Screenplay and TV Writing Essentials

Screenplay and Television Writing Fundamentals
     Screenplay writing is like no other art form. It combines elements of creativity, along with strict(ish) structural rules. You can't simply pull up Microsoft Word and start writing a screenplay on an inspirational whim - the way you (sometimes) can with other creative writing forms.  Before you give up on your dream of writing a screenplay or TV pilot - fear not - as I am here to provide you with the essential tools that will help you get on the right path to writing your script. 
In Order to Write a Script, You Must Read Scripts
     So you want to write a screenplay or TV pilot?  The next logical question is: have you ever read a feature length script or episode of a television series?  In order to write scripts, you must have read scripts.  If you are interested in writing for television, I highly recommend that you check out this amazing free site that's full of dozens of TV pilot and regular episode scripts.  You should read a few of the scripts on the site to get a feel for the layout, structure and format for TV writing. You'll notice that most TV (single camera) comedy scripts are approximately 30 - 35 pages (a script page is equal to about one minute of screen time); while drama television scripts are usually between 50 - 60 pages. In a future blog post, I will get into further details regarding the specific formatting and structural nuances for TV comedy writing (e.g., single-cam versus multi-cam) and drama writing (e.g. - dramedy versus pure drama).  If you're interested in writing a movie - you should definitely bookmark the site LA Screenwriter; besides their amazing content - they also have a free database full of feature length movie scripts (and television pilots).
     Once you've read a few TV pilots and/or feature length scripts and have a general understanding of what a script looks like, then it's time to dive deeper into the process and learn the art of screenplay and television writing from the masters. 
The Best Screenplay and TV Writing Books
     When it comes to movie writing - the modern classic, must-have book is: "Save the Cat" by the late-great Blake Snyder.  "Save the Cat" contains all the essential screenplay writing rules; and Blake's Snyder's Beat Sheet provides you with a template to ensure that your story structure is solid.  If you're looking for an even deeper dive into screenplay writing structure and analysis, written in a more scholarly tone, then I recommend: "Story" by legendary screenplay writing instructor Robert McKee. 
       If you want  to write a TV drama pilot - then you must read Daniel Calvisi's "Story Maps - TV Drama."   It's essentially the "Save the Cat" for TV Drama pilot writing. Daniel's Story Maps expertly breaks down how each beat of the episode should be structured and provides you with amazing guide-posts for writing your TV pilot.  I took Daniel's Master Class and must say that the lessons from his class and book are invaluable. 
     When it comes to TV comedy writing, there are a few key books that you should add to your bookshelf.  "The Little Book of SITCOM" by John Vorhaus is a short and fun read; it contains all the elements you need for TV comedy writing and provides great examples for how to be funny on the page. "Automatic Pilot" by Bill Taub and "Writing Television Sitcoms" by Evan S. Smith also lay down the foundation for all your TV comedy writing needs.
The Best Screenplay and TV Writing Sources for Your Ears
     If you're more inclined to listen than read,  there are several writing podcasts that you should check out.  The Paper Team podcast focuses on TV writing and what it takes to become a professional TV writer. Each episode contains insightful tidbits on TV writing and top-notch guests (usually professional writers) who help deconstruct TV writing and what it takes to make it in the TV writing business.  
     Another great podcast that focuses on screenplay writing (along with television writing) is the On the Page Podcast with Pilar Alessandra.  The On the Page Podcast is a must-listen for all screenplay and TV writers. If you live in the Los Angeles area, I highly recommend taking Pilar's various writing classes and attending her seminars as they teach you many of the fundamental structural elements you need to be a screenplay writer. I've taken several of Pilar's classes and they've really helped in taking my writing to the next level.
Final Draft Script Writing Software
     Once you've got down the basics of screenplay and TV writing - you're ready to crank out that first draft.  As I'll discuss in a future blogs - the first draft is no where near perfect; as screenplay writing all is about re-writing.  But when you're ready to type FADE IN - you should be doing it using Final Draft software.  Final Draft is the industry standard when it comes to screenplay writing; all the professional script writers use it.  It automatically formats your script for TV or movies. Don't buck the trend here - there's really only one viable choice when it comes to script writing software - and it's Final Draft. 
     This initial blog post is intended to give you a general flavor of some of the key resources available to you help you with writing your first screenplay.  I am also here to provide any assistance you may need when it comes to movie and television writing or coverage of your script.  Feel free to contact me (Reeve Segal) for your screenplay writing needs.  If you have any future blog topics you'd like me to address and questions about this blog - leave a comment in the section below.  Happy writing!