Screenwriting : Writing for television. by Andy Celis

Andy: I just sent you an S32 connection request. I've written several pilots and can assist you with the process. You can hit me up with a message when you're ready.

Hi Andy, I've written a spec miniseries, a TV pilot and assisted another writer here with his pilot. If you'd like some notes or feedback, let me know!

Could you elaborate a little more on what troubles you?

What sort of medium are you writing? A sitcom? A drama? A procedural? Etc?

Are you having trouble dispersing your story out over the length of several episodes? Pacing each episode? Tracking each A /B /C plot? Etc?

James Welday Hello, James! Thank you very much for replying.

I would absolutely love to hear about your experience or anything else you could offer! I would seriously appreciate some feedback, though I don't know how much of it you'd be able to provide me since I'm barely halfway through writing the pilot.

But again, anything you'd feel comfortable sharing with me would be greatly appreciated!

B A Mason Hello, Mason? Is that what I should call you? Please correct me otherwise!

I'm writing a drama that leans towards the fiction side, really. I think what's currently troubling me the most is having to disperse all the information into a certain amount of episodes and... kind of knowing how much to reveal in each of them, how much is enough. Also, how to keep in mind all these things such as plot reveals or character traits... it's just a lot, haha!

So, I suppose some advice on how to make a clear step by step plan to go about this would be really helpful, if that makes sense?

Andy Celis The advice you're asking for isn't so simple - It requires a lot of philosophizing in the subject of dramaturgy; contemplating how to sparse out your story in way that both captivates and captures the attention of your audience.

Of the TV dramas you've been glued to, reflect on how they managed to keep you coming back each episode. Lost ended each episode with a new addition to the mystery. Game of Thrones kept worsening the characters' situations. Breaking Bad kept you in suspense of the character getting busted. Handmaid's Tale has you on your heels following the unjust dilemma. And the list goes on...

Think of each episode like a chapter; it's your job to think of how to keep people wanting to read the next chapter, and the next chapter... It's not easy.

Hi, Andy Celis. How have you been? I mainly write shorts and features (like you), but I'm learning more and more about writing shows. These articles might help you write your show (they've helped me):

https://nofilmschool.com/how-to-write-a-tv-show

https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/how-to-write-for-tv/

Hello Andy,

I've written several pilots/teleplays for clients. If you'd like to talk I'd be happy to give you some advice. Development/Planning is where you figure these things out.

Maurice Vaughan Hello, Maurice! I've been pretty good, thank you for asking! How about you?

Thank you so much for sharing those articles with me, I'm sure they'll be super helpful!

Melissa Butler Hello, Melissa!

I'd love to talk to you and would greatly appreciate any piece of advice or information you could give me. Thank you so much in advance for offering!

You're welcome, Andy Celis. I'm doing fine, thanks. Enjoying the day and networking.

I highly suggest you take a workshop -- look into UCLA extension. And I also suggest Kate Sargeant's webinar wh she does on this site -- "inside the writer's room." Not sure when she's going to have a new class but after talking w her, I HIGHLY suggest it.

Welcome to the community! We have some great education taught by top industry executives. To get you started! Here are a few on outlining and structure for a TV series (drama, scripted half hour, writing an outline.)

https://www.stage32.com/webinars?search=tv+series+outline

https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Intro-to-Sitcom-Writing

https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Netflix-%20-Stage-32-Present-How-to-Wri...

What genre is your concept? Once I know that I can steer you in the direction of some others. And DM me if I can be of any help.

Rosemond Perdue Thank you very much for the warm welcome! And thank you as well for the links, I'll be sure to check them out!

The genre is drama with a touch of fiction. I will definitely take you up on that, I greatly appreciate the offer!

Jennifer Goldson Thank you so much for the suggestions, I'll definitely check them out!

Maurice Vaughan So glad to hear you're doing well! Wishing you a productive day full of joy!

Thanks, Andy Celis. It's night in Mexico, so have a productive night full of joy. :)