Brief description: Where death, morals and integrity are tested” Politics, power and money working together to provide scientific testing of death row inmates to better mankind...or to at least fulfill their agendas A powerful Congressman's daughter was rapped and is now infected with the HIV virus. He lobbies his colleagues in Washington to push a bill that would allow medical/scientific testing on death row inmates. Obviously met with criticisms, this will take a long time, but some members of big pharma are willing to finance the projects. They then coerce a federal warden to better his career and pump money into updating an old wing of his prison to house the experiments. TV show would be focused on the scientists and nurses and the inmates who are involved some live some die during these experiments. Also clips of how the inmates got to where they are now. Movie would be based on a woman, Congressman's daughter, who's child was lost due to a robbery gone wrong and her child was killed. It shows her spiraling out of control, using drugs trying to cope with her sons loss. She becomes infected with Aids. Also, the man who accidentally killed her daughter along with other inmates who enter "the row" program are infected with the aids virus, along with other diseases. The man forms a strong connection with one of the head nurses at the prison facility. Showing the woman's worsening condition throughout the movie, unknowingly the man who killed her son is also now infected and will ultimately finds a cure for her, but in doing so he dies from other complications. I appreciate any and all feedback Regards
Screenwriting : Tv or Movie? Which would be the best direction? by John MacNeil
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There have been TV shows made from movies and movies made from TV shows. In general it's easier to start in movies than in TV - especially as a show runner. I see no reason to not pursue both. I do not think there is a "best" direction.
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Thanks for the insight, I appreciate your feedback.
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TV stories have to have 'legs' for episodes. Some stories are better with one-off movies. Either can be designed but not always with the same root story.
Thanks David, makes perfect sense.
Thanks Dan I appreciate the insight..
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I think TV ,It's easier to hit audience levels .
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I believe all the commenters are correct depending on what's most important to you. From a story perspective your concept could have a never ending cast of characters, conflicts and character agendas. The possible content that can be created from this concept makes it ripe for TV. Just my 2 cents, add it with everybody else's we can make a dime.
Thanks Julian and Kelsy, I too believe the concept would be good for TV as well, unfortunately from my research its also the toughest until you get the right person or connections within a good production company. I am thankful for this site which is great for learning and feedback..
Pitching my project this week, still not sure which direction, or should I just lay out the story line and let them choose?
Thanks Leon, I will just cross my fingers and see what happens.
I will for sure Leon, I believe it is up whatever the production company is looking for at the time and if the premise can fulfill their needs.
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So, I believe TV is the way to go as a creator and producer to some extent and help with the story direction and work towards writing with the group that produces your concept..
I agree with both of on the writing side, but as for selling your show and having their writers do their magic, I believe Tv may be the easier of the two...
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I believe you will find selling a show to TV isn't easier, John. But I know you won't let that stop you. If TV was the "easier" or "best" direction then we would see new TV series being created by new writers all the time. Take a look at the paths of the show runners (that "Created by" credit) of five shows you like. But again, I know you won't let any of this stop you. Perhaps you will find it the easier of the two. I look forward to reading about your progress; and success!
Thanks D, I suppose using the "easier" word may of been the wrong choice, as neither one will be easy. I do hope that someday, with some perseverance, I will find out what came first the chicken or the egg. I'm sure any/all of us would be happy with either direction, as one could only be so lucky to have those worries.
I appreciate the words of advice from everyone and its nice to see opposing sides to both sides. The story above is just an abbreviation of the main story line.
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You're right, John. It takes perseverance. Every show runner working today was at one tome a writer without any produced credits or even a job in the business. Knowing and understanding how the business aspect works can really be an asset. More often than not working within the system is what results in success. Of course we hear of the once every decade exception and wonder; "could that be me?". But most working show runners are not the exception. They persevered.