TV is a unique and popular form of entertainment. As with any art project, there are standard rules to follow, and some tips for success.
As with other disciplines, the more experience you gain in writing television texts, the more likely your TV show is to succeed. With the help of this article, you should be able to write a detailed, interesting and perfect script.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a topic
If you have the opportunity to choose the topic for the script, get ready to test yourself. Grab a sheet of paper or open a new document on your pc. Write down whatever comes into your head. Once this list is complete, you will have a good number of topics to choose from.
- Propose the idea; if she likes it, she will become famous, and therefore she will be successful. Talk to trusted people or friends and family about it. Try to find someone with experience, especially if you are writing for a competition or on a professional level.
- Make your own decision, even if your best topic isn't popular - it might still have a following, as long as you're familiar with that context. For example, if football is very popular, but you know everything about oriental cuisine, you should definitely talk about what you like best, so that you can give your best.
Step 2. Read up
Before starting to write your story, you need to take a look at the work of others. This way you will have new ideas and overcome old ones. Remember, you don't want to show producers something they've already seen.
Step 3. Outline the basic steps or rules of your program
This is probably the most important part of your work, as it is where the guidelines for the rest of the project are defined. Many of the steps in this phase will be developed at the same time, so you need to try to keep your ideas in order to ensure consistency and avoid mistakes. There are no rules on how to do this, but you should find the method that works best for you. Some people will use a notebook to draw, others will write everything down on cards, mind maps, software… you should try until you find the most effective method.
- Brainstorm. Again, list ideas for your story. This is where you should think about the overall plot of your show. For example, "Glee" is a very popular and well done program with high school students with various personalities who are part of a choral group. With romance, comedy and drama you get caught up in the mini-musical every week. An interesting and original storyline is vital to a captivating program, so work hard.
- Choose a genre. Consider the storyline for your show and try to choose the most suitable genre. Is it mysterious, a soap opera or a comedy? The possibilities are endless and it is possible that your program falls into multiple categories. “Glee”, for example, would be a musical tragicomedy. Then you have to carefully define your target market, there are many differences between writing a program for children aged 2 to 5 and a soap opera for teenagers, or between an American and an Asian program.
- Write a pilot bet. You will need it, in case your program is realized. The pilot episode is the one that attracts the attention of the public. It has to be full of details but at the same time it has to intrigue the audience, so that they want to see the next episode.
- Develop a setting. Describe some of the main contexts of the program, so that you have a reference if it should be realized. Historical period, atmospheric conditions, places, customs, languages …
- Develop the characters. Every show needs interesting characters to entertain the audience and contribute to its success. It is important to consider both the plot and the genre at this stage. Make sure your audience can relate to a character. This will make him even more eager to see the program.
Step 4. Develop a list of relationships between characters. At this stage, you will need to prepare 3 lists. A list of Conflicts or Disagreements - 2 or more characters who can't stand each other. You could include the reasons and issues they are fighting for. A list of Friends - groups of characters who are friends with each other. Also write down how strong their friendship is, and whether it will last for the duration of the program. A List of Loves - marks the characters in love, married, or who like each other and will end up getting engaged in the program.
Propose the program, more than ever. It is really important to get the job done right at this stage. If you make a mistake here, it will be more difficult and expensive to fix later. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to ask for help from more experienced people
Step 5. Develop the details
Now, if you haven't already done so, you should take care of choosing all the details of your project. Be sure to check the consistency of the smallest detail:
- Plot
- Setting
- Personages
- Special items or tools
Step 6. Put everything you have prepared together and start writing
Use a standard structure. You should find something online, or even use professional software. If you are writing for a contest, they should give you the rules to follow to submit your text, or your producer or director should give you the delivery details. However, the shape of the structure should always be the same.
Step 7. Correct the drafts
There is nothing better than experience to improve, and the person who started writing the text is very different from the one who completed it. Reread and correct what needs to be corrected.
Advice
- Don't worry too much about the approval rating. Viewers will arrive spontaneously, and if you leave them on their toes, they will love your show and follow it.
- Contact an experienced TV writer. His advice could improve your script.
- Discover every detail of your characters. Even less relevant things, like their favorite sandwich. If you want them to be credible, they need to be complete.
- Also keep yourself in trepidation. Once you've written an episode, make sure you want to know what will come to your mind next.
