How to Write a TV Pilot: Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul ANALYSIS (Video Essay)

In this analysis, I explain how Vince Gilligan writes a tv pilot, exploring both episode 1 of breaking bad and episode 1 of better call saul. Using a video essay format, this video serves as a review, explained video, and comparative analysis, explaining how to write a first episode for television. Character development is explored, both how vince gilligan writes Jimmy McGill and Walter White.
Overall, I want to explain how both these shows get you hooked from the very first episode/

[@user-nt8bo1kj6q]

I LOVE Breaking Bad, but Better Call Saul is significantly more close to heart and a warmer, more empathizing story on each character we knew only briefly at first. I hope it'll crush my heart as the last season ends.

[@festiveobeliskus]

You masochist XD

[@roar247]

Don’t worry. It will😭

[@sageseraph5035]

😭😭😭😭 Already has

[@gabrielafonseca4034]

Same thing happened to me: I refused to watch Saul because I thought there was no way I wouldn't be disappointed. It's amazing how we see Walt become self confident, while Jimmy's defining trait from the start is his confidence. I'm not going into which show is "better", they're the same universe: a magnificently crafted one

[@caryrussell7752]

Everyone who wants to write a drama pilot should see this! Fantastic breakdown.

[@Hugo_Tate]

for sure

[@sickrandy2946]

I love Breaking Bad, but Better Call Saul is easily my favorite show. The way it balances its multiple stories and tones, and all of the characters are so likable and interesting.

[@PeterMoore66]

At 1:56 Vince Gilligan's elevator pitch is actually "I want to take Mr Chips and turn him into Scarface". Mr Chips, not Mr Rogers. He repeats this pitch many times in the Breaking Bad Insider podcast.

[@thefilmessay9832]

Ive seen an interview where he said Mr Rogers. Either way, the example is kinda interchangeable as he just means 'take mr nice guy and turn him into mr evil'

[@dragonstormdipro1013]

Extremely good video. I just find one thing weird (not directly related to the show, still) , is how Wild West is remembered as this lawless land filled with gunslinging tough men, when there never has been much crime in this area. Even today, crime here is almost nonexistent, compared to Chicago or California.

[@russellgarifulla1114]

A really good video. Keep it up! Hopefully you will get more attention, with such quality content. P.S. 6:20 you call Mike "Hank" 😅

[@thefilmessay9832]

Thanks a lot! Also I know was kicking myself when I rewatched this haha

[@steamrollerrenene]

I appreciate your work very much. It filled me in on some things that I missed and is a reminder of why I love the show so much. Very well done. Bravo!👏🔥💃

[@thefilmessay9832]

Wow, thank you!

[@anonymousoilersfan]

Great stuff my guy!

[@KenyaWright]

This was super helpful

[@avatar4real327]

Great job!

[@ObaREX]

Good work

[@BestofBestStudio]

I love this

[@paperchasindude6578]

Breaking Bad is a masterpiece. It's so cinematic, adventurous, smart and creative but very dark but loveable. I want to one day make a masterpiece like this show one day. Thanks to AMC, Vince Gilligan and the writers, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul and the rest of the cast!

[@thefilmessay9832]

Couldn't agree more, its the most groundbreaking televisual achievment of our time 🙏

[@paperchasindude6578]

@@thefilmessay9832 Fax man

[@gRosh08]

Well Done!

[@johnbrady9813]

Longer analysis vid was gr8

[@thefilmessay9832]

Thank you so much! I appreciate all the support

[@ellatino55]

Great video but you called a character by the wrong name at 6:24. Just wanted to address it nicely before meaner comments flood in.

[@thefilmessay9832]

Thank you, only just noticed that! Kicking myself for mixing up Hank and Mike lol

[@ellatino55]

@@thefilmessay9832 it happens lol just didnt want you to be harrassed for it as the online community does. Great video, keep up the good work. Also would you consider making a video on the parallel of the protagonists and antagonists in both series and El Camino. I find it interesting how the series always compares characters and shows us both a mirror image of out main characters but also a "what if" scenario. Such as Walter seeing his "what if" life in Eliot and Jimmy seeing it in Howard.

[@Unti1tmrw]

@@thefilmessay9832 to be fair they look very similar they’re bald guys who are badasses

[@oldmatejohnno]

You called Mike hank lol

[@thefilmessay9832]

Yeh i know, my bad got them mixed up for a second lol

[@senseweaver01]

6:20 - His name is Mike...

[@boboften9952]

These Shows Have To Be The Modern Equivalent Of Shakespeare's Work . Awaiting The Sequel To The Spin Off Of The ........

[@boboften9952]

Vince Gilligan Wrote For X-Files

[@rixx46]

"I want to take MR CHIPS and turn him into Scarface" not Mr Rogers

[@Hugo_Tate]

6:20 Hank or Mike?

[@maddoxmcdonald]

I thought Peter Gould wrote BCS pilot

[@thebasedgodmax1163]

this is a good ass video but I disagree with some of the opening lines. Gilligan didn't burst onto the scene with Breaking Bad, he did this by writing for The X Files and becoming one of the strongest writers on said show, which already proves his greatness before Breaking Bad. but I get what's meant there, I just think people overlook his X Files contributions whilst talking about his Breaking Bad work.

[@jdsartre9520]

Bezos should've hired Vince G to write and/or showrun the first episode of Lord of Rings

[@foelaschite9632]

BCS is more of Peter Gould here, not Vince. Love the shows, but through analysis, an answer of perfection?... personally this gives a disservice to their collaboration. Perfection is unattainable, what they write is. Its built within twisted tropes and arcs made by many others. To raise the bar to something, the bar's shadow grows. Don't shroud the skills of others for clout. Don't dilute yourself to think you can't reach for and write a great story yourself with an imperfect script.

[@seymourpant]

I think you're giving Vince a little bit too much credit. He did not have as much to do with BCS as Peter Gould, who took an almost Vince-like role for the show.

[@Unti1tmrw]

Vince and Peter were 50-50 on the show (Better Call Saul) until season 5, in season 5 Peter took the helm because Vince had to direct El Camino but Vince stopped by to direct Season 5 Episode 8 “Bagman” easily the best episode of the show. Fun fact: Vince Gilligan wanted to be a part of BCS in Season 1 and then leave but Peter begged him to stay and Thank god he did. But, I hope the combined forces of Vince and Peter make a fantastic Season 6.

[@seymourpant]

@@Unti1tmrw season 5 ended kind of weak dramatically, so let's hope it was in preparation for some great payoffs next season

[@christopherg.8591]

@@seymourpant You mean the Lalo scene? I got the chills with that ending, looking forward to season 6

[@seymourpant]

@@christopherg.8591 no, just in general there weren't any big reveals or deaths

[@murrynathan]

When you say Breaking Bad is the greatest TV show ever made, you’re goddamn right!

[@Gigibaby88]

You called Mike Hank....just FYI

[@thefilmessay9832]

I know, only watched Breaking Bad and BCS 5 times each, you'd think I'd get the names right!

[@Gigibaby88]

@@thefilmessay9832 😄

[@cannabisflame]

I am the 333rd like-half way to 666 likes; which would mindblow all your superstitious subscribers. 😅 (When the time comes, that is)

[@Hugo_Tate]

always hated how Walt treated Saul.

[@lloydvicedo1340]

Mike*

[@orangewarm1]

Watch the Sopranos and Six Feet Under

[@thefilmessay9832]

Just finished the Sopranos & loved it, I made a vid comparing Walter White and Tony Soprano on my channel if you're interested!

[@lmno9583]

@@thefilmessay9832 Glad I seen this reply, I'm going to watch that video right now

[@toomuchtube8635]

"Greatest Tv show ever made " I didn't know Vince Gilligan.wrote The Sopranos.😂

[@kdizzle901]

I think Better Call Saul is even better than Breaking Bad

[@GunSlinger221]

I could not disagree more,. BCS was an rush job and an insult to true breaking bad fans., The first few seasons were boring and exposed us all to this Chuck, Jimmy, Kim and Howard boring character development. The only saving grace was all the other characters like Mike, Gus, Vargo and Eladio (This actor was outstanding). Then there was the season finale, black and white scenes, along with more boring content,. What I do not need is a deep dive into the minds of Characters on TV , along with flash backs, flash forwards and frankly confusing content that I need a damn score card to track. Keep It Simple Stupid , When I was assigned to the 10th SFG that was drilled into us. This writers need boot camp for TV writers.

[@bilkywaygalaxy]

How wrong can someone possibly be. Get the fuck out of here if you hate it so much