writing coverage for a pilot

First you answer the question, What makes a good pilot?

Then you write the coverage based on whether or not it has the qualities of a good pilot.


http://www.finaldraft.com/writers-re...y-brody-16.php

http://www.finaldraft.com/writers-re...y-brody-19.php


http://www.jillgolick.com/?s=pilots&searchsubmit=Find


http://www.lisaklink.com/blog1/?s=pilots


http://complicationsensue.blogspot.com/search?q=pilot


http://tvwriting.googlepages.com/


I'm kinda hoping you're not yet in a position to pass judgement on somebody else's pilot.

RylenolFlu said:

Hey everyone,

Just a quick question. I've never been able to find any info on how to write coverage for a pilot. Since a pilot usually sets up the conflict to allow for further episodes, how exactly do you judge the elements regarding character and structure? Basically what I'm asking is how does coverage for a feature length film differ from that off a 70-80 page television pilot? Thanks.

Rylenol

Click to expand...

What networks are looking for in a pilot is a bit different from what studios are looking for in a feature. I mean, on some level, a studio is obviously thinking in terms of sequel potential -- but what a network is looking for in a pilot is "story potential" -- they want to see characters and a situation that opens up for five years, six years, seven years worth of stories.

That will almost certainly mean that a pilot will be open-ended -- not necessarily a good thing for a feature film, but not a bad thing for a pilot. A potential multiplicity of story levels -- so-called A and B stories, with characters that can explore those stories.

Characters that are clear and simple and identifiable but also have enough going on that an audience is going to want to stay with them and become part of their lives for, literally years.

Basically, when you read the pilot, the real question is -- do you see the series, and do you see a series that has the legs to go on for years?

That's really the question that they are looking to have answered.

NMS

Here's something to think about - pilots are expected to suck. No single episode of a show will be given more notes, rewritten more times, possibly even reshot, than the pilot.

So if what you read doesn't suck, you have a good start.

What networks want is a clear introduction to the characters and the main conflict/situation within an entertaining story line. Easier said than done. But focus on those main points - who are these people, why am I supposed to care, am I entertained? It's someone else's job to worry about longevity of story lines.