So...I'm writing a TV show...

[NovaNetKing]

Hiya!

I've been visiting the Hype for a while now but never really bothered to register. Anyway, it seemed like some of you might know about writing scripts etc.

My friend and I, who both happen to live in Australia are writing a tv show (oh yeah and we're still in high school)

Regardless, we have this AMAZING plot for a tv show. It follows a similar format to Heroes, Lost and Prison Break. Though nothing like our story has been done before on tv. Its got plot twists, mysteries, everything and a good basis. Unfortunately, I can't really tell you what it's about at the moment...well because we don't want anyone stealing the idea.

Now, we actually want this on tv and we believe it could be very successful in US (australian tv sucks). We have planned out the pilot episode, what happens, but if we were to pitch it how would be go about doing that?

Do we write a full script? Or a 5 page summary of what happens? A season overview? Then what? We live in Australia....so do we just send our story to every major network in the US and hope someone snags it?

We are good writers, we've both won a couple of awards at school etc. but the odds that they would even OPEN our story are very slim....which is disappointing because it has such potential. Oh yeah, and we're not like those guys that are going to spend years on their crappy scripts thinking 'One day I'm gonna hit it big!'....like a few posters I've seen do here.

Hypsters, what do you think we should do?

 

[The Geek Vault]

I don't think I can really help you there but I gotta say I think that's awsome that someone in High School is doing something like this. A friend and I are trying to get a graphic novel in the works!

 

[lollycop]

I don't think I can really help you there but I gotta say I think that's awsome that someone in High School is doing something like this. A friend and I are trying to get a graphic novel in the works!

I'm trying to get a book in the works.

 

[Showtime]

Hiya!

I've been visiting the Hype for a while now but never really bothered to register. Anyway, it seemed like some of you might know about writing scripts etc.

My friend and I, who both happen to live in Australia are writing a tv show (oh yeah and we're still in high school)

Regardless, we have this AMAZING plot for a tv show. It follows a similar format to Heroes, Lost and Prison Break. Though nothing like our story has been done before on tv. Its got plot twists, mysteries, everything and a good basis. Unfortunately, I can't really tell you what it's about at the moment...well because we don't want anyone stealing the idea.

Now, we actually want this on tv and we believe it could be very successful in US (australian tv sucks). We have planned out the pilot episode, what happens, but if we were to pitch it how would be go about doing that?

Do we write a full script? Or a 5 page summary of what happens? A season overview? Then what? We live in Australia....so do we just send our story to every major network in the US and hope someone snags it?

We are good writers, we've both won a couple of awards at school etc. but the odds that they would even OPEN our story are very slim....which is disappointing because it has such potential. Oh yeah, and we're not like those guys that are going to spend years on their crappy scripts thinking 'One day I'm gonna hit it big!'....like a few posters I've seen do here.

Hypsters, what do you think we should do?

The thing about television is it is hard to break into. At least this is the case in the U.S. What you would start off with is the pilot episode, you're looking at anywhere between 30-45 pages. The basic idea is one minute per page.

The problem is even if you finish the script, pitch it, and you actually get interest and sell it you might not even get a chance to develop your characters. Most of the time with television they have a team of writers and your credits will include "Created By:________". All situations vary though.

 

[union_jak]

I'd say write a 'treatment' of what the overall story is, characters, locations and scenarios. Write a few pages summing up plots and the mood of the series.

 

[NovaNetKing]

So should I a write a script? One website said I should just write a 'treatment', a 5 page summary of what happens. This is because people new to business like me don't know how to add in the direction and movement and effects etc.

Your thoughts?

 

[union_jak]

Screenwriters don't bother with camera directions and stuff, thats for script writers and directors. If you're new to the screenwriting thing I definitely recommend you read up on how to approach it.

 

[Showtime]

So should I a write a script? One website said I should just write a 'treatment', a 5 page summary of what happens. This is because people new to business like me don't know how to add in the direction and movement and effects etc.

Your thoughts?

I think you should write some type of outline, you can use index cards or just do it right on the computer. I don't use outlines much anymore when writing because you get used to going straight to the 1st draft with some experience.

No matter what you do, I highly reccomend this book:

http://www.keepwriting.com/tsc/swbible.htm

 

[Showtime]

Screenwriters don't bother with camera directions and stuff, thats for script writers and directors. If you're new to the screenwriting thing I definitely recommend you read up on how to approach it.

Exactly.

 

[NovaNetKing]

oh btw, I'm happy with just 'Created by...' thats good enough for my friend and I. I dont mind if the network gets some writers to write the rest of show.

 

[NovaNetKing]

So in my little package which I will sending to every network and production company in the world :-P... I should include....

1. Treatment (5 Page Summary)
2. Pilot Script
3. Season Overview
4. Contact Details
5. Copywright info

?

 

[Dew k. Mosi]

It will be hard to get anyone to read your stuff unsolicited as well. Do research to see which studios and networks are handling which genres. A story about white rich kids won't sell on BET, and a gay soap opera won't work for the Christian channel, if you get my drift.

 

[NovaNetKing]

i know...i know...but I still might send it too as many places as possible in hopes that it might get passed around to someone in the business.

 

[lollycop]

Guys, i'm making a batman movie called Batmanead End. It goes further into the jokers orgin and batmans hatered towards him.

 

[NovaNetKing]

Sounds like the upcoming Batman movie....

 

[lollycop]

Sounds like the upcoming Batman movie....

Not really. You hardly even see Batman in it.

 

[hammy]

Do some research on how to submit a script/concept for television. Check out all the writing sites online, or Writer's Digest magazine. They also put out an annual book on how to submit things to the various publisher's, producers, etc. It's very important to follow the guidelines each gives. In book publishing, for instance, you can find out exactly what each publisher wants, (usually starting with a query letter) which may vary from one to the other. If they're interested, they'll let you know and tell you what they want, (a few sample scripts, a concept, a treatment, etc.) You'll look more professional if you submit in accordance with their guidelines. Also, check to make sure they will even accept unsolicited material. Most places won't even open it if they didn't first give you the approval to send it. (That's where the query letter comes in) No point in wasting that much money in postage. But honestly, I think it's most likely that they won't even consider speaking to you without representation. So I would suggest you research agents, as well. Good luck.

 

[Showtime]

My advise would be to write a feature length script, there are many more avenues to explore and you have a much better shot at doing something with it then trying to focus on television.

 

[Cmill216]

NovaNet, unless you are one of the luckiest individuals on the planet, you will have a very difficult time even getting a pitch meeting with a studio if you haven't written or produced anything of significance.

Studios RARELY (and I stress RARELY) even look at material from a first time writer. Look at most of your favorite shows. Nearly all of the showrunners (the guy in charge of the program) working are individuals who have spent time in the industry as writers or producers, many of them who started off as writing assistants on various programs. A studio or production company won't give you the time of day if you have no "cred", so to speak. And this is no matter how good you think your idea is.

My advice to you would be to keep writing. Go out and make some independent films, and submit them to festivals. Also, if TV is your thing, look for writer's fellowship opportunities such as the ones provided by networks like ABC and Nickelodeon:

Disney•ABC Writing Fellowship

Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship

These programs are designed for people like you to help you get your foot in the door and can help you start your climb in the industry.

 

[NovaNetKing]

So, I'm going send a query letter to some agents asking if theyd like me to send them my treatment?

 

[hammy]

So, I'm going send a query letter to some agents asking if theyd like me to send them my treatment?

Ask them if they're accepting new clients and give them a basic idea of what genre you are writing. They will tell you their own submittal guidelines, and follow them to the t.

 

[lollycop]

I'm going to submit my fan film to Fan Expo next year.

 

[SoulManX]

So, I'm going send a query letter to some agents asking if theyd like me to send them my treatment?

Agents are tough to get a hold of...

Your best bet is to make the pilot yourself using friends, family, students or craigslists.

Got to have buzz around you if u want to get in...or know someone.

Networking can AND will be your friend.

 

[lollycop]

Agents are tough to get a hold of...

Your best bet is to make the pilot yourself using friends, family, students or craigslists.

Got to have buzz around you if u want to get in...or know someone.

Networking can AND will be your friend.

Thats how my freinds in comercials.

 

[NovaNetKing]

lol There's no way in hell I'd be able to afford to make my own version of the pilot!