Hi everyone!
So I'm sitting here reading about different ways about structuring your script, but somewhat struggling to get a good workflow creating it for TV.
Say I'm writing a Pilot, 30 min episode and wondering if there is a smart way/method you use to map out an episode. Similar to Snyder's Save the Cat. What key elements would have to be in there (30 min) to make it work?
Lets assume I have a solid story, characters and enough legs to build a show with 5 seasons. How do I actually map out, plan and build each episode? Since I'm an ADHD head I tend to get lost in my inspiration and need a more (safe) orginized way to keep a straight road.
Anyone had the same problem?
Honestly? I made a big treatment form outlining the plots, characters and story. Mine was originally a short film but this year turned it into a half-hour pilot episode 30mins.
I have other episodes in mind that I'll be focusing in on soon. Especially for certain characters.
Thanks! Yes, Doing that but still struggle.
I know the story of it, but not all bits and pieces of the pilot, if that makes sense, I have A good first 10 pages, then I know the end of the episode, some scenes in mid but then gaps.
And for me, I kind of need to "see" it infront of me to be able to get my brain going. At the moment I'm looking at different ways to map it out and so on.
There is a Save The Cat for TV.
You want to create a pilot that allows for the other episodes without writing the other episodes. Maybe just a paragraph synopsis for a dozen.or so.
The pilot episode of CWs THE FLASH did a great job of setting up 100 episodes in the pilot. A science experiment gone wrong creates the Flash, causes problems with the police, creates an issue with the Hero's mentor, and potentially causes 99 other residents of the city to have side effects (potential villains). It set up all kinds of conflicts that later episodes could explore... and introduced all of the characters and the future conflicts they will have.
You could try your story/beats in the save the cat or any formula imo just obviously break it down in terms of your page count and where you want the pilot to go. I've used all the kinds of brainstorming/outlining methods out there for both TV/feature.
They even have their own breakdowns of pilots on their site.
https://savethecat.com/beat-sheets/stc-and-tv-the-beat-sheet-for-the-pil...
If you reach out Tv pilot breakdowns or search out popular pilots like Breaking Bad, The Wire, etc. you'll find all kinds of people breaking them down using all kinds of methods. That might help. It's about whatever works best for you.
Wow amazing guys, thanks a million! Gonna look into all of these suggestions and tips, thanks.
Incredible I must say, problem is with my brain (as been tested before) meditation is almost impossible :) But I will give this a try for sure! Thanks for that, means a alot.