Creative control

[proudwolf]

Question:

Yes, I'm a newbie. New to tv writing, scripts, the whole 9 yards.

This is my concern. I have written a full 1 hour drama script, logline, synopsis and character sheet. Ready to go. But, I have worked on this for a long time. This is my baby. I want this show on the air with a network such as the CW or FOX. It belongs there. FOX especially needs new drama series nowadays. My problem is this: as a new writer, most networks and production companies are not going to take me on and my script and let me run the show. I want creative control of my series. I am not saying I want everything to go through me. Not at all. Basically, I don't want to sell my idea and have someone take it, change it, re-make it and then I can't even recognize it. I want to be the showrunner. And for a newbie, that is next to impossible. Correct?

Advice?

Should I take one of my other ideas and try and sell the idea first? Put my big one on the backburner until I get some clout in the Hollywood world?

I've been told to try and get PA jobs or such, but in sunny Florida, they are few and far between. Even in the land of Disney.

Help me out here.

[DMNY]

Should I take one of my other ideas and try and sell the idea first? Put my big one on the backburner until I get some clout in the Hollywood world?

As far as I know, this might be a better idea. Beside, if you are a newbie (assuming you don't have any connections either), it will be much harder for you to be able to do anything you mentioned in your post.
I understand this is your 'baby' but when you sell it, the chances are that your creation will be out of your hands...Again, like you said, unless you have some clout out there.

[proudwolf]

That's what I figured. I don't want to take the chance with my series.

Ok, next question.

Is it possible to sell an idea without a complete script? I have alot of ideas with loglines and synopses but not all complete scripts?

And, should I try to get an agent?


Thanks

[DMNY]

Again, of what I know, the world of TV and cinema are distinct entities with yet some similarities. I would query as many people as possible, may it be agents, managers, prodcos or studios. Personally, I also would make sure that my scripts are already done and presentable before sending loglines out.

I don't remember anyone having an opportunity of selling an idea without a script unless you already are known to them....And even then.

Again, no agent would consider you without having something concrete in their hands to start a discussion. Write and finish three or more scripts before jumping toward the querying process.

I'd let other more knowledgeable members chime in.

[odriftwood]

Wolf,

Bottom line, if you're serious about working in TV you've got to move to LA. You can make an arguement about writing films anywhere but this is where TV is happening. Once you're here you can begin meeting and networking with the people that can help you. Let's say your pilot is the best thing since THE SORPRANOS, you're still going to be hooked up with a professional showrunner. And more then likely whoever that person is, will be sharing created by credit. That's just the way it is. The other way, is to get staffed on a show and work your way up the ladder. If you end up working on a hit show, networks will throw development deals at you and then you can call your own shots but it's a long, hard road. First thing is first.... write some specs of shows already on the air and pack your bags... it's the only way.

[Minibrain]

Oh man.

Yeah, best bet is what's been suggested above. Move out to Los Angeles, and start by getting any job in the TV industry that you can.

And start learning. Take classes. Meet people who work in the business. Connect.

Spend like two years doing that, and most of the questions you've posed here -- and a lot more than you don't know yet to ask -- will be answered.

To be a showrunner, you need production experience. Usually (but not always) TV production experience. Otherwise, if your idea really is your baby, you actually don't want to be the showrunner because you'll probably just wind up killing your baby.

But -- if your idea is good, it's not a given that people brought in to help you produce it would change it a lot.

However, to get a chance to sell a TV pilot idea, you need to get somewhat known to the people who buy pilot pitches. Whether you get known directly, or hook up with a known producer.

Most pilots are bought as pitches, and then you're paid to write a pilot script. If they like the script, they finance production of the pilot.

If they like the produced pilot, they order the project to series.

A typical major network buys about 50-80 hour drama pitches a season. Of those, they order between eight and 12 into production.

Of the pilots that get produced, about half will make it to air in one form or another.

Only a small number of those go on to be successful series that run long enough to be syndicated.

[zazzo2003]

Writers Bootcamp

http://www.writersbootcamp.com


Do it!


Zazzzz

[proudwolf]

Okay, makes sense. Say I do move to LA. My husband and I drop everything here and move to LA. We would have to sell our house and find new jobs there. But it is managable.

Where would I start? PA jobs?

I don't know the area, nor do I know anyone who lives there. I wouldn't even know where to look for an apartment.

Can you suggest an area to look for decent and decent priced apartments?

[Pull Back Reveal]

Start browsing craigslist in LA to get a feel for what's available.

Here's a fantastic guide to LA neighborhoods prepared for USC students (so has a distance-to-USC slant) that should help orient you:

http://www-scf.usc.edu/~ngf/Guides/la_living.html

There are some threads on here about Moving to L.A. that discuss neighborhoods, prices, logistics. Lots of stories about living over dry cleaners, etc.