First, the basics of TV script writing. Wherever it is set, and whoever the characters are, a successful (read: sellable) TV script should have the following. If it does not, then it is likely to never see the light of day.
Good Dialogue
There is no getting around just how important the skill of writing dialogue is in the world of writing for TV. Other factors such as direction, setting and the actor's ability make a difference, no doubt. However, a script could have the direction of Hitchcock, an unlimited budget and Sir Derek Jacobi in the lead: if the script stinks, the show will stink. Dialogue should be realistic, accurate and a pleasure to read.
Well Structured
Act one, two and three. Beginning, middle and end. Whatever people choose to call it, television script editors will have no interest in hiring a writer with the inability to structure a story. Writing for TV is a challenge, and structuring is one of the trickiest to get right initially. Will the embittered cop sort out his drinking problem in order to gain custody of his daughter? Why did the smouldering land-owner lie about his brother's death? Did the well-loved politician really have anything to do with the murder of his secretary? Making the audience care about questions like these are a truly essential part of script-writing.
Excellent plotting
Most people have, at one time or another, seen a TV show that left that cross-eyed with confusion. Every little red-herring, every piece of conflict, every thrilling car chase: they all must have their purpose. Without the plot, there is nothing to entice the viewer.
Characterisation
It is this that makes the viewer truly care about the TV shows they watch. Whether it is the fact that they identify with the protagonist, or know someone they truly hate who possesses the character defects of the antagonist. the characters are of paramount importance. Huge hits such as Gavin and Stacey and The Office derive their charm from the every day: the characters are exactly like people the viewers know and love.
Professional Presentation
Perhaps not as immediately obvious as the other aspects, when writing for TV, professional presentation makes a HUGE difference to a writer's chances of success. Script editors and executive producers want to hire people who treat the shows as important, and nothing is less likely to portray this than a dog-eared script with rejection comments plastered over the margins.
Each aspect will be explored in more depth in future articles. For other tips on writing in general, check out my other articles here.
Shaun Edwards - Shaun Edwards graduated from the University of Essex, UK with a BA in Creative Writing. SInce then he worked for a variety of different ...
Join the Conversation