Every aspiring TV writer needs an impressive original pilot script – and with today’s busy schedules, half-hour shows are IN.
Half-hour TV shows are no longer limited to traditional comedies. In the age of streamers, 30 minutes can now be filled with anything from black-comedy thrillers like BABY REINDEER to beloved dramedies like FLEABAG and even a genre-bending show ATLANTA.
Non-network shows no longer have to fit into a regimented time slot, or a single genre box, and this has opened the gates for writers and their creative license.
But there are still some key things to bear in mind when writing a 1/2-hour pilot script, so before you start, here are 5 questions to consider:
1) How Are You Formatting Your Pilot?
The rules around formatting may be getting looser, but as an unknown screenwriter, it’s important that your pilot demonstrates a basic understanding of form.
Sitcoms tend to follow one of two formats. Single-camera shows, such as MODERN FAMILY and BLACK-ISH are single-spaced scripts that are formatted more like one-hour pilots or features (albeit shorter), whereas multi-camera comedies like FRIENDS and THE BIG BANG THEORY are double spaced and often include stage directions that aren’t seen in single-cam scripts.
Utilizing the format that fits your show is key to its success. Check out our collection of 100+ scripts for free here to study the format of your favourite TV show.
2) Is Your Tone Consistent?
Make sure the tone of your pilot, and your voice as its writer, are super consistent throughout the episode. A telltale sign that you haven’t developed your world enough or gotten to know your characters is that your pilot tonally jumps around a lot. Make sure you’re clear on the message of your pilot and how you intend to deliver it so that the audience can anticipate what to expect with the journey they’re about to go on with you.
3) Is Your Story World Big Enough?
The most important thing for a TV pilot script to have is a premise with enough narrative fuel to propel an entire series. 1/2-hour shows tend to be more episodic in nature, meaning that once the characters are established in the pilot, many of them utilize self-contained episodes you can drop into and understand without the context of the previous episodes. Building a cast of characters in a world that can contain endless unique mishaps is key for these kinds of series.
4) Can You Say More In Less?
The scene lengths in 1/2-hour scripts are often quite short (unless the scene features a central plot point). You’ll need to get used to moving your story along faster than when writing a feature or 1-hour script. Everything has to be leaner and more effective (not to mention, utilizing jokes every couple of lines for true comedies!).
Use strong imagery instead of long-winded setups, keep dialogue short and punchy, save chunky dialogue for pivotal story beats, and try not to let scene description go any longer than two or three lines on the page.
5) How Well Do You Know Your Characters?
Television shows offer more time to explore your characters. Characters drive a show, so knowing your ensemble is crucial. But with only half an hour to fill, you should keep your cast small and manageable. Design your supporting cast to complement and conflict with your protagonist, who they will either help or hinder along the way.
If you’re writing a sitcom, there tends to be less emphasis on character growth or development. Instead, focus on developing them with unique quirks and foibles from the pilot so the audience will get invested in watching them navigate their world.
Which of these questions are helpful for your current 1/2 hour pilot WIP?
Ready to share your one-hour pilot with the world? Our TV Writers Mentorship Program is open for applications. We’re looking for writers to join our 8-week program, including meeting with showrunner Beth Schwartz (ARROW), calls with development execs and reps, working on pitching prep, and more. See a full breakdown of the program here. Regular deadline is April 11th!
