Screenwriting : How do you feel about Limited Series or a Short Series Show for a new writer? by Adriana Rivera

Possible if you are the lead star. Write, act, produce. Otherwise it is rare for a corporation to give a tv deal/showrunner/1st name on Call Sheets to a newbie.

But hey, Lena Durham supposedly walked into HBO office with a napkin of ideas and she walked out with a deal, "Girls." And she had 0 tv experience.

Judd Apatow helped a lot with that.

I'm definitely not trying to the be lead. I just have an idea that I think may pass as a series. LOL - I can't never see myself as a lead.

Certainly possible, but hard. I know showrunners who don't even want to see pilot scripts. They want the idea and they'll do the rest. The thing is, it's these seemingly dead/impossible areas that can suddenly be a worthwhile place to be. Just look at how the golden age of TV took everyone by surprise. Ten years ago, those writers who knew about show bibles and how network TV worked, had a huge advantage.

I guess my fear is cutting what I think is potential for a limited series. I know this sounds crazy but I was think of writing the script and if it should be something like a series, maybe write the pilot as well.

What do you think?

I'm working on a series as well. I feel that writing the first episode is key to setting the tone of the series. I'm not a great script writer though. What I do have is a great story based in history that no one else can tell like I can tell. But scripts are annoying. Can I pitch without a script? Just a bible, and not even a fully comprehensive one either? (Don't want to give all the secrets away.)

I've heard stories about people pitching without a script. I think you can but you have to be really good at persuasive speaking. If you have that and maybe something in writing, that may be a lead.

I've heard of writers doing that, Adriana Rivera. Writing the feature and the pilot. I'd just write the feature and mention that it has potential to be a series/limited series instead of writing the feature and the pilot. Or vice versa (write the pilot and mention that it has potential to be a feature).

The issue you've got is that networks typically want shows with limitless potential. It takes a lot to gain loyal viewers to a new show, so they never want that to end as it means eyes watching advertising. LOST is a good example of that, where the show creators were adamant about it only being a certain number of seasons, but ABC insisted it needed to run longer.

It might be wiser to push a TV series to get in the door and then talk limited mini-series if the conversation steers in the right direction.

Thank you Everyone! I'm happy that I asked the question. This will help me write it in mind of how I can visualize it. Hopefully this becomes something I'm proud of. Thank you again!

You're welcome, Adriana Rivera.

Hey. Can I weigh in? I think that if you see it as a series, write it as a series. Don't sweat all the "what if". Lay it out. Do the pilot episode. Chart the following episodes. Then try to test the waters with it! there are all kinds of ways to break in. No one way is better! Trust in yourself!

Thank you Normann Pokorny!

I have to support my Chicago folks!!

I've written four TV shows, one a limited series and the other three with "limitless potential" (to quote CJ). By outlining future episodes and/or seasons for each, I learned a lot about how I wanted my protagonist to be depicted in the pilot and what recurring characters were needed in the pilot. I haven't entered the pitching world yet, but I imagine when I do, it will help selling the show(s). Good luck.

Does anyone want to be a staff tv writer first, learn how to make television... or is it only showrunner or bust- working on your own ideas?

Thank you Daniel Broderick!

Dan MaxXx I'm not sure. I have written on my own and never as a team. I wouldn't mind working with others.

As a showrunner you are accountable for the directors, casting, edits, final delivery, shooting schedules, budgets, reviewing dailies and ensuring all the scripts are ready to go including approvals from the production company, networks/streamers. First things first, master storytelling and writing, then learn scheduling and budgeting (the industry way with software, stripboards).

I will do that. Thank you Lindbergh E Hollingsworth!

I don’t wannna be a show runner. Just give me an EP credit lol

Yeah, I'm not sure if I can be a showrunner just yet but to make something I wrote, whether it's a series or film is a dream.

Hey. Follow your instincts. Just write the pilot. Once you have a script, you'll need a little time for editing and re-writing. One step at a time! Another thing a lot of folks do is once they have the script they're happy with: they pull their friends together and do a reading. That way you can actually hear how the dialog sounds. That may tell you whether the material is working or not!

I'm with those saying "If you wanna write a pilot, write a pilot" Write best goddang pilot you can, plot out the beats of the first 2 - 3 season, or even write a feature based on the pilot to serve as a proof of concept for season 1. Then network, network, network. Or so I've been advised ;-)

Thank you! I will write and rewrite and also do a reading. These are honestly great tips and encouragement I need.

Good luck!

I like this question a lot! I like to think of how the show HIGH MAINTENENCE worked on vimeo and then made its way to HBO! i think if you're willing enough and see its potential, anything can grow the project!