Pilot or Spec episode?

Collapse

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Pilot or Spec episode?

    What's the better way to try and get onto a TV writing gig? Writing a pilot for a new show, or do people still send out spec. episodes for a show that's been around for a 2-3 seasons? I head the latter isn't done anymore.

    I'd love to get a staff TV writing job - not sure what they'll ask to see.


    Thanks.

  • #2
    Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

    Many showrunners like to read original pilots. So, I'd write a pilot. However, sometimes they ask for a spec as a second writing sample.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

      Original pilot all the way.

      If you can create a new world with new characters and a compelling concept and story, then mimicking someone else's show that has already done the heavy lifting will be easy (easier).

      Pilots show you are a writer and can write. Specs show you can copy someone else's voice, structure, characters.
      Quack.

      Writer on a cable drama.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

        Pilots for jobs. Specs for programs.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

          It sounds like you might not have written a TV spec before. If so, I would suggest specing a show first. Maybe write three specs before attempting a pilot. Pilots are really hard.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

            Originally posted by Filmmagician View Post
            What's the better way to try and get onto a TV writing gig? Writing a pilot for a new show, or do people still send out spec. episodes for a show that's been around for a 2-3 seasons? I head the latter isn't done anymore.

            I'd love to get a staff TV writing job - not sure what they'll ask to see.


            Thanks.
            Option 3: work as a PA in the TV world and get to know people while you write your pilot.

            Realize as you embark on this that the chances of getting a gig off of a script are vanishingly small. It can be done, and some have, but the walls of TV land are very high, and there are many guardians at the many gates. That said, those that get through the gates are relentless in pursuing the thing they love to do the most.

            I had to whip out a spec to satisfy diversity program applications this spring. So it might be worth looking at *how* you want to get in first. If you're trying for a WB, NBC, Fox or Disney fellowship you might need to spec it out. Otherwise, a pilot's the way to go.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

              Originally posted by MoviePen View Post
              Option 3: work as a PA in the TV world and get to know people while you write your pilot.

              Realize as you embark on this that the chances of getting a gig off of a script are vanishingly small. It can be done, and some have, but the walls of TV land are very high, and there are many guardians at the many gates. That said, those that get through the gates are relentless in pursuing the thing they love to do the most.

              I had to whip out a spec to satisfy diversity program applications this spring. So it might be worth looking at *how* you want to get in first. If you're trying for a WB, NBC, Fox or Disney fellowship you might need to spec it out. Otherwise, a pilot's the way to go.
              I was a semi finalist for the Nickelodeon Writing Program. They require TWO specs. No originals. And they should be from different shows. Though ABC's program seemed to allow an original pilot.

              But yeah, other than programs, managers and agents want to see original pilots nowadays.
              "I need someone who laughs at all my jokes. You know; honest feedback."
              - C. Montgomery Burns

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

                Managers/Showrunners/Execs/etc., are looking for original pilots. However if you're new to writing I think starting with a spec is a better idea just for practice. Tackling a pilot is pretty difficult without any prior writing experience.

                Starting small is important.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

                  When it comes to staffing, almost all showrunners (both comedy and drama) want original material now. Pilots are great because they show you know the format, and they also have the potential to sell and become a show (It's not common, but I have 3 baby writer friends who have sold pilots within the last year and two of those either have gone to series or are in the process of going to series)--but I've also heard of MANY writers getting staffed off plays, feature scripts and short stories. Basically, they want to know your voice. So--original material all the way.

                  That said, you should write specs for practice, as mimicking another writer's voice IS something you'll have to do once on staff. Also, writing fellowships and programs (ABC, CBS, Nick, WB, etc.) only accept spec episodes. They don't accept pilots because they don't want to be sued if they are developing a similar show already.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

                    This must have changed since the 90s, because my agents always advised exactly the opposite.

                    The consensus was that you wrote specs for recent shows with a tone similar to the one you're aiming for. Never write specs for the actual show you want, because those intimate with its production will only see the faults in your writing.

                    Also, original pilots were most definitely NOT recommended, because the showrunner/producer needed to see if you could adapt to the show's tone and write established characters.

                    I haven't been in TV for over a decade, but I'd be shocked if the reasoning had really changed that much.
                    Need a collaborator? GeniusCreatives.com.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

                      I would add, BTW, that writing established characters is nowhere near as easy as you might think. For me, anyway, world-building is easy. Adaptation shows flexibility and intelligence. And indicates you're someone the showrunners may be able to work with.

                      So are we talking about an established show, or are we talking about trying to sell a pilot to a seasoned showrunner (who likely has no shortage of their own ideas anyway)?
                      Need a collaborator? GeniusCreatives.com.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

                        Originally posted by GeniusCreativesCom View Post

                        So are we talking about an established show, or are we talking about trying to sell a pilot to a seasoned showrunner (who likely has no shortage of their own ideas anyway)?
                        It has changed dramatically in the last five years.

                        Nowadays all showrunners are more interested in reading original material to see what an individual brings in terms of creativity and voice.

                        In terms of seeking representations, managers and agents want original material because there's a nascent but burgeoning market for original spec pilots that wasn't there a few years ago.

                        Specs of existing shows are generally used for some of the top tier programs.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

                          Maaan, I wish things had been like that in the late 90s. I had no shortage of original stuff, and it always felt like a waste to write specs I knew would never be considered for production.
                          Need a collaborator? GeniusCreatives.com.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Pilot or Spec episode?

                            Originally posted by GeniusCreativesCom View Post
                            This must have changed since the 90s, because my agents always advised exactly the opposite.
                            It absolutely has changed ... in the last TWENTY THREE YEARS.

                            (yes. I feel old too. Pats you.)
                            writertypepeople.tumblr.com
                            twitter.com/susanlbridges
                            pendantaudio.com

                            Comment

                            Working...
                            X