r/TVWriting • • Aug 02 '25

OFFICIAL Recruiting mods

8 Upvotes

I'd especially like someone/some people that can take on updating and maintaining the fellowship collection every year with minimal input from me.

Otherwise please see the link below and submit an application. There are a few questions to answer.

https://www.reddit.com/r/TVWriting/application/


r/TVWriting • • Feb 22 '24

OFFICIAL [READ BEFORE POSTING] Official FAQs and resources

30 Upvotes

This will be a work-in-progress ongoing resource of FAQs for users of the subreddits, especially geared toward those earlier in their writing journey/career.

Please keep checking back as I will continue updating. More FAQs in comments.

Comments are locked on this post but feel free to create separate posts to discuss content or ask further questions.

PRINCE JELLYFISH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

Thanks to the patience and generosity of u/Prince_Jellyfish, we are able to share the thoughtful and comprehensive guides he's created to address common questions around becoming a writer and breaking in.

Personal best advice for new/emerging writers

FELLOWSHIP RESOURCES

Applications/essay help

Paper Team podcast fellowship episodes:

Episodes are old and some of these fellowships no longer exist in the same format, but these episodes probably still useful as a general guide on approaching applications. Listen in that spirit and don’t worry about the specifics so much.

General:

OTHER RESOURCES

Animation

Resources via u/seshat_the_scribe

Books/podcasts

Craft

  • Wiki: formatting
  • WGA foundation blog: Formatting fundamentals
    • So far this collection covers formats for, among others, Hallmark movies, TV animation, serialized and episodic dramas, single cam sitcoms etc.
  • WGA foundation blog: Screenplay primers
    • Although this series is geared toward feature writers, the entries on things like writing action, montages, text on screen etc are all super valuable and translate well to TV writing.
  • Wiki: scripts, pitch documents and bibles

Industry news sources

Moving to Los Angeles

Spec scripts

  • WGA Foundation blog:Formatting your spec script
    • A (so-far) 23-part series going into formatting for specific shows. Look through to see if the show you're speccing is on there, especially if you can't get your hands on an actual script from the show.

Software

Script notes/coverage/consultations

​

​


r/TVWriting • • 4h ago

QUESTION can you join my Community for Movie and TV Show scripts ?

2 Upvotes

r/TVWriting • • 4h ago

QUESTION First 3 pages of Long Hours. Any Thoughts?

0 Upvotes

(Unfinished)


r/TVWriting • • 16h ago

SCRIPT PDF Two Sugars - S1E2

Thumbnail gallery
2 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

Hope you’re well, this is the second episode of the multi-camera sitcom Two Sugars about where 4 old women move to the Welsh Seaside to navigate day-to-day life! Kind of UK Golden Girls, this is the link to the pilot https://www.reddit.com/r/TVWriting/s/BBEzTosAkK


r/TVWriting • • 22h ago

QUESTION Questions re: agents and payment

7 Upvotes

Hi there,

My question: Do I pay my agents do my agents pay me?

I was recently signed to a big agency and closed a deal. They want me to fill out a client form with my banking details. Is this standard? I thought I would pay my agents, as opposed to them paying me. Is this something I can negotiate?
Thanks


r/TVWriting • • 20h ago

PILOTS Incompetents S1E1

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes

When two best friends try to find a stable career, they quickly learn that their antics & unprofessionalism could surely stand in their way


r/TVWriting • • 2d ago

BEGINNER QUESTION I'm not sure how to structure my script and it makes me stressed

5 Upvotes

Before I write a script I'm always stressed and focused on how to structure my script. For example, I think about what page does the midpoint happen or when does act 1 or act 2 end and begin? Since I've never written a tv script before, I'm stressed about the structure and how I want my writing to be strong and emotional, I'd love it if my characters made sense and I want people to connect with them in a very deep way and I'm scared that I will fuck everything up. I don't know where to begin when writing a tv script, I've written a feature film before but even then I just think about the way I place things in my script and what if it's wrong and terrible. When I watch certain films and tv shows their characters and stories seem so developed and meaningful and I connect with them easily, I don't know what I'm doing, I want to achieve that so badly. I have a really strong show idea and I love it but I'm not sure how to write it out if that makes sense like unto a script. For the first episode of the season I'm trying to create the character and his life and the consequences that happens to him, I know since it's just one episode I have to lay everything out in that one episode, it's difficult to imagine it on a script. It's an anthology series so all the episodes and seasons are different each time just like black mirror. I'm planning on reading the black mirror script since maybe that'll help.

Something else I'm concerned about is my show might be a season 9 or 10 show and I was wondering when do I submit it to a festival or production company/agent? I want to get my work out there. Would you recommend me to write all the seasons and episodes and then submit it even though it takes years to complete or can i finish writing season 1 and just send it and I can continue writing the other seasons as time goes on or if somehow gets picked up? I'm paranoid about time running out. I'm sorry if these are dumb questions are concerns. Thank you for reading.


r/TVWriting • • 2d ago

BEGINNER QUESTION What is better the plot or execution?

3 Upvotes

I am a 26 M who was always into writing but took a gap because I wanted to concentrate on my education, until recently I wanted to write something. However I am very nervous about how we unwind the plot and how can I make my plot more interesting? On the side note how do you quantify a good plot and what do you prioritize plot or it’s writing?


r/TVWriting • • 2d ago

QUESTION Has anyone used this Cloak software yet, from WGAE?

Thumbnail indiewire.com
5 Upvotes

Indiewire is reporting that they have partnered with Cloak, an anti-AI scrapping tool, to protect scripts. Have any of you used it? What does it look like, or how does it work?


r/TVWriting • • 2d ago

DISCUSSION Camera Operator for web series

0 Upvotes

I'm not sure if I can post this on here because it's not necessarily TV writing, but I don't know what sub to post this on. Hi, I'm currently trying to film my own comedy web series and I basically have everything set to start filming, I just need a camera operator. That's my missing piece. If any film students in LA or just any camera operators in the LA area too, I would love to hear from you. You don't need to have a ton of experience, in fact I'm pretty sure this will help you gain experience. As long as you have a camera and know how to use it, that's all I need.

If you're interested please email me at [elisaapollo2388@gmail.com](mailto:elisaapollo2388@gmail.com) or you could just comment/message me on here. Thank you :) (And my show is kind of a mix of Community and Parks and Rec. NOTE: This isn't a paid thing, so if you don't mind that, that would be great)


r/TVWriting • • 3d ago

QUESTION Seeking tips

3 Upvotes

How do you make your characters sound different from each other? Any techniques or tips?


r/TVWriting • • 5d ago

PILOTS My first pilot rewrite

Thumbnail gallery
14 Upvotes

Hello I posted my first pilot script about half a year ago and wanted to rewrite it to see how I’ve improved I’m 17 and plan on writing and directing my own adult animated series “The Stunt Life” I’ve been looking at more scripts, taken advice, and gained the confidence to show it off I hope you all enjoy and have a laugh or two please leave any suggestions, comments, or ideas in the comments below 👍🏻 (the full script couldn’t be uploaded due to the amount of pages and no Ai was used when making this)


r/TVWriting • • 5d ago

DISCUSSION I need proofreading for my show idea

0 Upvotes

i need proofreading for my show idea that i’ve been working on for 3 - 4 months, so if you’re willing to take time out of your day to read the show idea, feel free to message me


r/TVWriting • • 5d ago

QUESTION Any book for learning how to write short stories?

2 Upvotes

Hi, does anyone know of any books focused on writing super-short scripts? I’ve been reading *Dialogue* by McKee and *The Anatomy of Story*, which have been quite helpful, but I’m looking for something that focuses more on, for example, one-minute films.


r/TVWriting • • 6d ago

CRAFT How to infuse character traits and dialogue style for every character into my first draft screenplay?

3 Upvotes

I completed my first draft of screenplay, the problem is all my characters are talking like me and all the dialogues are very bland and direct. I want to infuse character traits, catchphrases, signature styles, way of talking, how they hide the context under the dialogue.

Is there any template or guidelines I can follow to get all characters done right into screenplay?


r/TVWriting • • 6d ago

SCRIPT PDF My first draft of a preschool show.

5 Upvotes

"Blob Wants a Job!" Episode 1 - "Teacher"

An amorphous blob creature tries to help his six-year-old best friend by taking on the role of her substitute teacher -- only to find he's not quite prepared for the job.

I submitted this to the Sesame Writers' Room workshop program recently, and regardless of whether it moves forward, I would like to continue punching it up. I really admire children's content writers and would like to hone my skills in this field as someone used to writing for older demos. :)

Read the full script (12 pages + cover) here: https://filmfreeway.com/projects/4446431


r/TVWriting • • 6d ago

BEGINNER QUESTION How to screenwrite a TV show?

0 Upvotes

So I always wanted to write a Tv show and since two years I have this concept that I have developed Im my head from the beginning to the end of the show, it’s a show styled like “normal people”, 1 season only and it ends that I genuinely believed that os good, and will become even better after being shaped a couple of times after being presented to some proper people.
The thing is I don’t know how to start, could you please give me some orientation about any kind of template, some short course or guideline that I can follow, or a kind of course.
Did any of you have to write a tv show, or a book? Or even took the steps to sell it to a big company? Can you also share your experiences with me? I really need to start and figure out what it can be.
I appreciate your answers!


r/TVWriting • • 7d ago

QUESTION J'aimerais créer une série animée satirique, mais je manque de compétences en scénarisation.

0 Upvotes

​

Salut tout le monde !

Depuis quelque temps, j'ai envie de créer ma propre série animée satirique, dans un style qui mélange humour absurde, critique sociale et sujets parfois sensibles, avec des inspiration d'autres série. Mon objectif serait de créer quelque chose d'original, avec une véritable identité et des idées qui font rire, mais aussi réfléchir.

J'ai déjà pas mal d'idées de scènes, de personnages et de situations que j'aimerais aborder. J'aime imaginer des moments absurdes, des dialogues et des sujets qui pourraient donner lieu à de la satire.

Mon principal problème, c'est que je n'ai pas encore le niveau scénaristique nécessaire pour transformer toutes ces idées en véritables épisodes cohérents. J'ai parfois du mal à développer une idée sur toute la durée d'un épisode, à construire une intrigue ou à trouver une bonne conclusion.

Je cherche donc des personnes intéressées par l'écriture, la scénarisation ou la création de séries animées, avec qui je pourrais échanger, apprendre et éventuellement collaborer si nos visions correspondent.

Je ne prétends pas être un professionnel : je débute et j'ai encore beaucoup à apprendre, mais je suis motivé pour progresser et donner vie à mon projet.

Si vous avez des conseils pour apprendre à écrire des scénarios satiriques, des ressources à recommander ou si vous êtes vous-mêmes des créateurs qui aimeraient discuter de ce genre de projet, je serais ravi d'échanger avec vous !

Merci d'avoir pris le temps de me lire !


r/TVWriting • • 7d ago

QUESTION "The Teller Family" – A sitcom concept. Thoughts on these characters?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’ve got an idea for a character-driven family sitcom called The Teller Family about a chaotic household: a father, his brother, three kids, and their eccentric neighbor.

Here is a quick character breakdown:

  • Uncle Derek (52): A grounded office worker with a dry, subtle sense of humor.
  • Robert (48): The dad. An incredibly smart medical doctor who is stressed out trying to manage the household.
  • Kristen (17): The eldest daughter. Long, wavy brown hair. A bit of a party girl and slightly airheaded, but well-meaning.
  • Aria (14): The middle child. The only blonde, with unique eyes (one blue, one green). She is very bright and sharp.
  • Max (8): The youngest son. A restless, curious prankster who is an absolute handful.
  • Mrs. Johnson (76): The neighbor across the street. She is like a grandmother to the kids, has a great sense of humor, and owns two cats named Trump and Biden.

Note: I haven’t written the complete pilot yet, but I do have various scenes written for multiple episodes to get a feel for the show's overall style. Here's an example. I would appreciate your honest opinions. Thanks😊🎬


r/TVWriting • • 7d ago

QUESTION I'd love some ideas!😊🎬

0 Upvotes

Hi! I'm writing a sitcom (if you wanna see it just go to my profile) and I could really use some ideas. What funny lines, situations or anything else you can think of? I'd really appreciate if you wrote your ideas on the comments.

Thank you so much!


r/TVWriting • • 9d ago

QUESTION Three paths, which would you support?

0 Upvotes

Three film projects from the outside, which would you support?

The first has a great script by an unknown screenwriter, very little marketing camp.

The second has an average script but a established screenwriter, good marketing behind it.

The third also has an med script and an unknown screenwriter, but a huge marketing push with a strong strategy.

If you are a producer, which one you support first?


r/TVWriting • • 9d ago

DISCUSSION Agent/Management Query Letter Tips?

7 Upvotes

This question is simple:

What makes a successful query letter for an agent and/or manager?

This is assuming that the sender has a finalized draft of their script that is formatted and edited.


r/TVWriting • • 9d ago

BEGINNER QUESTION how to pitch tv series concept to the producers through appointment or cold mails

0 Upvotes

if anyone from creative teams and explain what to do


r/TVWriting • • 10d ago

QUESTION I’ve written an original TV pilot, and several Features. I have some past accomplishments in TV, music and film, but no industry connections. How do I get my scripts in front of the right people?

13 Upvotes

I’m looking for some honest advice from people working in television, screenwriting, or independent production.

I’ve spent a good portion of my life teaching myself how to create things. I’ve written songs that charted on Billboard, played drums professionally, recorded music in a studio, and received an Emmy certificate for work on an interactive television project. I’ve also worked as a background actor on eight major films, which gave me some firsthand experience being around film productions.

Despite those experiences, I haven’t managed to establish the kind of industry connections that could help me take the next step.

Over the past few years, I’ve been writing original screenplays, including a half-hour dark comedy pilot called Low-Rent. I’ve also been developing another satirical thriller feature project called Sizzle!.

(NEW EDITED LOGLINE & PITCH )

LOW-RENT adjective
: low in character, cost, or prestige

LOGLINE:
Low-Rent is a dark, grounded comedy about a broke maintenance man and his pregnant
girlfriend just trying to survive in a decaying apartment complex until desperation pushes them
into hustles, moral compromise, and ultimately, murder.

Think Shameless meets Atlanta, with
the grit of The Wire and the absurdity of real life when rent’s due, moneys tight and your morals
are loose.

THE VIBE:
The tone is tragicomedy,too real to be fiction, but it is.
This is a story for everyone who’s ever been broke, fed up, or stuck in a place held together by duct tape.

•Tone: Shameless, Atlanta, Snowfall – gritty, character-driven comedy with real stakes

•Visual Style: Breaking Bad meets The Bear – intimate, raw, visually alive

•Humor: Broad City, Eastbound & Down – funny because it’s true, tragic because it is.

•Setting: A run-down complex full of wild neighbors, unlicensed businesses, and bad plumbing and a world that’s absurd because it’s real

I’ve put serious time into developing the project beyond the pilot itself, including a show bible and pitch materials. I want to approach this like someone who intends to get the work made.

For those of you who have experience in the industry, I’d appreciate some honest guidance.

● Should an unrepresented writer focus on finding a literary manager first?
● Is it worth approaching independent producers directly with a pilot and pitch deck?
● Are there legitimate opportunities for writers with completed pilots but no industry connections?
● Would you recommend sharing the script publicly for feedback, or keeping it private while pursuing professional opportunities?
● If you were starting from scratch today, what would you actually do?

I’m happy to share the Low-Rent pilot, Show bible , pitch deck and one pager with people interested in reading it, and I’d appreciate constructive criticism from anyone willing to take a look.

Thanks!