Study Guide on Writing Television Pilots

Factors for Writing a Good Television Pilot

1. Studying Successful Pilots

• Importance of Pilot Scripts:

  • Get hands on pilot scripts from shows that you admire.

  • Easy availability of scripts today allows emerging writers to access a wealth of resources.

• Approach to Learning:

  • Read the pilot scripts while watching the corresponding pilots.

  • Engage in a cycle of reading and watching to deepen understanding.

  • Dissect the pilots thoroughly to grasp the elements that contribute to their success.

• Key Elements to Dissect in Successful Pilots:

  • Structure:

  • Analyze the overall structure of the pilot.

  • Number of Acts:

  • Note how many acts are incorporated in the pilot's storytelling.

  • Page Counts of Each Act:

  • Pay attention to how many pages each act encompasses, which can give insight into pacing.

  • Comedy Elements:

  • For comedies, count the number of jokes throughout the pilot.

  • Understand the timing and setup of each joke, as this is crucial for comedic effect.

  • Character Introductions:

  • Observe how characters are introduced, noting techniques that effectively establish character dynamics.

2. Learning from Unsuccessful Pilots

• Analyzing Disliked Pilots:

  • Watch pilots of shows that did not resonate with you or that you found disappointing.

  • Taking the time to evaluate poorly received pilots can provide valuable insights into common pitfalls.

• Elements to Identify in Unsuccessful Pilots:

  • Identify aspects that contributed to the pilot's failure in your opinion.

  • Consider differences in structure, pacing, character development, and comedic execution compared to successful pilots.

• Lessons Learned:

  • Create a contrasting analysis of what works vs. what doesn't.

  • These observations will solidify your understanding of effective storytelling in television writing.