Writing a Pilot Spec

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Digitally Pleasing

Active member
So I've got this original single camera sitcom idea that I want to write and produce. I have a spec scipt under my belt, but it was for an exsisting show. Either way, I have some TV writing experience, but not an original spec where i have to invent new characters.
Any pointers on the best way to develop characters and the "template" of the show? I have a pretty solid base of an idea and style, the main thing i have to figure out is the characters.

How many leading/how many supporting?

Should i write with a specific actor in mind? In this case, I will be casting acting friends of mine, so the talent pool isnt very large., but i do want to produce this myslelf. I'm not going to bother shopping the scipt by itself.

Self contained episodes, or a running story line? I'm thinking of a bit of both. Obviously, want to just focus on the pilot, but i think this is something to keep in mind.

Any tidbits of advise, storys, opinions will be helpful.

Thanks,

~ Jim
 
You might consider contacting some shows that are similar to what you want to create and request a copy of the show's bible. There is a "Writing For TV" section at www.scriptsales.com/boards where you can find out more about how to get these bibles.

If you don't know, the show's bible is the document that describes the show. Details the universe the show exists within, the characters, etc...everything that makes the show what it is. Perhaps this would give you some insight into the creation of a TV show "world".

Hope this helps,
Larry
 
You can always use an actor as your muse, especially for syntax, mannerism, etc.
It appears you have the style in mind, but the crux of any show will be the
characters. You must decide for yourself if you want an ensemble cast or
something more centered on one or two characters.

Charli
 
Check out John Augusts blog at:

http://www.johnaugust.com/

He just posted a ton of pilot material for a show that was being developed but appears to have stalled. The show is called OPS. Also read what he says about the pilot process, it's very informative.
 
I'm in somewhat of the same boat as you are, actually. I just began pre-prod work on my new show here at school. My show is real close in tone with those teen dramas that are all the rage right now. Most notably, The O.C. I created an episode guide and a character guide for what I wanted to happen to which characters over the course of ten episodes and pitched it to my station at their general meeting.

Fortunately I recieved enough response to the writing aspect that I was able to set up a weekly meeting with four other people and we could talk out what was working and what wasn't.

We had our first meeting on Wednesday and got a ton of stuff done. If you have that option, to get more people involved to work stuff out, I would highly recommend it. It's been a jumpstart for the whole show and it's sparked my creativity as well.

That was long winded, and I apologize, but I hope it helps.
 
Drop me an e-mail for some pointers. I know a couple cats who have pilots in the running right now, but a single camera is silly, so I'm assuming you don't know the deal on pilots here in Hollywood, cause a single camera sitcom does not happen, really, I mean maybe every once and a while but not that I've been involved with.

anyway, since I'm a broke filmmaker with time on my hands between gigs I'll give you some advice, just e-mail me.
 
Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll drop you an email alveraz. I'm surprised what you say about the single camera sitcom being "silly". It seem that they are become more and more common with shows like curb, malcolm in the middle, entorage, the office, etc. I use the term "single camera" loosly. I pretty much mean the there is no studio audience and traditional 3 camera set up.
 
Digitally Pleasing said:
In this case, I will be casting acting friends of mine, so the talent pool isnt very large., but i do want to produce this myslelf. I'm not going to bother shopping the scipt by itself.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure where you are or what the film-making landscape is like there but here in Scotland you'd be surprised how many well trained, registered and professional actors will be willing to work for just travel expenses and being fed on the filming days. Acting is just as difficult (if not more) an area to get ahead in and like us, actors need experience and proof of that experience which they get in the finished film. Check out this webseries:

http://www.nightisday.com/

They are all professional, equity certified actors who are working for the experience (and hopefully a wage if the expenses for season two are greenlit) and I myself have thusfar produced three films here, all with professional actors who were provided expenses and catering only and were happy to do so for a copy of the finished film for their portfolio). It makes a difference to the quality and I would rather have professional actors and less money than vice versa.

You can get your mates to do it if you want but it will look like you just got your mates to do it, believe me. People think that acting is just saying lines right and its not, talent is required and you can spot your best mate 'wee Jimmy' in the film without much effort. It won't attract many potential buyers or sponsors and will look unprofessional no matter how much money you chuck at it.

What to do is, contact all the acting agencies nearby and ask if any of the actors would be willing to do your film/pilot for expenses to and from the set (which is why you go local). If you get a positive response, send them your script (treatments aren't as good as it looks half-assed and you always want to look solid and on top of things), character outlines and what your plans are for the pilot (i.e. as a plea for funding for the remainder of the series, to sell to a network as a concept, etc).

Hope this Helps and all the best.
 
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