Spencer Lanoue
Writing a show is an exhilarating journey that can take you from a simple idea to a fully fleshed-out story that captivates audiences. Whether you're dreaming of crafting the next big sitcom or a gripping drama, understanding the process and nuances of show writing is crucial. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of writing a show, from concept to script, with practical advice and relatable examples to inspire your creativity.
Finding Your Unique Show Concept
Every great show begins with a compelling concept. It's the seed from which all else grows. But how do you find that unique idea that hasn't been done to death? Start by tapping into your own experiences and interests. What's a story only you can tell? Perhaps there's a quirky aspect of your life or an unusual hobby that can serve as a fresh backdrop for your show.
For example, imagine a comedy set in a knitting club, where each character's personality comes through in their knitting style. It's personal, niche, and yet universally relatable. Everyone has hobbies or interests that bring them joy. Consider brainstorming a list of everyday scenarios, then add a twist to make them unique. The key is to find a balance between originality and relatability.
Let's look at a simple exercise:
1. List five hobbies you enjoy.
2. Identify an unexpected setting for each.
3. Pick one and add a surprising element (like time travel or a mystery).
This process can help you generate ideas that stand out while remaining grounded in human experiences.
Creating Characters That Stand Out
Characters are the heart of any show. They drive the plot, engage the audience, and bring your story to life. When creating characters, aim for depth and diversity. Think about their backgrounds, motivations, and relationships with other characters. A well-rounded character feels real and relatable.
Consider using character sketches to flesh out your protagonists and antagonists. Here's a sample character sketch:
Name: Jane Doe
Age: 32
Occupation: Veterinarian
Background: Grew up on a farm, loves animals more than people
Personality: Empathetic, awkward, deeply passionate about animal rights
Goal: To open a no-kill animal shelter
Conflict: Struggles with social anxiety, which affects her fundraising efforts
Notice how Jane's background and goals set up potential conflicts and story arcs. Real-life quirks and challenges make characters more relatable and interesting.
Structuring Your Show
The structure of your show is like its skeleton, giving it form and pacing. Most shows adhere to a standard three-act structure, but there's room for creativity depending on your genre. The three-act structure typically includes:
- Act One: Introduce your characters and setting. Establish the premise and main conflict.
- Act Two: Develop the story. Characters face obstacles and challenges, leading to a climax.
- Act Three: Resolve the plot and subplots. Characters grow, and the story concludes.
For example, in a 30-minute sitcom, Act One might be the first 10 minutes, Act Two the next 15, and Act Three the final 5. This structure helps maintain a steady pace and keeps viewers engaged.
Writing the Pilot Episode
Your pilot episode is crucial. It's your chance to hook viewers and set the tone for your show. Begin with a strong opening scene that grabs attention. Introduce your main characters and establish the show's world and tone.
Consider this opening scene for a comedy about a failing food truck:
INT. FOOD TRUCK - DAY
JESS (30s, optimistic but clueless) struggles to juggle orders as smoke billows from the grill.
JESS
(to the crowd)
Who ordered the 'Cajun Surprise'? Anyone? No? Great!
She frantically fans the smoke with a spatula.
This scene sets up Jess as a struggling but determined character, providing both humor and context within just a few lines.
Dialogue That Sparkles
Dialogue breathes life into your characters and story. It should reveal personality, advance the plot, and feel natural. Avoid excessive exposition. Show, don't tell. Instead, let your characters' conversations naturally reveal information and emotions.
Here's a tip: Read your dialogue out loud. Does it sound like something a real person would say? If not, tweak it. Keep it concise and ensure each line serves a purpose. Try adding subtext to create tension or humor, leaving some things unsaid for the audience to infer.
Developing Subplots
Subplots enrich your main story, adding depth and complexity. They can provide contrast, highlight themes, or develop secondary characters. When crafting subplots, ensure they connect to the main plot and contribute to character development or thematic exploration.
For instance, in a drama about a family-run bakery, a subplot might explore the youngest sibling's ambition to become a chef, creating tension with the family tradition. This subplot can parallel the main conflict, providing additional stakes.
Revising and Refining Your Script
Revising is where the magic happens. After completing your draft, take a break before diving back in with fresh eyes. Look for areas to tighten the dialogue, enhance character arcs, and ensure the pacing works. Consider feedback from trusted peers or use a tool like Spell to refine your script faster.
Spell can help you generate drafts in seconds and edit them using natural language prompts, making the revision process more efficient. It's like having an editor by your side, suggesting improvements and helping you polish your script to perfection.
Pitching Your Show
Once your script is polished, it's time to pitch your show. Your pitch should be concise, engaging, and clearly communicate your show's concept, characters, and potential audience. Practice delivering your pitch confidently, focusing on what makes your show unique.
Consider creating a pitch bible—a document outlining your show's premise, characters, and episode ideas. This serves as a reference for potential producers or networks, showcasing your vision and commitment to the project.
Navigating Feedback and Rejection
Feedback and rejection are part of the creative process. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve your work. Not every pitch will be successful. Persistence and adaptability are key.
Remember, even the most successful shows faced rejection at some point. Use feedback to refine your concept or explore new angles. If one door closes, don't be afraid to knock on another or revisit your idea with a fresh perspective.
Final Thoughts
Writing a show is a journey filled with creativity, challenges, and growth. From developing a unique concept to crafting engaging characters and dialogue, each step is an opportunity to bring your vision to life. And with tools like Spell, you can streamline the writing process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Telling a story that resonates with audiences. Embrace the process, keep refining your craft, and remember that every show starts with a single idea.
