Advice on working with a partner?

OK, please don't expect an experienced writer to come in and do the heavy lifting for free. That is not how it works. Developing an idea is easy to understand, you just have to set a couple hours of quiet space aside this weekend and write it out. Write a one sentence logline, then an eight line pitch. Then write a four paragraph breakdown, then a 3 page synopsis. It will suck, but that's fine, you're just brainstorming. If you don't know basic format (or structure), read Trottier's "The Screenwriters' Bible" right now, it's indispensible.
Now as for a partner, I'd recommend networking, sharing your pitch and communicating with other writers and helping them out in that regard. You need to have a bond with this other writer, an understanding and a passion for the same kind of material - like any other creative partnership like a band, you need to see eye to eye on the important things and have a rapport and respect for each other. And then there's the legal issues...
My opinion, that's all. Good luck!

VileZero said:

Hey all,

I recently came up with a pretty neat idea, and rather than mold it into a novel, I thought I'd try my hand at a TV pilot. I'm not looking to sell it or anything (oooh maybe one day!) but I'm serious about developing the idea because I think there's something there.

That said, I don't know the first thing about scriptwriting! Not even the format to write a script.

I've been thinking about seeking out a partner to develop the idea and plot out a course for this hypothetical series, especially since it seems to work well in TV these days (LOST immediately comes to mind). I was just curious what sort of experiences you all have had working with another writer, and whether or not it was helpful.

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Well, having just recently finished the final touches on a tv pilot myself, I can tell you it's hard work. Like really hard work.

And since you say you don't know anything about scriptwriting, that is going to make it even harder. Not impossible, just harder.

As for the partner thing, I have tried to work with partners in the past (some of my own accord and some for class projects) but they never really turned out exactly like I thought. It wasn't because of creative differences or anything bad, it just wasn't my thing.

so my advice on a partner would be to find someone who you feel you are compatible with. If you're like me and you enjoy doing most of the writing then find someone who can help you develop the idea or vice versa. But like mario said, you can't just do it with anybody.