I have a question about formatting. I have finished the first rough draft of a two part series pilot, to be aired as two separate episodes, but Currently I have them labeled with a title with the addition of Part 1 of 2, and part 2 of 2, as separate screenplays.
Is this the correct format or should I have it as a single screenplay with a dividing line or something? Yes, complete newbie here. Help, please.
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From my experience, I've seen it done mostly as one screenplay, with each part labeled, kind of like the acts in a tv episode. Also, better to send someone one file with the whole story than two separate scripts
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Thanks, David. That makes sense.
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You have not mentioned the tool. I assume it is Final Draft. But then again, it does not really matter! It is always a great idea to have all your parts in the same PDF file that you will share. Script readers have little time and lesser patience, and they will not go around clicking files here and there. :-) You might like to share one composite file.
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This won't be relevant if your scripts are solicited but a established scriptwriter/producer J M Straczynski - was asked about unsolicited spec pilot scripts being 2 parters or extra long and he said - it's hard enough finding an executive to read just one script - they won't read 2 - they'll assume you can't follow industry guidelines.
Please don't think I'm trying to be negative but an overlong pilot script is almost a virtual guarantee no 'executive' will want to read it.
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The best rule is write a good script. The pilot for Lost was a double episode with a 94 page script. What's to be afraid of? If they don't like it after 10 pages, the rest won't matter, whether it's two pdfs or one.
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Hi Patricia, I had this problem too, the best is as Dan says to present just the first part of the pilot and end it with a cliffhanger so that this first part can have an impact on its own. Especially if you want to pitch your project. Now if you want to direct or produce it yourself of course it's different. That's just my opinion!
John : J. M. Straczynski is my ultimate reference :D
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That's a good question, and I found the answers helpful too,
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Thank you. Stephanie, the first part does have a cliffhanger. We'll just call it 2 episodes. If they want to read the second half, they'll request it I'm sure... Thanks for all the suggestions. I knew I was in the right place. Straczynski--did Babylon 5? Love that series. /binge watched it all.
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Yes! Babylon 5 is a gem! You're welcome Patricia, if your logline is on your profile I'll take a look, you got me curious :D
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I recollect a few, but three that always stand out are: "You talkin to me?" (Taxi Driver), "Here's looking at you, kid" (Casablanca) and "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.
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Straczinsky wrote the Complete Book of Screenwriting, which was my bible 25 years ago. Some industry stuff is out of date now, but the writing guidance is great.
It includes a full script for a B5 episode, so you can see how he tackled that show.
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Google wga foundation and they have actual current tv screenplays to study. Tv shows format their pages to the individual showrunner's style.
Never been a tv writer but I'd suggest to write one pilot spec script. Not two. Let employers pay for part 2. The Goal of the spec pilot is to use as a writing sample for employment.
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For my limited series, based on the original feature screenplay, I borrowed from other series: the pilot is "Chapter One", etc...