Building a TV Series Episode 1: Writing a Pilot

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This is the first episode in a series covering how you should write a series for television. Today I'm looking at the Breaking Bad pilot to explain how a strong pilot should be written.
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Instagram: @mowery
#Screenwriting #BreakingBad #TVPilot

[@TylerMowery]

Get Practical Tools to Write Your Great Screenplay: www.practicalscreenwriting.com

[@soothingmind868]

Hi Tyler, how much to charge as a writer's fee for. Three minute-long pilot?

[@soothingmind868]

For a show like Family Guy?

[@baltrus5915]

Tyler Durden loves this kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3qpZ5iQqa2orqM

[@Aditya.sajjai]

you nicely explained the core ideas of the pilot very easy as far i think it is a pilot is like the first act of a movie that lasts for 20 minutes

[@OutstandingScreenplays]

Breaking Bad is the best pilot ever made! It builds masterfully on the likability of Walter White. So that when later in the series Walter White does incredibly disgusting things, we still don't stop watching the series, because our likeability for him is locked in since the pilot.

[@shanielswaby3591]

YESSS

[@LuisMiguelMarado]

I get why you say that, but I did hate WW after a while. I kept watching because I'm incredibly loyal to a good show with good writing. However, I stopped relating to WW very soon in the series.

[@ruly8153]

@@LuisMiguelMarado It’s It really about relating or likening It’s about empathy

[@adrithmanvik1853]

Imo attack on titan is the best pilot episode regardless of medium but Ik ppl are gonna disagree so come at me.

[@mariana-ni9wl]

For me Mr. Robot pilot it’s the best!

[@LFDLittlefluffydino]

I just need someone to explain this to me as if I'm 4 years old

[@darwinwinchester4621]

Oh God just as I was struggling with how to write my TV series you come from heaven with godly timing to the rescue. Thank you!!! I'm eager to watch the next episodes of this series.

[@EthanWingroveTV]

I made a TV Pilot inspired by this👇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnm3haOpadhomNk Lmk what u think🥷🏿

[@baltrus5915]

Tyler Durden loves this kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3qpZ5iQqa2orqM

[@judichristopher4604]

Right!!! I feel the same way.

[@23StudiosSports]

How’s the progress?

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@judichristopher4604are you still writing

[@falconawesomeness1141]

Dang. My mentor just told me that I need a pilot in my portfolio. This is dope timing.

[@baltrus5915]

Tyler Durden loves this kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3qpZ5iQqa2orqM

[@estebansgiron]

This video was uploaded just at the right moment. I was just about to start writing a pilot. Thanks Tyler! Your videos are always helpful! :)

[@ruizma9826]

Bruh me too!

[@riiddisbuk2496]

@@ruizma9826 Both of you, underrated comments :P

[@riiddisbuk2496]

@@ruizma9826 I was thinking of writing a comic series. I felt like this video is something to take note of.

[@ruizma9826]

@@riiddisbuk2496 Bruh same here 😁

[@riiddisbuk2496]

@@ruizma9826 👍

[@AndrewSego]

I just started writing a pilot! Very convenient that this graced my feed.

[@ChillSensesASMR]

They did an interview with the creator of breaking bad and he said that had he known about this other show called Weeds which is a similar premise, he wouldn’t have pitched his series.

[@Claustrofobi4]

Plenty of my script and TV professors set this show as an example of good directing, witting, audiovisual language, and everything that involves a well done work.

[@logicfrogmedia]

PERFECT TIMING I literally was just looking for a vid like this

[@alanhaldane4114]

I am considering writing my first TV series and started the research into what this will entail. This was most helpful Tyler; excellent clarity in a nice easy style. Many thanks!

[@NightWLKR1]

Coming back to this later

[@emmanuelsekyere8792]

Thank God!!! You finally ventured TV script!!!!!

[@alghanekar313]

Great information. The Breaking Bad Universe could teach a university Master Class on screenwriting.

[@kingjaffe321]

I’m going to use this method for the pilot of my new show thank you for showing us the method to this madness

[@TylerMowery]

No problem 👍

[@kingjaffe321]

It’s going to be a long journey I need to find me an old school mechanical typewriter.

[@emreemre96]

Excellent work as always! As a mere movie enthusiast, who has no intention for writing/directing, these kind of videos are really interesting to watch, makes me appreciate what goes on behind the scenes etc. Thank you!

[@harmonicafruitbananatoonie3261]

OH MY GOD THANK YOU! I've been trying to write a story for a television show for a while now, but never found many good videos, and they were usually only on the pilot. You're a lifesaver

[@stellamarrazes]

Thank very much Tyler! This is a great video. Very helpful!

[@TylerMowery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Janizzary]

I'd love to see a break down of the Stranger Things pilot. It has more of an ensemble with Joyce, Hopper, the boys: Mike, Lucas & Justin, Eleven, etc. I'm still unsure of who's the main protagonist.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

I feel the 3 boys are the main protagonists.

[@AdamDj-ic3kr]

​@@TomEyeTheSFMguyonly in season one,in season two it's eleven and hopper,and in the other seasons the protagonist is as hard to decipher as who's the protagonist of rvb

[@hasratramazanov6092]

You are a lifesaver. you released this at the right moment that i needed

[@EthanWingroveTV]

I made a TV Pilot inspired by this👇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnm3haOpadhomNk Lmk what u think🥷🏿

[@Ousvec]

Is there also a chance that you can go further into different types of shows? For example difference of seasonal or episodical writing? And different running time? Differences between writing of 20 to 50 minutes per episode, like different number of acts? Thanks!

[@daleracer4233]

I find this very useful and insightful. You might have already done this but, an alternate video where you break down the pilot of something less episodic and more sitcom essenced would be incredibly useful as well.

[@erinrobles5704]

wow I just got assigned to write a pilot for class and this pops up.. a gift

[@benjaminread5287]

Yes finally! The videos on series! Thank You!!!

[@larrylennedy4591]

I’m writing a comedy show called, “Bexley Kids” and this really helped.

[@Lunteer]

When that coming out

[@Spider-Too-Too]

Awesome, pilot is always the most exciting episode

[@coolestreviews5315]

I've watched all your videos so far. Each one is very helpful, and I can't wait to see more of them. Thank You, Tyler!

[@CreativeShubham]

The way you explain is really appreciating. Love from India Brother

[@shawanashahtaj4328]

Thanks for this, I’m making a tv series with google assistants and it’s called google mean girls! Because I wanted it to be more original and more of a comedy and dramatic show mixed together.

[@GARBImusic]

Tyler, I've been watching your videos for a while now, and I'd like to tell you how much you help me with my writing! I subscribed to your second channel now and I'm hoping to learn more about how I can create consistently. Thank you so much, I'm going to watch all your videos! Love from brazil :)

[@oscarrojasjr9984]

I NEEDED THIS RIGHT NOW THANK YOU TYLER

[@EthanWingroveTV]

I made a TV Pilot inspired by this👇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnm3haOpadhomNk Lmk what u think🥷🏿

[@line4169]

I suggest you to study plot of attack on titan, it's some of the most innovative & groundbreaking storytelling in current TV shows.

[@EzzyFrames]

Finally!!! your making a guide for series

[@m.mishra9133]

I was just about to start a pilot. This was an amazing guide. Thanks bruh.

[@vampireghouls]

Thank god I was able to find something that can help me while working on a tv series script but in a better and less stress way. Needed this sm. Tysm! (Subscriber :D)

[@TylerMowery]

Glad I could help!

[@calebim-th2iq]

can you also make a video on season finales?

[@PatriceDEvans]

Thanks

[@shanielswaby3591]

Thank you so very much for also teaching us TV writing! I am more of a TV writer than a movie one

[@SONICADVENTURES11]

Awesome. My next project was to start writing a com drama.

[@EricHowl]

Beyond screenwriting, your youtube videos should be used as a framework blueprint to teach other youtubers how to make enjoyable, powerful, succinct "How To" craft vids

[@virgilmontana4208]

been waiting for this

[@TheCoward383]

Yoooooo the timing for the video was perfect. Yesterday I rewatched another channel's video about breaking bad having the perfect pilot 😂

[@Dealio09]

Thanks Tyler!

[@kennedycole]

Screenwriting made so easy, thanks brodie!💯

[@Ousvec]

Great, this is exactly that I was praying for to be done on your channel! Thank you!

[@firstcontact152]

0:04 IS THAT CHICA!??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[@BodeN64]

Pizzaaaaaaaaaa

[@msblackbarbie1885]

This was very good

[@johnnytyler1]

Using the "The Office" as an example of a not interesting concept isn't accurate. The video doesn't point out that it's about the day-to-day lives of office workers -- as a mockumentary. The faux-documentary aspect is the hook. So using this to illustrate this point doesn't actually work.

[@River_Frost]

Even then, I still had no idea what all they hype is about. I remember telling a girl I didn't like the office and she looked at me like I was crazy.

[@wilmer016]

Answering a little late here but i think that was his point, the ''what it is about'' can be a simple thing but the hook is what elevates the story

[@johnnytyler1]

@@wilmer016 no argument there. But he used it has a counter example. Not arguing the thesis. Only the accuracy of counter example.

[@bleh6339]

And here I was thinking you'd forgotten. This will be so helpful, thanks!

[@TheLight965]

I finished my first draft of my second screenplay and could use a few videos for tips on rewrites/second drafts!

[@younggodicarus]

Thank you

[@michaelbrianrawlinsactor]

Always exciting when you upload a new video!

[@randomrey6568]

Hey Tyler, Is it okay if you can make a video on how to Subvert Expectations? Thank You🙏🏿

[@alexjwebabou]

Tyler! your timing a g a i n !

[@KMoore-xl8mn]

I just finished the first draft of my pilot. This really helps a lot. Thanks Tyler.

[@Lctv182]

I think I'd be great to this

[@nullinvoid1415]

I have an idea for a tv show. I'm not being smug but i really feel like this would be a great series. I need to write this even if it doesn't make money. I just wanna get this idea out.

[@Almanzar_]

Anyone who wants to see one of the best pilots in the history of TV and analyze it, can see Twin Peaks.

[@rbahvnqoxhg]

Thank u so much❤

[@dburnsauthor]

Thank you so much Tyler for this!!! I just finished writing the pilot and trying to figure out the logline.

[@ScoobyandShaggy5554]

Thank you for this I’m writing a tv pilot currently

[@zacvillanueva3804]

Hey Tyler. Great video! Can you make a video explaining how to tackle the second draft of a completed feature length script? Love your videos

[@Kidhollywood]

So hyped for this series!!! Thank you. Do you have discord channel?

[@renotoad]

Man why am I watching this, it's late and im not even an adult yet

[@briansimerl4014]

Using Breaking Bad and The Godfather as examples are TOO EASY as they are too specific. I prefer pattern analysis as a result.

[@blaircolquhoun7780]

The best pilots were for the original Star Trek. The first one was unaired except in the two-part clip episode The Court-Martial. The second, Where No Man Has Gone Before, aired as the third episode of the original Star Trek.

[@sd8229]

I'm so glad you put this out ✨🤗✨

[@hiimasonicfan1139]

Thank you now I know how to write a sonic show in the future😊

[@bluefire640]

Thanks man i learn a lot from this great video

[@jvstvorothii]

thank you so much!!! i was struggling to make a script of a first episode of my gacha series, this helped a lot! you’re a godsend!

[@mansion101]

Where is the link you mention to where one can write 5, 10, 15 pages a day consistently...? Thanks... great channel... subbed and sharing wildly...

[@chinmay2230]

He sounds exactly like dirty medicine page’s guy He too explains medical things in a crisp well structured manner with the exact same voice

[@davoa4665]

Yes😊😊😊

[@harleymackenzie2631]

Brilliant video.

[@davidci]

We also desperately need a video essay on Better Call Saul. I think it has way better character and dialogue writing than Breaking Bad, which is a huge feat to pull off.

[@TheGamerProBeardBro]

An idea can’t be good or bad. It’s based off of other subjective views and how each individual person thinks about the idea. Storytelling is subjective since every single opinion is different

[@jakehopkins6989]

Yeah, but that doesn't mean there aren't any objective qualities.

[@salimramadhan4531]

Hey i love your work it's very direct and precise. Can you do a review of the arrow tv series, from it's pilot to the character's growth throughout the season.

[@cyrismaez3401]

great video!

[@Tutorial7a]

Easy: make the character fly an airplane.

[@crisfilms8165]

You should do a mini-series related video in the future

[@corpsecount5061]

would if your making a animated show?

[@melodid5023]

Hmmm.. I wonder if this rules don't also apply to the first chapter of a book. Like.. how is a show different? Viewing the first chapter as a pilot and forcing yourself to bring visual details into it will bring your "show don't tell" to the next level. It literaly forces you to fokus on the most important details and visuals and symbolism and information without to much exposition and it will condence the material. And then we also have the internal dialogue in the book which will strongen the chatakters even more. What do you think?

[@tshabalala-the-goat]

Is there any videos on how to layout a pilots teaser or how to make an effective teaser?

[@gojiking2790]

Im gonna write an Elden Ring TV show and it will release some time in the next 10 years

[@mikedegrassetyson8807]

Hey man I like your videos but have you written a screenplay that has been adapted and made a successful show or movie? Im not trying to be a bummer but if you aren't a successful writer how can you be so confident about things in videos like this?

[@timy9197]

I was literally thinking about breaking bad today

[@xMeme52x]

I always wanted to make a series but now im thinking my show premise is too confusing

[@ladonnatutt8929]

Well I’ll be darn. I wrote an entire 12 episode tv series in 2 months. Who knew I only needed to write the pilot? Tyler did!

[@whitewolfaudios]

I can barely write one. Can I borrow your talent!?

[@zahuruddinsheikh2814]

finally you kept your word! I would want your opinion interms of comparison with movies and tv series. For example how harmon story circle gets used in here and ion movies. etc.

[@VF_Studios]

Breaking Bad!!!! :D

[@maxarzu6821]

Could you explain the importance of having your pilot submitted with the US Copyright?

[@barry1369]

Pretty much all British Sitcoms are written by the same person each episode. The Office (the original, the superior one), Fawlty Towers, Only Fools and Horses etc

[@fogartyfox592]

Alan Dupree anyone? Who has read the breaking bad pilot episode script for their homework?

[@mfcjazz4220]

finna make a story

[@writerinn4251]

Great content and I really have followed you for my entire road to success. Hiba Khan - Content specialist at Writer Inn

[@Imbobbya]

Can you write a script like you did in the video from 1 year ago?

[@katelynncarter6856]

Does this formatting work with a procedural script/story?

[@daeofficialntm]

I really need to know the guitar instrumental playing in the background at 2:16

[@hauslab8479]

Cool!. 🤟🏼

[@windsonma8209]

I don’t know if you takes requests. But if you do. Could You Please Upload a Video Talking about ‘How To Make A Proper Final Season’ for this series of yours, I know you probably are but just in case.