I've been writing around 7 hours a day lately (including the research etc which takes up most of the time) for the TV show I'm writing and I feel maybe I'm moving too fast, as if I'm in a hurry (which I feel like I am). I've almost finished the pitch bible already, although unpolished, and I believe once I clear out some more stuff in my head it won't take me much longer for the pilot episode. Do take under consideration this is my absolute first script. Am I doing it wrong? Should I take a step back?
Screenwriting : How long does it normally take you to write a pitch bible / pilot episode? by Aikaterini Athina Bougoulia
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I would say you're doing great. Obviously your script is a first draft. You will be making a ton of changes. That's just the nature of the game. Great that you're doing research (very important). Don't be afraid that you're moving too fast. As you move along in your career there will be times you will be required to write fast. Good luck and Happy Writing.
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I write my TV shows (as well as my feature scripts, short scripts, treatments, etc.) fast, but then I take time to rewrite them. Whatever pace works best for you. Even if you feel like you're writing fast, you can take time to go back over what you've done after you finish to make sure everything is taken care of.
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Never question the energy that makes you want to write. Too many do and start to live in fear which kills your voice and creativity. There's absolutely no correlation between pace and quality. One of the best scripts I ever wrote (attached an Oscar nominee) I turned around in less than a week.
Pour your concern into embracing craft and processes that work best for you.
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Great advice CJ Walley and Maurice Vaughan
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I didnt know pitch bibles are needed for spec pilots? Nobody wants to be a staff writer to begin a paid career? Seems lots of ppl here want to be number 1 on call sheets with 0 tv experience.
I look at my writer-friend: 3000 miles from Hollywood. mom. Wife. She wrote a spec pilot as a writing sample and got a manager, and landed a staff job on a network show. Got her wga card and made enough $ to quit her day job. The pilot she used to win ppl over sits in a drawer somewhere. She knows from working with network suits that pursuing a Showrunner/creator gig is fool's gold. The money and career, for her right now, is writing for someone else and building a track record.
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The last Bible I wrote was six months ago. My partner had a notable television actor waiting to read it so I did feel a little pressure to get it done. My bible had a ten-episode summary, character descriptions, and tone. It took me 20 hours. My bible was 15 pages and because of the ever-diminishing attention spans of us humans, you probably shouldn't exceed that. For example, the True Detective bible is only 10 pages.
Good luck.
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Dan's right. Being a staff writer was a real drudge; but it sure opened my eyes and a few doors too. Now, were I half a century younger and starting anew - I'd leap at a staff writing position - especially in light of all that I've learned.