Jeffrey LieberNov 19, 2022

Since pilots, specifically original pilots, have become the standard "audition" for wannabe TV writers, I'm going to try and do a set of rules for them that mimics the one I've done for showrunning (can be found here --> https://mastodon.social/@JeffLieber/109315346829400049).

Please know these rules exist a) for me to work them out for myself b) as a jumping off point for discussion and c) as a set of precepts to abandon and improve upon once you've got it figured out.

So, without further ado...

Show threadJeffrey LieberNov 19, 2022

Pilot Rule #1: With the exception of a pilot based on a huge piece of intellectual property, getting yours from your head to production is a game of telephone.

The idea must be passed from person to person. You to producer...then that producer to an executive...then an executive to their boss and then to their boss’ boss.

Simplicity is the key. So, your pilot should be utterly understandable and pitchable in 3 sentences or less.

If it's not…simplify.

Then simplify again.

Show threadCoridan Miller
@JeffLieber If the pilot is meant as an audition of your skills, would doing one for a big established IP be a good idea? After all you're going to be presumably hired to work in a writer's room on someone else's IP not your own
Nov 20, 2022 at 12:39amWeb
Show threadJeffrey LieberNov 20, 2022
@coridanmiller There are two kinds of pilots, SPEC and ORIGINALS. Spec pilots are scripts written of existing series. It used to be that 90% of pilots were specs, because "See, I can mimic a voice." But now with 300 milliony shows, it's hard to know if the person reading your spec will know the series you're writing and so...now it's flipped and 90% of pilots are originals. Do with this what you like...
Show threadCoridan MillerNov 20, 2022
@JeffLieber Well, I have an original I'm currently using but been thinking of writing a Batman one for fun and in memory of Kevin Conroy
Show threadJeffrey LieberNov 20, 2022
@coridanmiller Great. Super. Sounds amazing. Do what compels you to the keyboard.
Show threadJohn BrownlowNov 20, 2022
@coridanmiller @JeffLieber I can kinda sorta answer this as I'm reading scripts to staff a show at the moment. Just for me, I would FAR FAR rather read an original because I'm not looking for writers who can ventriloquize, but who can help originate. I'm looking for people who can do things I can't and know things I don't. That's not meant to be a rule but a data point. The pilot (to me) is a chance to show how you think, what obsesses you, and what unique skills and/or knowledge you may bring.
Show threadJeffrey LieberNov 20, 2022
@thejohnbrownlow @coridanmiller The only possible caveat, is that there are skills that com with setting up a world that you've already done....and you don't need those. I've had some GREAT writers on staff who can do what they need to do with an existing world that they probably wouldn't do as well without the world pre-established.
Show threadJohn BrownlowNov 20, 2022
@JeffLieber @coridanmiller That's a great point.