When you have a passion for the screen, it’s only natural that you may want to work in the industry yourself. Because sometimes, having a strong love for TV shows just isn’t enough. You want to be able to get involved and join in yourself too. But if you do fancy yourself the new award-winning screenplay writer, how exactly do you start out? Because the Netflix worthy TV show writers all started somewhere. So if you’re seriously interested in trying it out for yourself, here’s how to get yourself a TV show screenplay together and see if you can make a success of it.
Create A Concept
First of all, you’re going to want to come up with the concept. Because having an idea is only just the start. If you want to take your screenwriting ideas to the next level, you need a full concept to work with. This will mean that you need to know what genre your idea is going to fit into and also have a title ready too. You need to have your main characters figured out, as well as the goals and obstacles of the storyline that will aim to main it interesting.
Figure Out The Logistics
Next, you’re also going to want to work out where you’re looking to pitch your show into because these decisions will impact what you can create. Do you want to go for a cable or network show? You should also think about the timing, whether you want it to be a morning show or prime time. Then finally, you also have the timing, because whether it’s a thirty-minute show or an hour long, you will need to know how long to write the screenplay for.
Write The Pilot
Then, as you have the bulk of your show figured out in terms of what it will be, you’re going to want to work on your pilot. You may have your entire first season mapped out in your mind, you may even want to write it, but it’s often your pilot that matters the most and will actually be used to sell into the different TV companies. So it’s important that you make this first episode strong.
Work Out What You Need
Although different channels or production companies may want to take the lead with this, it’s helpful if you’re able to get a visual on what the show would look and feel like. For this, you may need an idea of actors or someone like Sam Devereaux voice over artist and even set design or locations. It’s a good idea to be able to figure out what you think you will need should the show go into production.
Pitch The Show
Then you should be ready to pitch. Pitching a TV show idea may seem scary, and in many ways, it always will be, but if you’ve nailed the previous parts, you should find this a breeze. You’re going to want to research into the network or production companies that you hope to sell into and work with their preferred pitching process to see if you can get interest in your show. Then, as they say, the rest shall be history.
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