New Writers - some FAQs - read to avoid repetition

EDIT - by SlagA
These questions crop up repeatedly. To avoid us all saying the same thing - have a peek at these questions and excellent responses.
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Hey guys. Not long after writing my first script (well, a pilot and two episodes after it) and I've just a few questions I was hoping you could all answer for me before I get it ready and send it off to production companies. Some are perhaps a bit obvious, but better safe than sorry.

Firstly, would you recommend sending off the script to as many production companies as possible that the script would be suitable for or should I send it to them individually, or how should I go about doing this. Have looked about the forums and alot of the advice given was really helpful, but still not too sure what the best approach is.

Secondly, how important is the formatting of the script and the use of proper screenwriting terms? I used the Script Smart template from Writersroom to write it but thought when comparing it to sample scripts I found online that it looked as though what Script Smart was putting onto two pages would have easily fitted onto one page using the formatting of the sample scripts I looked at. Also I haven't overly used proper screenwriting terms as I only found out the other day what terms such as "int." and "ext." mean in screenwriting, which seem to be pretty basic terms

Thridly, how important is the timing of the script? I have read before about how each page of the script should last about 1 minute, however given what I said above about believing Script Smart is making my script look longer than it actually is the timing of my script hasn't really held true to this rule. Having timed the scripts running through them myself they have all come to around just under 20 minutes each so far which I fear might be seen as too short by production companies, however I don't want to be adding to them just for the sake of it.

Forthly, From experience is it better to have your entire series completed when sending off your script, or would I be best to wait and hear back from the companies before writing more if they like my ideas?

Finally, when asked to send 10 pages of your script, as certain companies request, would you recommend just sending the first 10 pages of the pilot script, or would sending 10 pages further on in the script, or from a different episode be a better idea if the content in them is potentially better?

I can only really advise on the second question:

Prod co's aren't too fussy which format it's done in usually, but you could always ring them and ask if they prefer a certain format. The main thing is that it has to look like a script. If you haven't been using "Int" or "Ext", then it will look very unprofessional.

I guess most places (in the UK at least) would be OK with the format as long as it is readable and well spaced in case they want to make notes.

I think most places want you to only send the script to them. Unlikely I know but what if two companies said they wanted to use it? You'd have to choose and trash your future possibilities with whichever copmpany lost out.

I expect timing is reasonably important but if it's over, it will get cut down to size if it is ever produced. Run through it in your head or with a couple of mates to get an idea.

Hello

Can I suggest you send your script to some agents as well? If they like your work then they will contact the most suitable production companies on your behalf and your script will be considered more quickly than others sent on spec. Also it's more likely to be read by the right person and with more attention.

Also I think that format isn't as important as quality and I personally don't worry too much about running times on the page as I don't think anything is ever read as if it's the final draft. Saying that if the script 'feels' weighty and has twenty eight pages or more producers seem to be happier to read them!

Hope this helps

Firstly: Send it off to as many as possible. I'd recommend about 6. So then you're not waiting months and months for individual replies, as that can slow you down. People say don't send it to loads and loads so that IF you get feedback, you can work on the script and re-send it out. I'd say I don't believe in that because if it's funny enough, you'll get interest. Prod co's never expect to get a polished 100% script. If it shows promise, then that's fine.

Secondly: Yeah, if it looks like a script, you're on the right lines. I'd probably say using INT or EXT isn't life or death, but it's always best to use the right terms simply because it shows you as a pro who's serious. So do brush up on the correct terms.

Thirdly: Timing, well there's no definitive answer here. If it's the BBC style go for 45-50 pages. If it's in the more US style (Courier New font etc) then got for about 35-40. If it's too short, then you might want to bulk it up. I don't think I've ever heard writers being worried about their work being too short. Too long, yeah all the time!

Fourthly: Don't plan out the series. Don't write fancy synopsis and character bios. Just write a funny pilot and move on. If it got made, the final show would be massively different to your original script and that would render your planning redundant.

Finally: First 10 of the pilot. Don't write a mid-series episode because the reader needs to know the characters and learn about them. People say that you should do a mid-series episode, but don't believe these people as they're wrong. You must intro the characters so the reader understands the situation and dynamics.

Quote: Afinkawan @ June 16 2008, 1:36 PM BST

I think most places want you to only send the script to them. Unlikely I know but what if two companies said they wanted to use it? You'd have to choose and trash your future possibilities with whichever company lost out.

View original

TV is cut throat. Welcome to the business.

I've just told a company I've take my pilot elsewhere. They wished me luck.

As a new writer you've got to go with the odds.

Quote: The Cool Mikado @ June 16 2008, 1:57 PM BST

Hello

Can I suggest you send your script to some agents as well? If they like your work then they will contact the most suitable production companies on your behalf and your script will be considered more quickly than others sent on spec. Also it's more likely to be read by the right person and with more attention.

View original

Don't go near agents either. Agents want writers, not people who want to be writers. A writer will probably never get signed up with no credits to their name.

Agents only really want recommendations from producers as they have some weight to them.

Don't even consider agents for a long time yet.

Re: the first question. It's good to have a list of people you've sent to, so you don't accidentally send it to the same one twice if you're sending to lots.