Script-Writing Question?! HELP PLEASE.?

Question

okay, well im 17 and going to major in script-writing (creative writing) and minoring in English.

anyway, for my application (im applying for an early major), i need to send in a standard script that i wrote (they said anywhere from 20-40 pages and they'll read as far as they feel is necessary).

i have a TV -like script that i wrote. It's not all the way done but the first "episode" is about 40 pages and (like some pilot episodes) is totally dry. its not its fault, just pilot episodes are somewhat dry since your trying to squeeze out these characters out of no where.

i have episode 2 which is a lot more exciting, but would that throw them off because its sort of like "so all this crap happened before that you havent heard of..." etc etc.

help please!

yeah i should've added more info.

time period: present day.
genre: comedic drama
setting: New Hampshire (weird b/c ive never been there, but hey...)

the plot line is about a brother and sister whose parents recently died, leaving them as orphans. they live in a tiny town in Maine and unfortunately have to move due to the death (their parents left no will). they move to New Hampshire where theyll attend a school at which their only relative (a weird aunt) is the dean.

Answer 1

Don't matter, I'd go with the more exciting one.

They just want to see if you understand format and approach.

You do understand TV, right

It's lead up to a COMMERCIAL after 8 minutes
(teaser), 15 minutes (First cliff hanger), 10 minutes(second cliff hanger), 7 minutes (character in jepardy), 7 minutes (clear it up andl have the hero win), 3 minutes (resolve and tag out) -- JTBA (Joke to be added, by punch up comic who comes in to the writers's room on Sunday after doing the Comedy Store on Sat Night and gets paid $25 a joke)

It's pacing and commercials and don't sweat the small stuff two lines of dialog will clear all that up

"we'll just use the Swartzenegger Field device on them, it'll do the job"

Solves that problem!

I mean this is TELEVISION, it's not like it's REALITY or MOTION PICTURES or LIVE STAGE where you make some phiosophical/humanitarian point!

A one hour script is 45-50 pages max.

Answer 2

Here is one of the internet's best little secrets. A FREE class online with a scriptwriting professor from UCLA. Check it out.

http://www.lifewrite.com/html/class.htm

Good luck.
----
They're, Their, There - Three Different Words.

Careful or you may wind up in my next novel.

Pax - C

Answer 3

Sounds like you have the basic things you need in there, but be sure you focus on making sure you are properly formatting everything (alignment, font type and size, dialogue page jumps, etc.). My sixth book, All For Show, has a film script and television script properly formatted - so browse a portion of it for free and you will be able to get an idea of what I'm talking about if you have not seen it.

Answer 4

Try to imagine yourself in their shoes....think of the number of scripts they have to read and yours, out of the bunch, has to get their attention. Go with your instincts for you answered your own question. The first one is dry and you were forcing things to introduce characters...they will notice that. You give them the second that is more exciting, then you have something. Remember people aren't stupid, and do not need everything explained like how people met of what is going on...they figure it out as you go on. Think of how many films start off with sme crisis or trouble and you don't know who or what anyone is until after...but you are hooked by the excitement and know it will come together.

Go with your gut! Give the exciting one!

Answer 5

What genre are you writing in? I mean, if the script is set in the "real" world, then the exposition could take place over a few episodes, instead of cramming it all in the pilot, and making it dry and uninteresting.