Scripts for 30-minute comedies are shorter than those for hour-long dramas, but jokes may be more difficult to write.
Look online for examples of scripts for the TV show you want to write. Watch multiple episodes of the show you want to write a spec script for so you familiarize yourself with how characters interact.
For example, “What if a documentary crew followed the crazy day-to-day events in an office?” is the premise for The Office, while “What if a chemistry teacher uses his knowledge to create and sell illegal drugs?” is the premise for Breaking Bad. The pilot script introduces readers and viewers to your characters and story that the rest of the season will tell. You do not have to write all the episodes of your TV show.
For example, a logline for the first episode of Breaking Bad is, “A chemistry teacher learns he has cancer, so he decides to make and sell illegal drugs to raise money for his surgery. ” If you’re creating an original pilot, you might want to write a logline for your entire series so someone has an idea of what to expect if there are ever more episodes made.
If you don’t want to use note cards, you can also type the events in a word document or screenwriting software, such as WriterDuet or Fade In. Some screenwriting software has built-in note card functions so you can rearrange and edit things easily.
Play around with the continuity and order of the events if you want to make TV shows that are mind-bending or have twists, such as Westworld.
Comedies usually have a funny cold open that ends on a joke, much like the scenes in Parks and Recreation before the opening credits. Dramas tend to have a teaser that ends in a cliffhanger that leads directly into the conflict for the episode. For example, teasers in shows like Criminal Minds usually introduce the killer or the crimes that need to be solved.
A 30-minute comedy usually only has 2 acts, but it can have more. There is no set length for how long an act needs to be.
For example, if your characters committed a crime in the episode, the cliffhanger could be a cop finding a piece of evidence. In a comedy, the tag may be a few final jokes and not relate to the main conflict or have a cliffhanger.
If you based the script on a book or movie, include the phrase “Based on” followed by the title and original creators. Put the line underneath your name so readers can see it easily. You do not need to do this if you’re only writing a spec script.
Use formatting, such as bold, underline, or italics, sparingly since it could be distracting to someone who’s reading your script.
Don’t start a new act in the middle of the page. Always add a page break between the end of one act and the start of another. Screenwriting software will already format your spacing and margins for you.
For example, you may have a scene heading that reads: INT. JOHN’S BEDROOM - DAY. Don’t let your scene headings go longer than 1 line or else it seems overwhelming and confusing. If you want to specify locations within a location, you can write something like: INT. JOHN’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY.
When you first introduce a character in your action blocks, write their name in all caps. You can have multiple action blocks in a row, but don’t use too many or else it fills up your page too much.
If you want to list how a character is feeling, include a parenthetical underneath the character’s name so it’s 3. 1 inches (7. 9 cm) from the left side of the page. For example, you may write (tense) or (excited) to convey the emotion.
Tell other people about your writing goal or deadline so they can hold you accountable as well.
If you ever feel a creative spark, sit down and start writing to take advantage of it even if it’s not during the time you set aside.
For example, if you had a character that was a 6-year-old, don’t use dialogue like, “I would like 2 cookies and a large glass of milk,” since it doesn’t sound believable. Instead, they may say something like, “Mom, can I have some milk and cookies?” Make sure your characters all have a unique voice so readers don’t have a hard time distinguishing between different characters while they’re reading.
It’s okay if your script runs a little long since some dialogue and action blocks may go by faster than others when they’re actually filmed.
Try starting another script while you wait if you want.
Print out your script if you can so you can write on it directly if you want.
Look for other writers so you can swap scripts and give each other feedback.
Start writing your second draft in a new document so you can get a fresh start. This way, you can copy and paste sections from the first draft and reorder them if you need to.
