Help with pilot

Shawn · Post by **Shawn** » September 28th, 2010, 12:23 pm

Hi AIC:

I have had this crazy idea about a show that I want to pitch to MTV. I am finally deciding to do something about it. However, I have ZERO experience writing scripts. So, I am putting together a treatment and would love some help writing a script for a pilot episode (or part of one). The plan is to either submit the script (via a contact I have at MTV) or to shoot a pilot (or part of one). I would probably fly to Austin and shoot it with a director friend of mine. If you help - there is a chance - that you could be moving to NY to be a writer for a scripted MTV show.

If you are interested, please e-mail me: shawn (dot) leventhal (at) gmail (dot) com. Thank you very much!

Shawn Leventhal

KathyRose · Post by **KathyRose** » September 29th, 2010, 3:56 pm

As you may know (or suspect), it takes a lot more than a great concept to sell a new show. Finding an experienced writer to help you develop your idea is pretty hard to do, since (if they're any good at all) they are already busy developing their own ideas. However, with so many resources available online today, you can learn what you need to know to get started. For example... (just ignore the ads):
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-write-a-television-script
There are a lot more writing-for-TV guidelines available online. Just Google it.

Knowing what channel you're writing for is a good place to start, cuz you can tailor your structure (e.g. where the commercial breaks occur) to their favored rhythm & style. And remember: in addition to the pilot script, you'll also need to have outlines for the first season of episodes in the series, to show that the series has legs & somewhere to go.

Good luck!

Spots · Post by **Spots** » September 29th, 2010, 6:29 pm

Still, never hurts to have one other person to bounce ideas back and forth.

KathyRose · Post by **KathyRose** » September 29th, 2010, 11:16 pm

Spots wrote:Still, never hurts to have one other person to bounce ideas back and forth.

Absolutely! In fact, that's essential. Just saying, don't let a lack of writing experience keep you from developing your idea, because you can easily learn online most of what you need to know, but do be aware that your potential investors have specific expectations and you won't sell an idea, no matter how brilliant, if it hasn't been properly developed.

Oh, BTW - you can't protect your rights to a concept for a show. Only a completed script can be registered with the Writers Guild of America.

Spaztique · Post by **Spaztique** » September 29th, 2010, 11:21 pm

Speaking of concepts, this conversation inspired me to write an entire article on my writing blog on how not to write a sitcom pilot. The link on is my signature (just click the "Spaztique's Writing Blog" image).

Update: Updated it just a tad based on reader comment. Thanks, anonymous!

Spots · Post by **Spots** » September 30th, 2010, 12:29 am

I thought Shawn's initial post was straight forward. He's looking for someone to help write a pilot, and it might even be filmed. I know I'd be a little agitated if someone used that as an opportunity to expound unsolicited information using me as an example.

By the way Shawn, television is a widely used telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that are either monochromatic ("black and white") or color, usually accompanied by sound. Not sure if you knew that but I published a handbook called "Basics of TV For Shawn" just in case.