The Small Screen Keeps Getting Larger
A guest post from screenwriter Tom Benedek (Cocoon):
It was nice to have a job. I managed to hit the marks as requested by the producers and finished my TV assignment last month. Right now, I am waiting for some more notes. So I am back in my own projects — picked up my spec feature to work on, but, simultaneously, I am preparing a TV pitch to take to a producer next month. Initially, I just need a strong world of story, A plot and main character. But, I keep asking myself about the implications these elements need to offer for further development — into hours and hours of shows, if I am so lucky!
One of the amazing things about brainstorming TV show ideas is that it forces the writer to approach the story from different angles relative to feature writing. The same general directions — but certain specific angles of plot and characterization are just more critical.
Some TV show concepts are sounding more and more feature-like. Big story hooks but the issue of building out the structural consistency of every episode remains crucial. Still, and perhaps most importantly, the ongoing character relationships must be vibrant and need to offer potential for continuous renewal of minor conflict development.
TV is home and it is always there, for better or worse. The joys of television — knowing you have many hours of engaging viewing on a show you love vs. finding a feature gem on Netflix or even a movie that is kind of fun — just okay. Hey, I am looking forward to Godzilla for a break from those trenches of writing and watching on the home screen.
As that home screen gets larger, as more movie talent moves into TV, its influence will grow. And movies will morph perhaps. So — understanding TV, how script structure, plot, character differs from features is a worthwhile thing.
If this interests you, please consider my upcoming class TV: PILOT CREATION WORKSHOP starting Monday, May 19.
Here’s the link.
It is an 8 week class TV script writing workshop. We will study 9 great pilot scripts, examine their structural fundamentals, as each students builds out their series concept, outline and then writes their own 30 minute or 60 minute original pilot script.
Writing an original TV pilot is a great thing to do right now. It is fun. It is challenging. It is a great creative endeavor, writer marketing tool, means to representation and jobs. Manager, agents, producers like to read 30 page or 60 page scripts. Spec pilots sell. They get made into shows. They lead to jobs — in TV and in features.
If you have a TV idea that you wish to workshop and build out to script, please do join me for this fun and exciting class.
For more information, go here.
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