Writing for television is very different to writing a novel.
Of course plot is still important, along with character development, drama, conflict, and resolution. But dealing with a visual medium presents a whole new set of challenges.
If you have a big idea for a TV show, the seven steps below will help you write a script that connects with a tv audience, and may even get a green light from a network executive!
Photo by Angel Raul Ravelo Rodriguez
1. Start With an Outline
Before you write your script, it helps to start with an outline of the basic elements, including the overall story arc and individual scene descriptions.
An outline will help you shape your story, and point out any holes before you jump into developing the dialogue.
2. Develop your characters
Your cast is even more important than plot in a pilot episode because if the audience fails to connect to the characters, they won't tune in again. The key to writing a compelling character is to give them a clear and unique voice.
Once you’ve developed your character’s traits, quirks and background, make sure their dialogue embodies that “voice” you have created in your head. Reading aloud as you write will also help produce lines that flow naturally.
3. Visualize your show
Television is visual, so as you are writing your script, consider the visual context of your scenes.
What is the setting? What will the characters be wearing, will they be sitting still, entering or exiting, being active?
Remember, you want your characters to be as dynamic as possible on screen to make the best possible use of your visual stage.
4. Keep it simple
Be careful not to overwhelm your audience in the first episode.
The pilot should introduce your show’s world and its core characters, give a taste of back story and create an episode template that clearly marks the show's tone. Don’t try to do too much, or the show will feel muddled and leave the audience confused.
A good general rule is to introduce an A story and a B story, then resolve both stories within that episode.
5. Use your act breaks as cliffhangers
You need to create a big impression in the pilot.
Depending on if you are writing a half hour or an hour show, you are going to separate your script into three or six acts. Keep your audience on the edge of their seats by using the act breaks (or commercial breaks) as cliffhangers.
6. Give your show a future
As you are writing your script, keep in mind that your plot lines and characters must have places to go. You need to set the stage with story possibilities so that your viewers will come back for episode two.
Establish plot lines that will keep an audience hooked, such as romantic tension between two leads, or a big challenge for a character that will take several episodes to be resolved.
As you develop the voice of your show, think ahead to where and how the irony, conflict, drama and story hooks will occur.
7. Read and revise
Writing for television is a very collaborative environment. Be prepared to listen to a lot of feedback once your script is written. Read it aloud, and have several people do the same.
Keep rewriting and editing, making sure that your changes contribute to your characters feeling real, fleshed out and practically jumping off the page and onto the screen.
Which television shows do you think have the best writing? What makes them great?
PRACTICE
Write a scene for a television pilot. Invent two characters, think about the purpose and tone of your scene, and take fifteen minutes to write the dialogue.
OR…. write a brief outline detailing an idea for a television pilot. Include the concept for your show, and a description of the main characters.
When your time is up, post your practice in the comments section. Offer feedback and advice to other writers on their practices.
Everyone must be enjoying the wonderful weather today. I like your article because it helped me to see my story in a different way. If I was going to turn it into a pilot, I would use the whole first two thirds of the story and condense it into a one hour pilot.
Father dies from ruptured appendix during Dust Bowl. Family sells farm in bankruptcy sale. Travel over Rockies and Cascades to the Coast Range. Ends at promise of new beginnings in Oregon. Further episodes can address family living in a rural community in a rain forest. This is actually, my father’s true story and I am trying to bring out the adventure he described when talking about all these things. My dream is to have a fictional version that is readable for his great grandchildren so they have a sense of his faith when faced with adversity.
Thank you Joanne. I’m going to keep this as a favourite. Not ready to write a TV show yet… but I sure aim to.