Trailers and Teasers - How to Write a TV Drama Series Pilot

Overview

What you will study

What do TV drama producers look for in a well written pitch and in the pilot episode for a new drama series? How do you plot – and write – a successful pilot that both delivers a satisfying story arc and draws viewers into the on-going, unfolding drama to come in following episodes? How much plot and character information is enough, but not too much? What is the teaser, and what is the promise that the pilot needs to deliver? 

Starting by writing a short pitch for a drama series proposal, in the Trailers and Teasers - How to Write a TV Drama Series Pilot course offered by University of Oxford , we will create a beat sheet for a pilot; then look at how to use essential script writing skills and techniques to deliver (in creating the cast, etc. for the pilot we plan) what is promised in these documents.   

The focus of a range of different in-class practical writing activities will be on writing a short pitch, plot planning, creating compelling characters, world building, envisioning the story that the whole series will tell, and writing some sample scenes and dialogue for the pilot episode. 

Students may bring a story / series idea of their own to develop, or work with a range of ideas that will be presented for them in the opening workshop. The days will be a mix of taught input, solo and small group writing and devising activities, discussion and (optional) sharing of work.  

All activities will take place in a supportive, inclusive and creative context where individual can share as much or as little of their ideas and work as they feel comfortable with.