Screenwriting : Finally starting to write my pilot!! by Bridget Klassen-Brule

What do you consider concept work?

Amazing Kacee What I consider concept work is planning character arcs, tone, my writer show bible and all the trivia I can prepare for myself about the characters going into writing the first episode.

Bridget Klassen-Brule I did the concept work, scouted locations, lived in the world and had conversations with the characters for close to two years. I did not want to write the script until I had everything set even have the characters' favorite colors, the way they walk, talk, what they like to eat, wear, drive, etc. After doing this and having the show wallpapered to my walls looking at it every day even picking out the character's favorite songs then I wrote the script in less than 7 days. Creating every detail of the character's world is the best part of me, then love writing it.

Amazing Kacee That is amazing that you can get that immersed in your world and really know your characters. Personally I find it incredibly useful to do (atleast some of) the concept work and then write the first draft. I find it easier to find the gaps in my own knowledge of the story and let the character teach me about themselves over the course of my writing. That what I see as the purpose of my first draft.

I definitely do both at the same time.

For me they come hand in hand. The the idea will float around for a while, usually, for me, it's the main character. When I sit down and start writing and it all takes on a life of it's own is when the fun really starts.

Hi Bridget, I find that everyone has their process, of getting characters and story onto the page. For me personally, I start with an idea, and let the characters and the story find each other. It sounds like you're on your way! Trust your unique voice.

For me, I just write and see where it goes. Being unpredictable keeps me hungry and the creativity flowing. But with my last piece, for the first time ever, I made an outline of locations/characters, but with no specifics. I did this so everything stays tight and flowing towards the finish line. Worked out quite well, in a week and a half, I believe I have a solid 134 page rough draft. A bit long, but it has moments of heavy dialogue. But to answer your question: in the end, everyone has their own methods. Listen to what others have to say, but as said above, “you do you” and “trust in your voice.” Your individuality is the key.

I usually don’t script until I have the outline and all the pre-planning ready to go. When I settle into a first draft, everything from the outline goes in there.

Good luck! I actually enjoying coming up with the concept more than writing the first draft, but it is nice when you finally have a pilot script to show.