SCRIPT SERIES: Why Read a Script Series?

Yesterday, I explored the benefits of writing a script series. But, though I think they’re an excellent learning tool, they’re not just an exercise. Script series are also their own distinct form of entertainment, one that readers have been enjoying for almost a decade at MZPtv, and even longer at their forebears like SimplyScripts. The thought of reading a script for pleasure seems unusual (and some would use stronger words), but writers have to write enjoyable scripts. How does one pull in the attention of a gatekeeper, an executive or producer or agent, if not by telling a great story and using the unique benefits of scripted storytelling.

Script series aren’t just for writing. They’re for reading.

SCRIPT SERIES: Why Do a Script Series?

Writing requires practice. And if you want to write TV, you can only learn so much from practising writing features. The two forms are very different beasts, and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for the other. At the micro level it might. in terms of writing style, but when it comes to plotting, pacing and characterisation, it’s a different ball game entirely. Not only that, but writing a pilot, a midseason episode, a season finale, a series finale are all distinct skill sets – ones that are particularly hard to develop on your own out in the wild.

What this means is that, when you’re given your first assignment for a scripted TV series, you’ll only have learned so much from writing original pilots and spec scripts. You’ll know how to write an episode of TV, sure, but both of those things are islands and your script will be more like the middle part of a track keeping a speeding train from careening out of control. It’s a muscle, and unlike feature writers, it’s one you’ll have a hard time strengthening.

Which is why I think Script Series are a tremendous training tool for writers in scripted television, particularly dramatic (which is where my focus lies). But what exactly are ‘Script Series’?

Characters: In the Castle With Our Friends

I don’t know how other writers experience their characters, but I have an immense fondness for mine. They are like friends, hanging out in my brain with me. Having adventures and bringing me along. When they are victorious, I cheer; when they are victims of tragedy, I am solemn. And unlike real people, I experience characters at many different stages of their life in the same instant – I know their beginning, and I can see a dozen moments in their futures at once. Hypotheticals, yes, but in the moment feeling like they are carved in stone.

TV: Spinoffs, Universe Extensions and a New Approach to TV Scheduling

The recent development of a Once Upon a Time spinoff, Once: Wonderland, has struck a thought for me. Network TV is dealing with a few issues: summer scripted shows struggle with the ‘summer ghetto’ preconception that summer shows are predestined to fail, despite cable seeing success in those months; meanwhile, 22-episode seasons of shows, despite occasionally struggling to be relevant for that entire run, are struggling to retain viewers for the full season thanks to regular hiatuses.

What if there were a smart way to extend good shows, remove in-season hiatuses and strengthen the summer season so that it could potentially become a viable concept?

Now you’re listening.

PERSONAL: The Diversionist Diverted

It has been a month and a half since I’ve posted something to The Diversionist.

Not through lack of trying! I have a handful of drafts sitting in my dashboard, half-composed and abandoned. I’ve been thinking a lot about this blog, and about how I miss writing regularly here. So this is me dropping in to say: I’m not dead. This blog is definitely not dead. There have been some distractions, some of which I can talk about, most of which I can’t. Legally. Which, by the way, is a good sign for my career.

WRITING: Inspiration and Music II

In November 2010 I introduced Inspiration and Music, a post showing off a game I created to aid in idea development. I haven’t played the game in a long time, and I thought it might be fun to play it again publicly, with my very different musical landscape and, hopefully, keener creative instincts. Stand by for more…

PERSONAL: Developing New Skills

I’ve always been of the mind that being good at something only requires a small seed of talent, and that the thing that divides one from the masses is hard work and passion. Some people’s innate talent saves them a lot of effort, true. But at the end of the day it’s still about investing your hours, and your elbow grease. into striving to be better. It can be easy to make time for your primary talent, the one that you see as your main priority. But it takes just as much work to develop new skills.

What new skills are you trying to build, and how are you going about it?

PERSONAL: Building the Desk

Back in October I bought a desk. I just put it together tonight. It’s gotten me thinking about a lot of things.

2013 Oncoming

Last year, I went public with my goals for 2012. Now is the time to reflect on those goals, and make some new ones…

LINK ROUNDUP

Here’s a handful of good reads for perusing by the fireplace this cold January…