don't tell me, I bet they even included a pilot!"

For what it's worth. I write a pilot. I like writing pilots. I think pilots are a great way to win over potential allies to pitch a TV project. I'm just saying I'd only ever consider it a writing sample and would only send it if asked.

The reason I bought up the bible aspect was you stated you wanted to write a pilot, not a TV show. This is a mistake a lot of amateurs make. The bible is where the value is at. The pilot is like handing in just one page of a feature.

CJ:

We'll agree to disagree then. I would never write one without having the other. And since I'm not an amateur, it isn't an issue.

I watch stuff on streaming, so it's "TV" but usually after it airs or is a streaming exclusive. I'm watching a lot of adult animation: Crossing Swords, Dicktown, Solar Opposites, also digging doc series High Score.

If I may add, my advice would be to write what you're passionate about, not what's popular. In fact, writing what is popular is likely to work against you for selling a script (don't need a 10th medical drama, when there are already 9; doesn't fit into programming slot). And like Anthony Moore said, trends come and go. It takes, on average, about two years from sale to production of a script, and then add months or even years for when it shows/airs. However, if you intend to use it as a writing sample to get staffed, a similar-toned pilot may help to get on a show like that.

I've never started a pitch with a bible, nor have I heard of someone starting a pitch with a bible. In my opinion, no one wants to read that; comes much later in development stage if at all (showrunner is going to do their own thing anyway). Pilot pitches generally start with writer bio and/or logline, then they may request the script, and ask for a pitch deck after that. I'd imagine if they ask for a bible that some discussion/pitching has already been done and the project lines up with their production slate.

Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique, I wasn't calling you an amateur, I was referencing a common amateur mistake and that's to put months of energy into a pilot and weeks into a bible when it should be the other way around. Again, you stated you wanted to write a pilot not a TV series. Just trying to pass on what I've learned. Not sure what's there to agree to disagree on but all the best to you with this.

CJ: I misunderstood your post about what you meant with regards to amateurs. Mea Culpa. However, It's never taken me months to write a pilot. And suppose someone likes your bible and requests your pilot to evaluate the writing. You tell them I'll get back to you in 3 or 4 months? Again, I don't agree with your logic.

I loved loved loved The Great (Hulu). Sex Education (Netflix) is pretty amazing, too, and I'm hearing REALLY good things about Teenage Bounty Hunters (also Netflix).

No worries, Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique. You cut the path you are most comfortable and motivated with following.

Angela Cristantello OMG, I LOVE Sex Education, too! Such a great series, although I kinda forgot that it was "adult" when I recommended it. So here's the warning for all y'all's: IT'S BRITISH HUMOR (i.e. nudity + humor).