So, you want to become a TV show writer? Many people ask how to make this dream come true. It takes hard work, learning the craft of screenwriting, writing many scripts, and finding ways to get your work seen by people in the television business. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to chase your goal and land television writing jobs.
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What TV Writers Do
A TV show writer writes stories for television shows. They create characters, write dialogue, and build the plot. They work in a writers’ room with other writers. They might write outlines, scenes, or full scripts. Their job is to make sure the show’s story is good and fits the show’s style.
Learning the Craft
First, you need to learn how to write for TV. This is called screenwriting. TV screenwriting is different from writing books or movies. TV shows have commercial breaks. They tell stories over many episodes and seasons. You need to learn a specific format for scripts.
Where to Learn Screenwriting
- Books: Many great books teach screenwriting basics. They show you how to format a script, build characters, and structure a story for TV.
- Online Courses: Many websites offer screenwriting classes. You can learn at your own speed.
- Workshops: Some places have short classes where you can practice writing and get feedback.
- TV Writing Degree: Some universities offer degrees in writing for film and television. This gives you a deep look at the craft. It also helps you meet teachers and other students who love writing. While not always needed, a TV writing degree can give you a strong base and helpful connections.
The Basics of Screenwriting for TV
- Format: Scripts look a certain way. Page margins, character names, dialogue, and action all have specific places. This standard format makes scripts easy for everyone to read.
- Structure: TV shows follow patterns. Episodes have acts before commercials. Seasons have story arcs that build over time.
- Character: Good TV needs interesting characters that change and grow.
- Dialogue: People talking in the script must sound real and move the story forward.
- Pacing: The story needs to move at the right speed to keep viewers watching.
Tools for Writing Scripts
You will need a way to write your scripts in the right format. This is where screenwriting software comes in.
Choosing Screenwriting Software
Screenwriting software helps you format your script correctly without thinking about it much. You just type, and the software puts things in the right place.
Here are some popular options:
- Final Draft: This is used by most people in the industry. It costs money but is seen as the standard.
- Movie Magic Screenwriter: Another widely used program that costs money.
- Celtx: This program has a free version and paid options. It works online.
- Fade In: A strong program that costs less than Final Draft.
- WriterDuet: Works online and lets people write together. It has a free option for a few scripts.
Using good screenwriting software makes your script look professional. This is important when you show your work to others.
Building Your Portfolio
To get a job, you need to show what you can do. You do this by writing scripts. These scripts are your samples.
Writing TV Spec Scripts
A writing TV spec script is a sample episode for a show that is already on TV. You pick a popular show you know well. Then, you write an episode that feels like it could air on that show.
- Why Write Spec Scripts?
- They show you understand how a specific show works (its style, characters, tone).
- They show you can write in a professional format.
- They prove you can finish a script.
- Choosing a Show: Pick a show that is popular but maybe not too popular (so many others aren’t writing for it). Pick one with a clear format and strong characters. Avoid shows that are ending soon.
- Writing the Script: Watch many episodes of the show. Study how they structure stories. Write your episode following their style.
Writing Original Pilot Scripts
An original pilot script is the first episode of a show you create yourself. This is your idea, your characters, your world.
- Why Write Pilot Scripts?
- They show your unique voice and ideas.
- They prove you can build a world and characters from scratch.
- They can be sold and made into a real show.
- Writing the Script: Come up with a strong idea for a series. Create interesting main characters. Write the first episode that sets up the show’s main story and world. You also need a “series bible” which describes future episodes and character arcs, but the pilot script is the main sample.
You need at least two or three strong sample scripts (a mix of specs and pilots is good). Make them your very best work.
Breaking In: Getting Your Foot in the Door
Breaking into television writing is hard. It takes time, talent, and not giving up. There are many paths, but none are easy or guaranteed.
Getting Experience
- Internships: Working as an intern at a production company or studio can teach you how the business works and help you meet people.
- Production Assistant (PA): Many writers start as PAs. You do basic jobs on set or in the office. It’s long hours and low pay, but you learn a lot and meet many people, including writers.
- Showrunner’s Assistant: Working directly for a showrunner is a great job. You see how a show is run and how the writers’ room works up close. This is a common path to becoming a staff writer television.
- Writers’ Assistant: This job is in the writers’ room. You take notes, do research, and help the writers. It’s a direct way to learn from experienced TV writers.
Networking
Meeting people is very important.
- Classes and Workshops: Meet other writers. Form writing groups to share and critique scripts.
- Industry Events: Go to talks, panels, and events where TV professionals might be.
- Informational Interviews: Ask writers or people in the industry if you can talk to them briefly about their careers.
- Online Communities: Join groups for screenwriters online.
Submitting Your Work
Once your scripts are great, you need to get them seen.
- Writing Competitions: Many contests look for new writers. Winning or placing high can get your script read by agents or producers.
- Fellowships: Major studios and networks have writing programs (fellowships). These programs help new writers learn and try to get them jobs. They are very competitive.
- Online Platforms: Some websites allow you to post your scripts. Industry people might read them, but this is less common for getting staffed directly.
Inside the Writing Room
If you get a job, you will likely start as a staff writer television. This means you work in the writers’ room.
What is a Writers’ Room?
The writers’ room is where the writers meet daily to create the show. It’s usually an office with a big table, whiteboards, and lots of snacks.
- Brainstorming: Writers share ideas for stories and characters.
- Breaking Story: They figure out the plot for each episode, act by act, scene by scene.
- Assigning Episodes: The showrunner decides which writer will write the first draft of an episode.
- Rewriting: Writers give notes on each other’s scripts, and scripts are rewritten many times.
Hierarchy in the Writers’ Room
There are different levels of writers, like steps on a ladder.
| Job Title | Role |
|---|---|
| Showrunner | The boss. Runs the room, makes final decisions, oversees everything. |
| Executive Producer | High-level writers, often help the Showrunner. |
| Co-Executive Producer | Another high-level writing job. |
| Supervising Producer | Mid-level writer, helps manage the room. |
| Producer | Mid-level writer. |
| Story Editor | Mid-level writer, often works on story outlines. |
| Executive Story Editor | A higher level Story Editor. |
| Staff Writer | Entry-level writing job in the room. |
| Writers’ Assistant | Supports the writers, takes notes, does research. |
| Showrunner’s Assistant | Supports the Showrunner directly. |
A staff writer television is at the start of this ladder. You contribute ideas, learn the process, and might get to write parts of episodes or even a full episode draft. Moving up takes time and good work.
The Showrunner’s Role
The showrunner is the main creative voice and manager of the show. They hire the writers, guide the stories, work with the studio and network, and are involved in casting, directing, and editing. They are the boss of the writers’ room.
Getting a TV Writing Agent
Once you have great sample scripts and maybe some contacts, you might need help selling your work. This is where a literary agent comes in. Getting a TV writing agent is often a necessary step to get professional television writing jobs.
Why Do You Need an Agent?
- Access: Agents have contacts at studios, networks, and production companies. They know who is looking for writers.
- Submissions: Many places will only read scripts that come from known agents or managers.
- Negotiation: Agents help you get the best pay and deal for your work.
- Guidance: A good agent advises you on your career path.
How to Get an Agent
- Write Amazing Scripts: This is the most important thing. Your work must stand out.
- Network: Meet people who might recommend you to an agent. Sometimes a director, producer, or even another writer can suggest you.
- Get Noticed: Win contests, get into fellowships, or get a job as a writers’ assistant. This makes you more attractive to an agent.
- Query Letters: Once your scripts are ready, you can write to agents. Briefly describe your work and why they should read it. Research agents to find ones who represent TV writers. Only query agents who accept new writers (check their website or industry guides).
- Referrals: The best way to get an agent is through someone they already know and trust. This goes back to networking.
It can take a long time to find an agent. Be patient and keep writing.
The Journey Continues
Becoming a TV show writer is not a one-time event; it’s a career path. Even after getting a job, you must keep learning, writing, and working well with others.
Challenges
- Finding Work: Jobs can be hard to find and don’t always last a long time. Many writers work show-to-show.
- Show Getting Canceled: TV shows can end quickly. Your job ends when the show ends.
- Long Hours: Working in a writers’ room, especially as a junior writer, can mean long days.
- Dealing with Notes: Everyone gives notes on your script. You need to be able to take feedback and rewrite your work.
Moving Up
If you do well as a staff writer television, you can move up the ranks: Story Editor, Executive Story Editor, Co-Producer, Producer, Supervising Producer, Co-Executive Producer, Executive Producer. The goal for many is to become a showrunner and run their own show.
This takes many years and much hard work. You need to prove you are a strong writer, a good team player, and can handle more responsibility.
Making It Real: Steps to Take Now
Ready to start? Here are some steps you can take today.
- Watch TV Critically: Don’t just watch shows; study them. How do they tell stories? How is the dialogue? How do they structure episodes?
- Read Scripts: Find scripts online (many are available for free). Read how writers write scenes and dialogue. See how the formatting works.
- Learn Screenwriting: Start with books, online courses, or local classes. Learn the rules before you break them.
- Get Screenwriting Software: Choose a program and learn how to use it to format your scripts.
- Start Writing:
- Write scenes.
- Write short scripts.
- Pick a show and write a writing TV spec script.
- Develop your own idea and write an original pilot script.
- Get Feedback: Share your scripts with others. Join a writing group. Be open to notes.
- Rewrite: Writing is rewriting. Make your scripts better based on feedback.
- Network: Start meeting other writers and people in the industry, even if they are just starting too.
- Explore Education: Think about if a TV writing degree is right for you. It’s not required, but it can help.
- Be Persistent: The path is long and hard. Don’t give up on your dream. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep trying to get your work seen.
Remember, there is no single magic way into the industry. It’s a mix of talent, skill, hard work, timing, and meeting the right people. Focus on writing the best scripts you possibly can. That is the foundation of everything.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much money do TV writers make?
Pay for TV writers varies a lot. A first-year staff writer television makes less than a seasoned Executive Producer or Showrunner. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) union sets minimum pay rates for union writers. Pay depends on your level and the show’s budget. Entry-level pay can be modest, but experienced writers can make very good money.
Do I need a TV writing degree?
No, you do not need a TV writing degree. Many successful writers did not get one. However, a degree program can give you strong training, dedicated time to write, and connections to teachers and alumni who work in the business. It’s one path, but not the only path.
How important is getting a TV writing agent?
Very important for working at major studios and networks. Agents help you find and negotiate television writing jobs. While some writers find work without an agent early on (like via fellowships or assistant jobs), having an agent is usually necessary to move up and get steady work.
Can I just write and send my script to a studio?
No, almost never. Studios, networks, and production companies do not accept “unsolicited material.” This means they won’t read scripts sent to them out of the blue. Your script must come through a known agent, manager, producer, or sometimes through a specific program like a fellowship or competition they trust. This is why getting a TV writing agent is key.
What is the difference between a spec script and a pilot script?
A writing TV spec script is a sample episode for a show that already exists. A pilot script is the first episode of a show you invented yourself. Both are used as writing samples, but they show different things. Specs show you can write for an established show’s voice; pilots show your original ideas and world-building.
How long does it take to break into TV writing?
It can take many years. For some, it happens faster, for others, it takes over a decade of trying. There is no set timeline. Focus on getting better at screenwriting and making connections rather than setting a strict time limit.
What happens in a writers’ room meeting?
Writers gather, usually with the showrunner leading. They talk about the show’s overall story for the season. Then they break down individual episodes, discussing plot points, character moments, and jokes. Ideas are written on whiteboards. It’s a mix of pitching ideas, discussing story logic, and figuring out how to make the episode work. A staff writer television participates by offering ideas and taking notes.
How can I practice screenwriting without software?
You can use a regular word processor (like Word or Google Docs) and set up the formatting manually. There are guides online for standard screenplay format. However, using screenwriting software saves a lot of time and makes sure your formatting is perfect, which is important when submitting scripts.
What if I live far from Los Angeles?
While most television writing jobs are in Los Angeles, it is becoming more possible to break in from other places, especially with online connections and remote work (though the writers’ room often requires being in person). Many writers move to LA when they are serious about a TV writing career because that is where most of the work and networking happens. You can start learning and writing anywhere, but moving might be a step you need to take later.
Is it very competitive?
Yes, it is extremely competitive. Many people want to be TV writers, and there are limited jobs. This is why skill, persistence, good samples (like writing TV spec scripts and pilots), and networking are all needed.