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TV Series,
MOW's (Movies of the Week) and OTO (One Time Only) Specials.
If
you have a GREAT idea (Yes, I know, it's truly remarkable, never been
done, a sure hit) then this is what is required for a series to even be considered a contender. 300
pilots are shot each year at a cost of $100,000 to $4,000,000 each, MAYBE
30 will get a shot at being on the air, perhaps 10 will make it 13
weeks, 2 of those might last 5 years or more.
1.
A pilot ( approximately 40-45 pages ) 60 minutes for a 30 minute program
and a two hour pilot for a one hour series. Keep in mind that TV
programs are really 22 min. long for a 30 min. program and 44 minutes
for a 60 min. program. I strongly suggest that you watch a 30 minute program and a 60 min. program for timing, use a stop watch. Time
the opening, the segments, the commercial breaks, the credits, learn the
formula, there is one; working with it is what separates wannabe's from
professionals.
2.
For a series, you need at least 4 complete episodes FINISHED!
3.
A Character bible, a character by character in-depth description, motivation,
appearance, habits, dress, NAIL THEM DOWN.
4.
13 Episodes in outline form, the story arcs, what is the theme of each
show.
Movies
of the Week and OTO's.
Treat
them like a Feature Film with the exception of commercial breaks, they
need to be planned properly. You just can't halt a scene and insert
a series of commercials, you need to write around the commercials, because
my dear friends, THIS IS SHOW BUSINESS, what you write is the stuff BETWEEN
the COMMERCIALS.
Reality
Series
Hopefully, this
fad is about over; it stinks for writers, it's heaven for producers because
they don't have to pay writers, although they seem to have an inordinate amount of Producers involved) On the other side, they shoot at a 20
to 1 ratio. Very little of what they shoot can be used and editing
is a nightmare with much higher post production expenses than any
scripted production. Treat it like a pilot, be as descriptive as
you can. If you try to play the tease, you'll lose! If there
is already something like it on the air, don't bother. If your twist
or combination makes it very special, give it a shot. Keep in mind
that insurance costs are outrageous and that the sexual revolution ended
years ago. We live in a world governed by bean counters and the repressed,
create accordingly!
NO
BOOKS, NO POETRY and No we can't take your idea and write
a script for
you (Yes, people have actually asked this question).
Please
send all materials to:
Talent
Source
1711 Dean Forest Road, Suite H
Savannah, Georgia 31408
COLD
HARD FACT:
If you are a new writer and you actually want to see your work produced,
then understand that your best bet is to write for a small budget feature. Producers are more likely to take a chance on an unproven writer
(you), whereas, the major studios will not risk producing a big budget feature written by an unknown with no proven track record.
We
DO NOT accept unsolicited screenplays.
We
have a lot of material to read, DO NOT waste your time or ours telling
me about your desire to be a writer, your Elementary, Middle School, Jr.
High, High
School, College, Post Grad or Professional writing history. I don't need
to see your resume, a letter from your Mom, Dad, Doctor or your Therapist.
No story boards, No cartoons, and please don't even think about telling
us that you want to Produce / Direct / Act or that so and so would be
perfect for the role!
Let
your work speak for you!
Last
Comment:
There are over 400,000 scripts registered with the WGA each year, usually
about 400 feature films are produced. It took Forrest Gump 7 years to
be made, it was best selling book first and Bob Zemeckis was the director.
So be patient!
We
are not trying to be mean and nasty, we get 10,000 ideas a year, 9,980
of them are a waste of time, rehashed versions of existing films, extremely poor dialogue, not formatted properly, poor grammar skills,
and just plain sloppy.
It is not our job to edit, retype, copy, print your work, it must be delivered to us in the proper way for us to present it to Producers, by taking on and representing your work we are in effect putting our name and seal of approval on it. Please do your best to be in the top 20 that
make us love this business.
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