Hey there,
Im writing my own sketch's at the moment and im new to writing and im just wondering, do you write the pilot first and send it off or do you write 5/6 episodes?
Thanks.
Do you write just the pilot to start of?
Quote: TheMichaelO @ May 28 2008, 1:30 PM BSTHey there,
Im writing my own sketch's at the moment and im new to writing and im just wondering, do you write the pilot first and send it off or do you write 5/6 episodes?
Thanks.
Just the one episode. Pilot is normally best. (people will tell you it isn't, but it really is)
I think it would be best to just send a pilot and then write the rest whilst you're waiting, you probably wont hear back from anyone for 6 months, if at all.
Quote: Leevil @ May 28 2008, 1:32 PM BSTI think it would be best to just send a pilot and then write the rest whilst you're waiting, you probably wont hear back from anyone for 6 months, if at all.
And if it's it's sketches, best so send off a handful to the right people.
Though, most shows are closed shops, you have to have a an in with the right people to get your material on sketch shows - then more opportunities open up.
Quote: Seefacts @ May 28 2008, 1:34 PM BSTAnd if it's it's sketches, best so send off a handful to the right people.
Though, most shows are closed shops, you have to have a an in with the right people to get your material on sketch shows - then more opportunities open up.
And you could check out this interesting interview for an insight into the industry 
- https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/7393
Quote: Leevil @ May 28 2008, 1:37 PM BSTAnd you could check out this interesting interview for an insight into the industry
Link-whore. 
Quote: Leevil @ May 28 2008, 1:37 PM BSTAnd you could check out this interesting interview for an insight into the industry
What a fascinating chap interviewed by an erudite and thoughtful individual.
Quote: Seefacts @ May 28 2008, 1:32 PM BSTJust the one episode. Pilot is normally best. (people will tell you it isn't, but it really is)
And I'd advise not to send in plot ideas for further episodes either.
Quote: Tim Walker @ May 28 2008, 1:42 PM BSTAnd I'd advise not to send in plot ideas for further episodes either.
Ah, interesting.
I never bother with all that though many think you should. I just don't think it helps at all, especially as the pilot will probably change beyond recognition rendering the future plots redundant.
What makes you say that then Tim? Experience?
Quote: Tim Walker @ May 28 2008, 1:42 PM BSTAnd I'd advise not to send in plot ideas for further episodes either.
Why?
Quote: JohnnyD @ May 28 2008, 1:45 PM BSTWhy?
Because you're pidgeon-holing your show and this may look inflexible. Also quite a few producers want writers who work 'organically', i.e. aren't writing scripts where you're simply saying, "In this episode, Bob buys a fish...", for example. I know I'm probably not making it clear what I mean, but if you just send in a pilot with a brief outline for how you see the show then that is enough. Your draft pilot script is only a starting point for the possible development of a show. In sending them the bare bones you're giving the maximum scope to your and their imaginations. (In my brain this is all clear.)
Quote: Tim Walker @ May 28 2008, 1:51 PM BSTBecause you're pidgeon-holing your show and this mya look inflexible. Also quite a few producers want writers who work 'organically', i.e. aren't writing scripts where you're simply saying, "In this episode, Bob buys a fish...", for example. I know I'm probably not making it clear what I mean, but if you just send in a pilot with a brief outline for how you see the show then that is enough. Your draft pilot script is only a starting point for the possible development of a show. In sending them the bare bones you're giving the maximum scope to your and their imaginations. (In my brain this is all clear.)
That's good advice, strangely put, but good. Thanks.
Basically - if they want it, they'll ask for it. Yes?
Quote: Norton&Wright @ May 28 2008, 1:56 PM BSTBasically - if they want it, they'll ask for it. Yes?
Yes.
Quote: Tim Walker @ May 28 2008, 1:51 PM BSTBecause you're pidgeon-holing your show and this mya look inflexible. Also quite a few producers want writers who work 'organically', i.e. aren't writing scripts where you're simply saying, "In this episode, Bob buys a fish...", for example. I know I'm probably not making it clear what I mean, but if you just send in a pilot with a brief outline for how you see the show then that is enough. Your draft pilot script is only a starting point for the possible development of a show. In sending them the bare bones you're giving the maximum scope to your and their imaginations. (In my brain this is all clear.)
Yeah, massive changes normally get made to pilots so no point in setting everything in stone (and in your head) as it'll be a right pain when 95% get shipped out for new stuff.
Quote: Norton&Wright @ May 28 2008, 1:56 PM BSTBasically - if they want it, they'll ask for it. Yes?
Yeah, the point about not getting carried away by submitting plot arcs, character arcs, backstories etc. with your pilot is that, in my experience, producers don't give a shit about those things. Some feel that those kind of things block their creative input. And I would also advise not to specify that your show is "not for a studio audience" or should be "single camera". There are directors and producers who will have views on these things. Again, the point is to write the strongest pilot you can with the maximum of potential for development. (Which is sort of where I've hopefully got to now.)