Good Morning Everyone,
I just finished part 2 of my Sci-Fi/Adventure pilot "Odyssey of the Psygonauts" this past weekend. And it got me wondering what y'all (the community) think of Two-Part pilot scripts.
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When I submitted the umpteenth version of this script for coverage, I found a common note from all the reviewers: too much content packed between too few pages.
It wasn't until I got a note (coincidentally from Stage 32's script coverage) that suggested breaking the pilot into two parts. After kicking the can down the street, it actually made a lot of sense.
Over 6 months later, I finally accomplished that note and found splitting the script into two parts gave me a couple things:
1.) A longer runway to weave my world-building into the action and dialogue
2.) Front load initial characterization of my protagonists
3.) Keeps the plot focused and well-paced, rather that overly saturated and rushed
4.) A chance to gauge interest for project ("Do you have a part 2 written?")
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However, the biggest dilemma I've found with my two-parter is essentially getting coverage for two scripts.
While online services like Stage 32 & Coverfly have made it possible to get coverage from professionals, I've found sharing the vision of two scripts under one project doesn't gel very well with online coverage sites.
I'll get coverage for part 2 and get notes on missing characterization and world-building that was in part 1. And vice versa.
I thought of lumping two scripts into one file feels like cheating. Like getting coverage on two-pieces for the price of one.
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What are your thoughts & experiences with two-part pilots?
Is getting coverage on a lumped script unfair to readers? Would industry professionals look down on a 111 page pilot script?
Thanks for reading this far. If you're interested in reading part 1 of OTP, the scripts in the Loglines section on my Stage 32 profile page.
Hope y'all have a great weekend.
I wonder if you email the coverage company in advance and explain whether they might be able to assist you? I know, for example, WeScreenplay allows you to select a reader and provide a note to the reader (although whether they read that note or not, I couldn't tell you!). While there is an added cost involved for picking a specific reader, it seems it should be possible for you to make sure the same reader gets both parts, and is told that they should be read one after the other?
And perhaps if you emailed Jason here at S32, he may be able to offer a solution?
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as a writing sample - no.
as an idea to be made to a tv series - no.
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You don't need a long runway to weave (long = dull/boring); get into the action/characterization ASAP to hold the audience.
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If you consider it from the audience’s perspective, ask yourself if the first episode will engage an audience, give them a good feeling for the show and leave them wanting more? Or will it just feel like It’s all set-up and exposition that may lose their interest.