Hi everyone! I'm currently in the middle of re-writing my first Feature Length Screenplay. Logline: After a tragic accident alters his life forever, Daud must find balance between revenge against those who stole his criminal empire and caring for his daughter whom he's never met.
The first draft was extremely poor hence the beauty of re writing it. However I am torn between the idea of converting this into a limited series (4 to 6 episodes) or keeping it on a feature format because I feel I need to flesh out certain relationships and scenarios for the sake of the story and characters.
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Hi, Muhammad. The choice between the two different forms of story telling comes down to how deep you want to develop your characters. A feature only allots 90-100 minutes of screen time, whereas a limited series or even a multi-season format allow ample time to delve deeper into your characters’ lives.
The other consideration is that a series will require more than just writing. You’ll likely be asked to act as showrunner for the series and work in a writers room. A feature doesn’t come with such obligations other than possibly rewrites per producer notes.
Best of luck with the project!
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Finish the feature screenplay and show folks you know how to tell one full story with a beginning, middle, ending. That is all.
This tv stuff is not for beginners. Writing episodes (for backstory?), it says to me you don't know how to execute a story idea yet.
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Dan MaxXx You're right on point sir. I'm learning everything on my own at the moment, hence the question. The thought was not for backstory, instead to flesh out the story in hand even more. I feel certain plot points and supporting characters are weak hence the need to flesh them out more. Plus, I don't wish the screenplay to be over 150 pages long. Appreciate the insight.
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For me, I would keep it as a feature. Otherwise, you'll drag out the story way longer than it has to. It's a simple story that doesn't need to be stretched thin.
Your protagonist has to decide whether he's going to get revenge against his bad-doers or the welfare of his daughter. A dilemma like this speaks more volumes in a film than in a series.