As I struggle with writing and rewriting the pilot to my Jolt Survival Series, I was wondering if any of you could offer an opinion on whether the pilot would better serve the series if it were to highlight the various directions of the events in the series or if it would better serve the series if it were simply a well developed episode.
Screenwriting : How does one structure a pilot? by Roberta M Roy
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Your pilot should be a well developed episode that sets up the series through its characters, plot, and concept. It does not need to 'explain' or 'detail' non-diegetically (ie "This will be important in episode 4"). Write the pilot as if it's already in a writer's room that everyone is in on. Industry readers do this every day and if written correctly, they will know what is a plant for a later setup without erroneous explanation.
That being said, your pilot should be accompanied by a 'Show Bible' which is what will explain where your series is going and paragraph each episode in season 1 and what the 'legs' are for future seasons. Along with many other things needed in a show bible haha. There are plenty of examples online as well as I'm sure Stage32 has resources to help TV writers.
Good luck!
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Hi, Roberta M Roy. I think it would better serve the series if your pilot is a well-developed episode. The pilot can set up things for future episodes, but your focus should be writing a great pilot.
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Keep in mind that your goal is to have the reader, and eventually the viewer, end up wanting to know what is going to happen next. If it's a drama or comedy leave them wondering where these characters will go or home their stories will carry on. If it's a mystery or high action drama have them curious about what kind of adventure are they going on or what secrets will this world have. Get them curious.
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Great advice, Charles Valentin-Stulck and Bill Albert.
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Thank you. And back to the drawing board. I think I jammed in too many set ups for it to be an enjoyable episode.
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You're welcome, Roberta M Roy. I'm sure you'll be able to write a well-developed, enjoyable pilot.
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I think it depends on the show! For sure you want an episode that stands on its own, but breadcrumbs for future reveals is fun, and it’s good to include elements that will repeat. I write half hours that are more episodic but have overarching storylines. So i include things that someone wouldn’t notice on first reading/viewing. But a more serialized show would be setting up more season-long plots, if that makes sense.
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Well stated, Emily! :Like your perspective.
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A pilot should have memorable characters no matter the genre who face a crucible where we need give a damn what happens next. Does not need be a “Life” changer question as in will they save the world? Could just be will this couple stay together or what is the backstory of how they came to be this way? The producer reads exact navigation of growth for “possible” future episodes via bible Etc. A pilot needs to be visceral yet tangible enough to leave audience wanting more. A fantastic pilot is breaking bad.
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Rewrite completed and available on my wall. Now four acts and with a somewhat more cohesive story.