A Few Important questions!!

[clandis88]

I am in the middle of writing a pilot script for a 30 min sitcom. I am using finaldraft as my software. Does anyone know about how many pages it should be for 30 minutes?

Also what should I send when im pitching my show. I hear so many different things like a bible, list of charactors, outline of the whole season, and episode 1 also. Can people give me suggestions.

Also Has anyone used tvwritersvault.com? Is it credible at all?

One more thing just as interest I dont really care to much about it but was just wondering. When selling a show how much negotiation power does the seller have? Like if a producer would want my show could i say i want to write more episodes or maybe even appear in the show?

Also how much does a writer get per script? I know there isnt really an exact figure but just like what have you heard for some shows.


Thanks

[Mac H.]

Just some quick thoughts to keep you going until PerditaDrury arrives...

1. It might be worth reading this old thread on bibles etc...
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24936

2. tvwritersvault.com has no credibility. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Don't waste your time.

3. The rule of thumb is 1 page = 1 minute, but that is very very rough. The easiest way is to simply 'act' out the script OUT LOUD and ignore the odd looks by passerbys. It all depends on the writing style etc.

4. Larry Brody's message board died on the way to being ported to a new server, but it seems to have been resurrected here: http://screenandtvwriter.com/phpBB//index.php

There are plenty of years of TV writing/producing experience there that can help answer your question.

Good luck,

Mac

[PerditaDrury]

I am in the middle of writing a pilot script for a 30 min sitcom. I am using finaldraft as my software. Does anyone know about how many pages it should be for 30 minutes?

Also what should I send when im pitching my show. I hear so many different things like a bible, list of charactors, outline of the whole season, and episode 1 also. Can people give me suggestions.

Also Has anyone used tvwritersvault.com? Is it credible at all?

One more thing just as interest I dont really care to much about it but was just wondering. When selling a show how much negotiation power does the seller have? Like if a producer would want my show could i say i want to write more episodes or maybe even appear in the show?

Also how much does a writer get per script? I know there isnt really an exact figure but just like what have you heard for some shows.


Thanks

Well, I must confess that we don't do sitcoms at my company, only dramatic programming and I've only worked on one sitcom, which lasted 5 scant episodes. I've only written 3 produced sitcom episodes simply because I wanted to spend time with the writing teams because they seemed like they were having so much fun in their conference room.

The rule is indeed one minute per page but make sure you use television formatting and not screenplay formatting, you know, double-spacing in the dialogue.

The length, however, will vary from 22 pages to 35 pages depending on what's going on in the episode.

You will need to include the first episode (the pilot), a list of the sets, a "one-page" which gives a paragraph description of what it's about, where it's set and who the characters are including the lead characters and recurring ones. It's always a good idea to include a list of the first possible episodes in a couple of sentences.

For example, if your sitcom is about a teenager, Ben, working in a donut shop, you could say (after you've developed the whole concept) for suggested episodes:
1. Ben gets his driver's learner's permit... and crashes through the plate glass window at the donut shop.
2. Ben and Lila are locked in the donut shop overnight.

Stuff like that. It doesn't have to be as detailed as a dramatic series.

As to your other questions...

Go to WGA website and look up their schedule of minimums. That tells how much sitcom writers make.

In regards to wanting to write more episodes, anything is possible. If an exec loves your script AND loves you, you might well get your own show.

But generally, you sell it, then you fight for the right to write one more episode, then are asked to go away. You get your credited by credit and make money as long as it's on the air. If they like you, and like your writing, you might get a regular gig.

My advice would be to read as many TV sitcom scripts as you can get your hands on, then write a spec script based on a show on the air now. That's your writing sample. When execs see that you can handle pro writing, they might take you seriously and then you can hand off your idea.

However, a lot of GREAT writers and experienced showrunners lost work when the reality phase hit... they all have GREAT spec scripts and series concepts and are working the circuit. In sitcomville, track record trumps anything else.

Good luck though.

(Thanks, Mac, for the nod)

[C.bronco]

Thanks re: tvwritersvault. I just got a list of agents from WGA - free download :)

[Christopher Michael]

Hello all,

Quick question regarding spec scripts. What exactly goes on the title page? Obviously, my name and date and the name of the series/episode title but what is the exact format? Anyone have any examples? Also, do I need to register with the WGA?

[iforgot120]

@PerditaDrury: There's a television format? Really? Because every script I've seen for tv are written in screenplay format (unless I'm mistaking what screenplay format is, which is possible).

And would anyone happen to have a copy of Arrested Development's series bible? I've been trying to find it for a while now with no success.