Hey gang, any tips or resources on how to write a TV pilot script? Good books, Stage 32 webinars etc? My feature may be morphing into a TV pilot script, a few of the better elements of it anyway. I've never written for TV. (I did just sign up for theStage 32 webinar by James Dalessandro.)
Screenwriting : Looking for educational recommendations by Eric Roberts
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Thanks Nick. I'm loving all the help available through Stage 32!
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TV is a lot more about character than film (usually), so really focus on how to write compelling characters that resonate with audiences, and how to do that quickly (as in few words). The Netflix Pitch webinar given by Chris Mack is great for exactly this.
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Javi shares his tv writing experience, even posting actual scripts and pitches he submitted to networks.
http://okbjgm.weebly.com/downloads.html
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Joseph Campbell's "Hero With a Thousand Faces" is a great resource to use with the story circle/hero's journey/monomyth.
Yes, have read that, but awhile ago, should probably go back over that. Also I've watched The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers, similar material.
Nick, or anyone, where do I find stuff on the Harmon Story Circle? Is there a book or an author that covers that?
Just signed up for Stage 32's 'How To Write A Story That Sells' with Jen Grisanti. Looks like a great place to start. Will follow with Stage 32 Webinar: Writing The Original One-hour Tv Series Pilot Based On Ip
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I picked up both, "Automatic Pilot" by Bill Taub, and "Save The Cat, Writes for TV" by Jamie Nash this past week. I haven't finished reading them so I can't provide a review, but I figured that they would provide me with good procrastination fodder. If I have a book to read about writing a TV pilot, then I won't have time to actually write a TV pilot which seems to be my modus operandi.
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I get that JamesDean. Been meaning to read Save the Cat! but wrote my first screenplay and have not quite got around to it. Some folks learn more by first trying to reinvent the wheel - I may be one of those. When I do finally read it, I think I'll get more out of it after having made all the classic mistakes first.
Good enough Nick! Short & sweet.
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Hi, Eric! Depending on what genre, etc. your pilot is, there are some specific webinars here on Stage 32 to help you out. I can name a couple: 1) How to Write a Great Sitcom Pilot Script with a Case Study of HBO's BARRY pilot Hosted by David Schecter and 2) Extended Webinar: How to Master Story Structure for Your Drama Television Pilot- With Case Studies of SUCCESSION, THE EXPANSE, LUPIN, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL Hosted by Anna Henry. I would definitely suggest reaching out to Jason Mirch (j.mirch@stage32.com), the Director of Script Services. He can give you a more detailed list for your specific pilot!
Thanks Monica! I cherry picked a couple of good Stage 32 webinars today that look very helpful.
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"Writing the Script" by Wells Root is an oldie but greatie! You can find it on Amazon. A lot of pros use that for a lot of different reasons. Good luck to you!
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Ordered it, used paperback.
It's got some gems in it for sure. Wells was a staff writer on a lot of great TV shows and had over 60 screenplays produced. He was also the co-founder of the WGA. He knew his stuff! Enjoy.
Great minds - I just got both of those paperbacks yesterday! Thx!