11.2 Television writing

Television writing is a unique form of screenwriting with its own conventions and challenges. It involves crafting ongoing series with multiple episodes, collaborating in writers' rooms, and adapting to fast-paced production schedules.

Key elements include understanding TV script structures, developing characters for long-term arcs, balancing multiple storylines, and writing for commercial breaks. Aspiring TV writers must master these skills to create compelling series that engage viewers over time.

Fundamentals of television writing

• Television writing is a unique form of screenwriting that requires a deep understanding of the medium's specific conventions, formats, and constraints
• While there are some similarities to film writing, such as the need for strong characters, engaging dialogue, and compelling stories, television writing has its own distinct challenges and opportunities
• Key terminology in television writing includes terms like showrunner, writers' room, spec script, pilot, series bible, and more

Differences vs film writing

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• Television writing often involves writing for ongoing series with multiple episodes and seasons, requiring long-term planning and continuity
• TV scripts are typically shorter than feature film scripts, with specific act breaks for commercial breaks (in the case of network shows)
• Television writing often involves collaboration with a team of writers in a writers' room, led by a showrunner
• TV shows have a faster production timeline compared to films, requiring writers to work efficiently and adapt to network notes and changes

Similarities to film writing

• Both television and film writing require strong storytelling skills, well-developed characters, and engaging dialogue
• In both mediums, writers must be able to craft compelling scenes that advance the plot and reveal character
• Visual storytelling is important in both TV and film writing, with writers needing to convey action, setting, and emotion through their scripts
• Both forms of writing require an understanding of story structure, pacing, and genre conventions

Key terminology

• Showrunner: the person responsible for overseeing all creative aspects of a television series, including writing, casting, and production
• Writers' room: a collaborative space where a team of writers works together to break stories, outline episodes, and write scripts for a TV series
• Spec script: a sample script written by an aspiring writer to showcase their skills and potentially gain employment in the industry
• Pilot: the first episode of a television series, used to establish characters, setting, and premise, and to pitch the show to networks
• Series bible: a comprehensive document that outlines the key elements of a TV series, including character descriptions, setting, tone, and long-term story arcs

Structure of television scripts

• Television scripts have specific structures and formats depending on the type of show, such as one-hour dramas, half-hour comedies, multi-camera sitcoms, and single-camera comedies
• Understanding these structures is crucial for writers to create scripts that fit the conventions and requirements of each format
• Each format has its own unique pacing, act breaks, and storytelling techniques that writers must master to craft effective scripts

One-hour drama format

• One-hour dramas typically follow a four-act structure, with a teaser (or cold open) at the beginning and a tag (or epilogue) at the end
• Each act is approximately 15 pages long (excluding commercials), with a cliffhanger or twist at the end of each act to keep viewers engaged
• One-hour dramas often feature multiple storylines (A-story, B-story, C-story) that interweave throughout the episode
• Examples of one-hour dramas include "Breaking Bad," "Game of Thrones," and "The Sopranos"

Half-hour comedy format

• Half-hour comedies can be either multi-camera sitcoms or single-camera comedies, each with their own distinct structure and style
• Multi-camera sitcoms are typically filmed in front of a live studio audience and feature a three-act structure with a cold open and tag
• Single-camera comedies are filmed more like movies, without a live audience, and often feature a more fluid, cinematic style with fewer act breaks
• Examples of half-hour comedies include "Friends" (multi-camera) and "The Office" (single-camera)

Multi-camera sitcom format

• Multi-camera sitcoms are filmed in front of a live studio audience, with multiple cameras capturing the action simultaneously
• Scripts for multi-camera sitcoms are typically around 25-30 pages long, with a three-act structure and a cold open and tag
• The dialogue is often more exaggerated and performative, with actors playing to the live audience and pausing for laughter
• Examples of multi-camera sitcoms include "Seinfeld," "The Big Bang Theory," and "Cheers"

Single-camera comedy format

• Single-camera comedies are filmed more like movies, with a single camera capturing each scene and no live audience
• Scripts for single-camera comedies are typically around 30-35 pages long, with a more fluid structure and fewer act breaks
• The humor in single-camera comedies often relies more on visual gags, cutaways, and subtle performances rather than broad, audience-driven comedy
• Examples of single-camera comedies include "Modern Family," "Parks and Recreation," and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

Character development for television

• Developing strong, multi-dimensional characters is essential for creating compelling television series that engage viewers over multiple episodes and seasons
• Television writers must establish character arcs, maintain consistency, consider ensemble dynamics, and effectively integrate guest stars to create a rich and believable world

Establishing character arcs

• Character arcs refer to the journey and transformation a character undergoes throughout a series or season
• Writers must establish clear goals, motivations, and conflicts for each character, allowing them to grow and change over time
• Character arcs should be carefully planned and paced, with key turning points and revelations that drive the story forward
• Examples of well-crafted character arcs include Walter White in "Breaking Bad" and Don Draper in "Mad Men"

Maintaining consistency across episodes

• Consistency is crucial in television writing, as characters must remain recognizable and believable across multiple episodes and seasons
• Writers must ensure that characters' personalities, behaviors, and relationships remain consistent, even as they grow and change
• Continuity errors or inconsistencies can break viewer immersion and undermine the credibility of the story and characters
• Writers often use character bibles and story outlines to maintain consistency and keep track of character details and arcs

Ensemble cast considerations

• Many television series feature an ensemble cast of characters, each with their own storylines and relationships
• Writing for an ensemble cast requires careful balancing of screen time, character development, and interweaving storylines
• Writers must ensure that each character has a distinct voice, purpose, and contribution to the overall story
• Examples of well-written ensemble casts include "Friends," "Lost," and "Orange Is the New Black"

Guest star integration

• Guest stars can add variety, star power, and new dynamics to a television series
• Writers must effectively integrate guest stars into the existing world and storylines, ensuring that their presence feels organic and purposeful
• Guest stars' characters should be well-developed and contribute to the growth and development of the main cast
• Examples of memorable guest star appearances include Brad Pitt on "Friends" and Robin Williams on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

Plot and story structure

• Crafting compelling and engaging stories is at the heart of successful television writing
• Writers must understand the elements of plot and story structure, including A-stories, B-stories, C-stories, teasers, acts, tags, cliffhangers, plot twists, continuity, and seasonal arcs

A-story, B-story, C-story

• Television episodes often feature multiple storylines, known as A-stories, B-stories, and C-stories
• The A-story is the main plot of the episode, focusing on the central conflict and characters
• B-stories and C-stories are subplots that involve secondary characters and conflicts, often intersecting with or paralleling the A-story
• Balancing and interweaving these storylines is crucial for maintaining viewer interest and creating a cohesive episode

Teaser, acts, tag

• Television episodes are typically structured into a teaser (or cold open), several acts, and a tag (or epilogue)
• The teaser is a short scene before the opening credits that hooks the viewer and sets up the episode's main conflict or premise
• Acts are the main sections of the episode, separated by commercial breaks, each with its own mini-arc and cliffhanger
• The tag is a short scene after the final act that provides closure, a final joke, or a setup for future episodes

Cliffhangers and plot twists

• Cliffhangers are dramatic or suspenseful endings to an act or episode that leave the viewer eager to know what happens next
• Plot twists are unexpected story developments that surprise the viewer and shift the direction of the narrative
• Both cliffhangers and plot twists are essential tools for keeping viewers engaged and creating memorable, talked-about moments in a series
• Examples of famous cliffhangers and plot twists include "Who shot J.R.?" on "Dallas" and the flash-forward reveal in the final episode of "Lost"

Continuity between episodes

• Continuity refers to the consistency of characters, events, and storylines across multiple episodes and seasons
• Maintaining continuity is crucial for creating a believable and immersive world that viewers can invest in over time
• Writers must keep track of character arcs, relationships, and major events to ensure that the series maintains a sense of coherence and progression
• Continuity errors can undermine viewer trust and engagement, so writers must be diligent in maintaining consistency

Seasonal story arcs

• Seasonal story arcs are overarching narratives that span an entire season of a television series
• These arcs often involve major character developments, central conflicts, and thematic explorations that are gradually revealed and resolved over the course of the season
• Seasonal arcs provide a sense of structure and purpose to a series, giving viewers a reason to keep tuning in and investing in the story and characters
• Examples of well-crafted seasonal arcs include the rise of Heisenberg in "Breaking Bad" and the mystery of the Yellow King in "True Detective" (Season 1)

Writing for commercials

• Writing for television often involves accommodating commercial breaks, which can impact the pacing, structure, and storytelling of an episode
• Writers must be skilled in crafting act breaks, integrating product placement, and working within the timing and pacing constraints of commercial television

Act breaks and cliffhangers

• Act breaks are the points in an episode where the story pauses for a commercial break
• Writers must craft compelling cliffhangers or twists at each act break to keep viewers engaged and eager to return after the commercial
• Act breaks should be placed at natural turning points or moments of heightened tension in the story
• Examples of effective act breaks include the revelation of a secret, a character in peril, or a surprising plot development

Product placement integration

• Product placement refers to the incorporation of branded products or services into the story or setting of a television episode
• Writers may be asked to integrate product placement in a way that feels organic and natural to the story and characters
• Product placement can be a delicate balance, as too much or too obvious placement can feel inauthentic and disrupt viewer immersion
• Examples of product placement include characters using specific brands of technology, vehicles, or food and beverage products

Timing and pacing constraints

• Commercial television episodes have strict timing and pacing constraints, with specific lengths for each act and the overall episode
• Writers must be able to craft stories that fit within these constraints, ensuring that each act is a satisfying and well-paced mini-arc
• Timing and pacing constraints can be challenging, as writers must balance character development, plot progression, and thematic exploration within a limited timeframe
• Experienced television writers develop a strong sense of timing and pacing, allowing them to create engaging and well-structured episodes that fit seamlessly into the commercial format

Collaboration in television writing

• Television writing is a highly collaborative process, involving writers, showrunners, network executives, studios, actors, and directors
• Understanding the dynamics of collaboration and the roles of each stakeholder is essential for success in the television industry

Writers' room dynamics

• The writers' room is the collaborative space where a team of writers works together to break stories, outline episodes, and write scripts for a television series
• Writers' room dynamics can vary depending on the showrunner's leadership style, the size of the writing staff, and the personalities of the individual writers
• Effective writers' rooms foster open communication, creative brainstorming, and constructive feedback, allowing writers to build upon each other's ideas and create the best possible scripts
• Examples of famous writers' rooms include those of "The Simpsons," "Saturday Night Live," and "The West Wing"

Showrunner's role and responsibilities

• The showrunner is the person responsible for overseeing all creative aspects of a television series, including writing, casting, and production
• Showrunners are the ultimate decision-makers in the writers' room, setting the creative vision and tone for the series and guiding the writing process
• Effective showrunners are strong leaders who can manage a team of writers, communicate with network executives and studio representatives, and adapt to the challenges and demands of television production
• Examples of renowned showrunners include Vince Gilligan ("Breaking Bad"), Shonda Rhimes ("Grey's Anatomy"), and David Chase ("The Sopranos")

Network and studio notes

• Network and studio executives provide notes and feedback on television scripts, offering suggestions for improvements, changes, or adjustments to the story and characters
• Writers must be able to receive and incorporate network and studio notes in a way that maintains the integrity of their creative vision while satisfying the needs and expectations of the stakeholders
• Navigating network and studio notes can be a delicate process, requiring diplomacy, flexibility, and the ability to find creative solutions to feedback and concerns
• Successful television writers learn to balance their creative instincts with the practical realities of the industry and the input of network and studio partners

Actor input and improvisation

• Actors can provide valuable input and insights into their characters, helping to shape the direction and nuance of the writing
• Some television series, particularly comedies, allow for actor improvisation during filming, which can lead to new ideas, jokes, or character moments that enhance the script
• Writers must be open to collaboration with actors and be willing to adapt their scripts to incorporate the strengths and unique contributions of the cast
• Examples of series that have benefited from actor input and improvisation include "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Veep," and "Reno 911!"

Pitching and selling television scripts

• Pitching and selling television scripts is a crucial skill for aspiring television writers, as it is the primary way to get their ideas and stories in front of industry decision-makers
• Writers must be able to craft compelling loglines, create comprehensive series bibles, pitch effectively to networks and studios, and navigate the development process

Crafting a compelling logline

• A logline is a brief, one-sentence summary of a television series that captures the central premise, characters, and conflict in a way that intrigues and excites potential buyers
• Crafting a compelling logline requires distilling the essence of the series into a concise, engaging, and marketable statement
• Effective loglines often include a unique hook, a sense of the series' tone and genre, and a glimpse of the central characters and their struggles
• Examples of successful loglines include "A chemistry teacher turns to a life of crime to secure his family's future" ("Breaking Bad") and "A mockumentary on a group of typical office workers, where the workday consists of ego clashes, inappropriate behavior, and tedium" ("The Office")

Creating a series bible

• A series bible is a comprehensive document that outlines the key elements of a television series, including character descriptions, setting, tone, and long-term story arcs
• Series bibles are used to pitch a television series to networks and studios, providing a detailed overview of the show's creative vision and potential for long-term success
• Effective series bibles include detailed character profiles, episode ideas, season-long story arcs, and a clear sense of the series' unique voice and perspective
• Examples of famous series bibles include those for "Stranger Things," "Game of Thrones," and "The Wire"

Pitching to networks and studios

• Pitching a television series involves presenting the logline, series bible, and creative vision to network and studio executives in a way that generates excitement and interest
• Effective pitches are engaging, confident, and well-prepared, demonstrating the writer's passion for the project and their ability to execute the creative vision
• Writers must be able to answer questions, address concerns, and adapt their pitch to the specific needs and preferences of each network or studio
• Successful pitches often involve a combination of strong writing, compelling storytelling, and a unique creative perspective that sets the series apart from existing shows

Navigating the development process

• The development process is the journey a television series takes from initial pitch to final production, involving multiple stages of feedback, revision, and refinement
• Writers must be able to navigate the development process, working with network and studio executives to shape the series and address any creative or logistical challenges that arise
• The development process can be lengthy and complex, requiring patience, persistence, and a willingness to collaborate and compromise when necessary
• Successful navigation of the development process involves building strong relationships with industry partners, being responsive to feedback and notes, and maintaining a clear creative vision throughout the journey

Career paths in television writing

• There are several career paths available to aspiring television writers, each with its own unique challenges, opportunities, and trajectories
• Understanding the different roles and responsibilities of staff writers, showrunners, freelance writers, and spec script writers can help aspiring writers navigate their careers in the television industry

Staff writer to showrunner

• The traditional career path for television writers involves starting as a staff writer and working up the ranks to eventually become a showrunner
• Staff writers are part of the writing team for a television series, working in the writers' room to break stories, outline episodes, and write scripts
• As writers gain experience and prove their skills, they can be promoted to higher positions such as story editor, executive story editor, and co-producer, taking on more responsibility and creative control
• Showrunners are the highest-level writers on a television series, overseeing all creative aspects of the show and serving as the final decision-maker in the writers' room
• Examples of writers who have followed this career path include Vince Gilligan ("Breaking Bad"), Shonda Rhimes ("Grey's