write tv

How to Write for TV

If you want to write scripts for TV then you need to write a spec script for something that is already on our screens and also a completely different show that is not currently on our TV screens.

This is an extremely tough thing to do but listed below are a few pointers on how to get started:

Pick a show to write

Firstly, you need to pick a show that you want to write an episode for. Try not to pick a show that you do not like because you will not be motivated to write it and keep rewriting it. Also, make sure that you choose a show that is popular and unlikely to be canceled in the near future.

Watch all episodes

It is important to watch every episode of the series you have chosen so that you do not repeat any stories that have already been shown. You must also try and get hold of the actual scripts of the TV show so that you can get a feel for the characters and the format.

Take detailed notes

You must take detailed notes on at least 3 episodes so that you can write down everything that happens in the story. You should note what all the characters are doing, what happens just before the commercial break and how long each act is.

Develop the storyline

This is the most difficult thing to do because you need a story line that will be unique and have an impact but at the same time it must stick to the basic principles of the series.

There are some definite do's and dont's that you must adhere to when writing the new story line such as:

• Do not kill off a character or give them a serious illness
• Do not change the setting of the show
• Do make the story about the main characters and not about guest characters
• Do double check that your story has not already been done
• Do include surprising twists and include various emotional reactions

Write the storyline

At this stage you will need to write your storyline either writing detailed descriptions or just bullet points. Just do whatever works for yourself.

Get feedback and advice

Let other people read your storyline and make truthful comments or notes on it. Ask the readers questions such as, are parts funny?, does it fit in well with the characters? By answering these questions you will be able to use their feedback and make changes to the storyline.

Write the script

It is now time to write the script. Make sure that you use the correct format. It may be a good idea to invest in screen writing software to do this.

More feedback and advice

After you have written the script then gather more feedback and criticism on it. Try to have someone who is a fan of the show and a person that is not. The latter should find the script as funny and as interesting as the former.

Rewrite over and over

Keep rewriting and rewriting until it is perfect. This means cutting out whole scenes, improving jokes etc.

Come back to the script

It may be a sound idea to put the script away for a few days or couple of weeks and then come back to it with a fresh mind. By doing so, you will identify mistakes that you not have noticed before.

More feedback and advice

Seek more feedback and advice from other people and make final adjustments to the script.

Repeat all of the above for another spec

In order to have a chance at securing a deal with a TV company you must go back and repeat all of the above and create another spec script for something completely different. This shows that you have the ability to write quality scripts for any TV show.

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