How to Write a TV Show Pilot Script That Sells - TV Writing & Development Course: Ep3

[@sadboijokes]

I started writing a script for a show I'm working on and I originally thought I was doing pretty well. Then I watched this video and realized I had nothing. This really kind of opened my eyes and showed me I've got A LOT of work to do.

[@BabyBoyBuchanan]

Bro same!!!

[@BabyBoyBuchanan]

What’s your show about

[@sadboijokes]

@@BabyBoyBuchanan it’s a coming of age story about these two guys. One of them is a shy nerd who keeps to himself and it unfortunately results in him being constantly unsure of himself and who he is. And even though he’s a nice person, at the end of it all, he’s kind of a coward. The other guy is gruff, involved in gang life, and is generally kind of abrasive. And even though he comes off confident and headstrong, when it comes down to it, he’s lonely. And of course, these two weren’t born that way, they were made that way due to varying circumstances in their lives. That’s why despite their obvious differences, they’re best friends. And it’s just about them learning to grow and get better from their respective traumas. What about yours?

[@ricklob1222]

@@sadboijokes sounds good, I've a pretty good show idea, at least I think I'm working on it but anyways hope the best for you man and hope it airs

[@EthanWingroveTV]

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

[@NeerajLagwankar]

Underrated channel for sure

[@StudioBinder]

Right? Spread the word :)

[@DJSalera]

Seriously have to agree, this is just the resource I was hoping to find.

[@kaitlynrowena5463]

What’s the first clip from with the girl killing someone

[@lizkarenscotch5194]

Yea.It is great!

[@moviesovermatterproductions]

Breaking Bad for sure was THE BEST pilot I’ve ever seen. Wasn’t a “hang in there moment at all”. Binged watched proudly lol! Great video!

[@benjamincox4211]

Movies Over Matter Productions watch The Shield. Only pilot I’ve seen that outdid Breaking Bad to me

[@Averywhitehall]

Can I put the “Lost” pilot in the ring? I think that would give both pilots strong competition.

[@dragonchr15]

Indeed. Mastefult story telling Battlestar Galactica (2003) was another good one.

[@preethinair4418]

The walking dead had a great pilot

[@EthanWingroveTV]

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

[@wolfie_rosie4140]

I started to write a TV show called High School Buddies. It's about three freshmen named Jackie (snarky smartass), Garret (lovable dingus), and Don (who's caring) who live in Gilbert as they get into wacky hijinks throughout the show. They're 15 years old and they live together in a 2 story house. They're also friends with the redhead twins, Aaron (who's a logical genius) and Ozzie (happy dork who has freckles). I wrote the pilot named School Day. It's about their usual day at Gilbert High. I wrote 3 other seasons along with it (And I'm 14 btw).

[@Edsotto]

ik its been a year but how has it come along so far?

[@Irl_willgraham]

How's it going?

[@marknelsonmiranda8571]

this is the most helpful video ever. i swear

[@KushagraaDubeyy]

Great video, the only thing is you should’ve talked about the four act structure too with a teaser in the start because that’s the actual format in which Breaking Bad’s pilot is written.

[@kitchensinkchronicles3272]

this was actually really helpful! the outline i have for my pilot now is much better than it was before!!

[@EthanWingroveTV]

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

[@RiversBliss]

Sorry for doubting this before I watched it but this is really helpful, underrated channel as someone pointed out.

[@EthanWingroveTV]

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

[@StudioBinder]

Are you using the "But/Therefore" story structure for your pilot scripts?

[@VanessaDegarmo]

I'm thinking of using this to make a graphic novel.

[@VanessaDegarmo]

IMPORTANT QUESTION: Do you have to do this for all the characters? Or just the main character? This will help me plot better.

[@tylervision707maul]

yes but if i shoot a sizzler trailer where can i post it on which website for free? are there any? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGnRi51_d7mEjLM

[@dragonchr15]

@@VanessaDegarmo if each character has its own arc, then yes

[@halfwayinfinate6342]

@@VanessaDegarmo me too! I think it's the perfect mix of visuals and writing.

[@kellogg-po7wq]

Crazy that this is free. So much respect thank u for this resource my dude.

[@johnta17]

One of the best channels on KZbin in this niche

[@Jess-yc7tf]

Please make another video about different structures for different types of episodes other than the pilot. This has helped me do sooooooooo much work with my pilot script I want more.

[@freetagefilms]

Easy to understand and straight to the point, great video.

[@benjaminimganya7743]

I love this channel from Tanzania

[@faresrocknroll5008]

Good info .. Hope to learn more about Story Development . and how we can stay on the track without loosing the attention or the main goal .

[@StudioBinder]

Definitely! Our entire series should help you get started. Saw our first episode?

[@faresrocknroll5008]

Sure i did.. i watched every frame on this cool channel !

[@StudioBinder]

We have even more episodes in the works so stay tuned!

[@louisberry4403]

This is a fantastic episode and a prime example of how to start a show.

[@gonstotwriter]

TV writing is potentially very lucrative; if you can create a TV show that gets sold (just one!), the income should last you for a decade.

[@preethinair4418]

The walking dead had a great pilot.... Truly a masterpiece

[@wammyyt]

Facts, although it was also like a movie

[@justjer-3679]

as soon as i saw the thumbnail i was like : BREAKING BAD, i gotta watch☺️

[@BillieJolene1]

I've written a sitcom and I'm wondering (fingers crossed) that you or some of the viewers may have some advice on where to find funding/grants to get the pilot shot. I'm VERY EXCITED about it. I've written it pretty tight ( that's the word I use for it) because I have zero budget so basically I was going to use a public access station studio. Anyway, if you could give me some advice it would be so much appreciated....😁 THANKS EVERYONE!!!! I hope to be making you all laugh soon.

[@milojay8478]

My advice would be to make sure you’ve secured it legally with doing a copyright and any other legal process before revealing or sharing your script. People are hungry for ideas and won’t hesitate to steal yours without a blink.

[@Jun-bm8ly]

how the hell is this channel not hitting 1M subs yet?

[@shiestyrecords3225]

I'm currently writing one

[@kylandfowler5494]

I'd blackmail my good friend because he'd be just as lost as I was.

[@rachealmukuka9326]

I'm writing a script and this has been so helpful Great video🖤

[@longstaffemedia]

After 7 years writing a script from 40 years of observing, this is like watching a jiq saw master team at work.

[@JudiChristopher]

NEW MEXICO loves "Breaking Bad"... Yes we do.

[@kamraankamil2573]

What an amazing intro!

[@sheldoneuos]

I've always wanted to be an actor & this really gives me hope.!

[@joetyler5816]

Fargo and Breaking Bad have some of the best pilot episodes I’ve ever seen. The walking dead is a great one too

[@undocumentox]

Thanks a lot for all your videos, it are helping me, let me ask something, this structure is for all episodes, that will I write?

[@JaysCashVault]

I love this channel can’t say it enough

[@kpwand]

Act III: Walt waits for the cops BUT realizes that they aren't cops but firemen heading towards the forest fire that he has just driven away from. He doesn't engage and gets away with it.

[@zam6877]

Create an itch Create layers to that itch Then make it...um...itcher And THEN give a little bit of that sweet sweet scratch to part it without satisfying the itch

[@Boncomics]

1:15 And, now I sympathize with this character. I was a substitute teacher who worked 2 jobs.

[@hbfromkc]

this was SO eye opening THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@BubblegumCrash332]

I wish you would compare the original pilot for Firefly (actually episode 2). Fox didn't like it so they filmed another one that does all the same things but in less time. It's funny because the show introduces the world and characters twice episode 1 and 2

[@selchukdemirci6060]

I'm looking for EP.2 of this course. Who I need to kill for watching it immediately? :) I'm appreciated to you guys, and I'll be if I can find the episode which I wanna watch :)

[@laHagans]

This is fantastic. Thank you!

[@StudioBinder]

You're welcome! And if you're interested in TV pilots, check out our blog all about pilot season. www.studiobinder.com/blog/when-is-pilot-season/

[@EthanWingroveTV]

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

[@annabel1grace]

Can you guys do a video on redrafting once you've got notes on your pilot script please x

[@kapoorhouseatl]

i like what trey parker said

[@pedronevesurias2318]

This video is so informative man, thanks, it helped a lot! :)

[@EthanWingroveTV]

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

[@shubhamsonawane656]

hey i love your channel :) i hope you'll have millions of subs soon

[@StudioBinder]

We're on our way. :-)

[@truefacadepictures9657]

How do you import this worksheet into StudioBinder and start working with it?

[@kishorek2967]

Love from India😍

[@wilberk100]

I wrote a pilot and it worked

[@NickTorius]

Great explanation

[@Divineshot]

Love it

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@BjoernarEricSven]

What's the very first scene of this video from?

[@hotchoco7234]

My middle school gym teacher, he knows the business best. And I'm fairly competent with chemistry

[@creatorcuesinc]

My representative has me writing a tv show

[@saraeatsmovies]

love this channel

[@jetpackraptor]

How would you insert the B story into this template?

[@TeKeyaKrystal]

mmm , good question

[@alexpaynter9580]

Thank you!

[@kathiravanganesh5618]

Thanks

[@StudioBinder]

Sure thing, glad you liked it. Stay tuned for the next episode.

[@jaylevi2728]

youre welcome

[@nabilbhaai]

meeh, only that old guy's voice suits in StudioBinder's videos

[@atiqrony8631]

Very helpful

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks Atiq! Glad you enjoyed it. :-)

[@k.v.2049]

that is one good video right there

[@kv_8]

What was the first show in the video? The one with the lady stuffing the guy in the car

[@faceyourown6642]

Katrina Velasquez #faceyourown

[@JudiChristopher]

I have this exact same RV... U>G>L>Y BAHAHAHA

[@ThomasStuart]

StudioBinder Alternatively you can bump the acts forward by one. Act one is now just to introducer characters and your world. By act three you are setting events in motion but nothing should be resolved. That’s for the series to do. BB seems like a self-contained episode. I bet the writers considered doing the cancer diagnosis as the Act 2 end and the turn to making drugs as the final part of act 3. Woulda worked as well I think

[@yourbruira]

This might be a dumb question, but could the inciting incident be written closer to the end of the pilot

[@jedm6267]

same question

[@andreadixon1611]

The only thing I'm confused about here is that pilots typically are supposed to have 5 or 6 acts and here there are 3 like a feature. Where are the other act breaks? I don't think I've ever seen a pilot script with only 3 acts.

[@DANIE723]

can you show how this would work with a comedy?

[@ilanagift3271]

Thank you !!!

[@justincruz5720]

I always thought that Walter was stupid for trusting Jesse like that when they first met. Even Jesse was aware of it, both in the pilot and that flashback episode where he had to buy the RV, but I realize that Walt could get away with that judgement call because he had that leverage, that blackmail. First time we see Walt and Jesse interact with each other, he owns him. The thing that’s so good about that is at the finale, that dynamic, that relationship of an abuser and his victim gets payed off when he finally lets Jesse go. Long story short, Walt in the pilot isn’t as dumb as I thought he was. Rant over.

[@StudioBinder]

The writers definitely did a great job with the dynamic between the two. Are you excited that they might be doing a movie?

[@CuteBricks]

What is the movie at the start?

[@heavywork9334]

I’m next up 🎥🎥

[@LouisBurgessComedy]

you guys are doing content marketing right

[@georgecabrera9039]

Where's part 2

[@lizkarenscotch5194]

Just discovered this channel.It is the best❤

[@StudioBinder]

We're glad you like the content! What's your favorite video so far?

[@lizkarenscotch5194]

@@StudioBinder How to Pitch and The Logline Formula. 💕

[@diyoss2612]

what is the firsst clip in this video from where the woman is shoving a body into the trunk?

[@KendoontheCam]

This is great!

[@oksanaandrosiuk4575]

Brilliant! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@carerforever2118]

I'm typing up a biography about my life and my family's life here in Melbourne, Australia 🦘🇦🇺

[@jeffersonmiranda7452]

❤ I love this

[@squarebizentertainment7152]

I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!!

[@StudioBinder]

We love that you love it! What's your favorite video so far?

[@squarebizentertainment7152]

​@@StudioBinder Every one of them! But you guys deserve a more specific answer. I just watched Dan Harmon's Story Circle and thought that it was fantastic! Like with all of your videos the production quality is great and the clarity in the presentation of information is superb! Honestly, I can't pick just one video because all of them are so damn good!

[@gummybear2700]

Thank you so much :)

[@gabrieldeoliveira8304]

Where’s episode 2?

[@ITRPolygraph]

@ The Lie Detective is a character-driven documentary series that follows the work of independent Polygraph Examiner and self-professed truth seeker, Ken Donaldson, as he helps people from all walks of life in their quest for truth, resolution, and freedom from deception. Ken's clients must then face difficult questions and find answers that can change their lives - for better or worse. Says Ken of his work, "I always think somebody is going to try and cheat, and if the're going to try, I'm going to catch them."

[@rajtawde2342]

Can anyone please tell me the name of the outro song?

[@alishbaishfaq6586]

Can you make a Detailed video on German Netflix series DARK

[@saiabhishek5228]

Wait isn't breaking bad written with a 4 Act Structure and a teaser in the beginning?

[@sandeepjadam4220]

Can you make videos on Vfx technique Plz..... 😊

[@StudioBinder]

That would be a great idea. Is there a specific technique you were curious about?

[@sandeepjadam4220]

@@StudioBinder I don't know anything in Vfx but I love Vfx and I want to be a Vfx artist

[@StudioBinder]

I'll pass it along to the team. :-)

[@sandeepjadam4220]

@@StudioBinder thank you 😃

[@IamColt13]

I thought Yellowstone had a REALLY good pilot!

[@wizjeph]

Who else saw this scene in boondocks 😂😂😂

[@ncrtrooper1782]

I'd blackmail my friend, Alex. He asked, I answered.

[@johnnytyler1]

Walt getting cancer isn't the inciting incident. Learning that making meth is profitable from Hank on the news is the inciting incident. The inciting incident is the moment that directs the character in a self-evident way towards their ultimate goal -- making meth. Which is why it lands at the 12-minute mark (standard placement for an incident in an hour-long show). The natural reaction to getting cancer isn't making meth, which is why it can't be the inciting incident, because it has nothing to do with the ultimate objective (making meth). When Walt learns he has cancer this falls at the 18-minute mark. This is often called "the big event" which is the moment that inspires a character, especially a reluctant hero to take action on the inciting incident. In Star Wars this is when Luke learns his aunt and uncle are dead. This isn't the inciting incident, because that's when he gets the message from R2-D2 about Princess Leia. Do not confuse the inciting incident with the big event. This is important because not all stories have a "big event" bit all stories have an "inciting incident".

[@ryanhowell4492]

I'm struggling on how to sell my script without using Fiverr

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

Primetime shows are commercials for their corporate sponsors and definitely fit a pretty narrow formula designed to crank out episodes for many years to as large (and dumb) an audience as possible.

[@alee4866]

Knowing how difficult it was for breaking bad to get off into production makes be believe that studios hires a lot of dumb executives whose job is to hold back the evolution of entertainment. Much like politics.

[@FoodNerds]

I wouldn’t black mail anyone but if I did it was be my dad if he were alive, but I wouldn’t have to blackmail him anyway he’d do it for the money. He was in the mob so he’d have connections.

[@benjamincox4211]

I don’t care what anyone says, The Shield has the best pilot and finale of any show I’ve seen

[@willmk4042]

Yeah Rollins reigns and Ambrose are amazing

[@jbs.wrld1]

@@willmk4042 not right now

[@troyjohnson2395]

Jeff the Killer. I would blackmail Jeff the Killer. I love him, but he is the only one who I could possibly blackmail. P.S Jeff, if you are real and reading this, sorry dude.

[@seldomlost8267]

Jeff is not real

[@kapoorhouseatl]

they shoulda shot the window

[@2012XF3]

This is pretty misleading. Youre explaining this show, not "how" to write a pilot, whats the Arc like? Whats the format like? Etc.

[@andressrojas]

Breaking Bad must be one of the worst pilot I see, but the creators were well known. 24 had a great pilot.

[@jbs.wrld1]

L

[@joeboudreault2226]

As a series, Breaking Bad truly sucked and doesn't deserve praise (I could find absolutley NO sympathy for the main characters - they murder their opponents and plan drug destruction of everything they touch). BUT... the idea of an underdog is neat... just not THESE guys. You need sympathy for lead characters, not for criminal minds just because "Walt is dying" - so what? If you love Walt, you're psychotic . No thanks. Now, Grand Marino... THERE's an underdog who you can sympathize with.

[@jbs.wrld1]

L opinion

[@jeremysmetana8583]

So... nobody ever wrote a good pilot or understood structure until Trey Parker and Matt Stone came along? Come on... tighten it up, people. Crappy writing in this one.

[@savannahscott90]

For anyone who’s feeling down: Romans 8:18 “The pain you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that is coming!” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Whatever is going on right now, have faith, your situation will get better. :) Jesus bless anyone reading this and have a great day!!🥰✨💖

[@VernardNuncioFields]

I would blackmail Trump. If he wasn't blackmailed already.