Hey all,
I just put the finishing touches on a TV Pilot after receiving some positive coverage here on Stage32.
As a result, I have two endings that could definitely work.
With a few minor changes to the final two pages of the pilot, the story can take a unique twist and go in an entirely different direction.
I'm just wondering if it's appropriate or acceptable to add a slug line at the end that says something like:
ALTERNATE ENDING:
And then paste in the alternate version.
Is that appropriate when submitting to contests, or shopping a script?
Has anyone here ever done this?
If so, how was it received?
Thanks in advance!
Oh man....I can't remember the name of the pilot script I read last year, but it did have two endings. One was labeled "ALTERNATE ENDING 1", and the other was labeled "ALTERNATE ENDING 2." Both were centered/all caps. If I remember the title later, I'll look for it, but that's how it was done.
How I Met Your Mother and Seinfeld had alternate endings in their series finales. So did at least a few other shows. I'd go with the labels in the way I mentioned above - that's as clear and as simple as it gets.
Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Evan!
Kay: The script I read last year was a pilot, like I said above. That's the way it's done, and it makes it very clear to the reader that there are two alternative endings. There's nothing wrong with giving a producer that view from a writer - that it could go this way or that way - but we can agree to disagree.
I personally would just choose the better one and stick with it.
Bill - I'm sure your knowledge of the industry vasty exceeds my own but after about four decades in & out of it; I think that what Kay indicated is true (at least it was in my day). Maybe not any more.
Doug: I'm not comparing anyone's knowledge bases or histories. I'm just stating what I saw, and that I agree with the way that specific pilot script was presented.
Today's television/cable/new media is a bit different than the past for the most part with some people, and in other ways and with some people, it's not. Some producers might like to see the two endings, and some might not. Some might say "nice", and some might say "get out of here!" But it's always a calculated risk anyway, and at the end of the day, it's always about the original, compelling and marketable story.
We can agree to disagree, though, and best fortunes to you in your creative endeavors, Doug!
Okay, so you have an ALT ending, but what is your endgame? Do you want a staff job, be a creator for network TV, impress REPS with your writing?
Personally, I haven't read any spec tv Pilots with ALT endings. Doesn't mean you can't do it, but generally in the working world, there is a clear direction from the PILOT to development of the first season.
But even professionals get it wrong. "Game of Thrones" pilot was reshot after HBO Execs rejected it. Same thing with "SNOWFALL". FX Network Execs didn't like the filmed pilot. Ordered a new pilot with a new storyline. Probably hundreds/thousands of TV Pilots shot/test screenings/re-shot.
I have been tracking the tv show, "POSE" co-created by an unknown, 0 TV experience Writer. I read the original tv spec (I think the writer won a contest with it) and the Pilot script had one of the main characters killing an undercover COP. The filmed Pilot deleted the COP plot completely and replaced it with a love story between the Main Character (she stayed a Hooker as in original) and a married white Businessman/Customer.
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Hi, Evan. Perhaps ask Jason Mirch, Director of Script Services at Stage 32, he has years of experience as a former Head of feature and television development. j.mirch@stage32.com. ;)
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Use your best "buzzworthy" epic ending... to get your foot in the door first.
Keep the other one in your back pocket to pitch if needed.
In these days of transmedia spin-offs, ya might use it.
Get in the room. The other may be sequel potential.
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OR... write in the structure of Run Lola Run and/or Butterfly Effect
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Thanks so much for the different perspectives, everyone. I have decided to stick with one ending. I picked the one I feel makes it stand out a little better and takes it in a more unique direction.
While the ending I've chosen is a little riskier, I figure a reader can just as easily delete the last half-page twist and visualize the alternate ending without the story suffering.
The way I resolved this issue with a romcom love triangle was to write 2 separate scripts.
Change pivotal scenes. Hollywood version = ends up with American babe.
Bollywood version = "...and now we dance" Zorba-like ending.