How do I write a TV pilot?

Question

I have a great idea for a show. I need to find out how to write it, who to show it to, and how to make sure no one will steal my idea.

Answer 1

People at TV stations don't make decisions on TV shows. TV networks do. Anyway, you need to write it as professionally as possible (do you homework - there's a specific format) and pitch it to an agent. No one will look at your script without an agent. If you can get a star to commit to it even better, but that's a long shot unless you already know a star personally. Don't have too many characters (and be certain that all the characters you do have have a reason for being there) and make sure that your idea is good for a long run, not just one or two episodes. Good luck.

Answer 2

As noted above, formatting is important.

Before you sit down to write, take some time and plot out the major points of your show: your characters' basic personalities, their relationships with each other, the settings where most of the action will take place, and where you want the sitcom to eventually lead.

The pilot script itself has to meet a certain balance: you have to introduce your characters and the premise smoothly and naturally, while being believable and actually having a plot beyond just saying who's who. Avoid heavy-handedness - for example, rather than having a character say "this is my boyfriend, Brad", you would want to show her holding hands with Brad or otherwise performing activities that define the relationship. Most of all, you want to leave it so that viewers are interested in these people and what they're doing.

Answer 3

write it in script format.
[browse the net for tv pilot scripts, i.g. "Friends", "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" are great and easy to find]

Answer 4

type a script out and propose it to someone at a TV station.