The 3 Stage Script Writing Process

For a new feature screenplay or TV series project, you must always start with the story and character development process.  The story and character development process is in fact the MOST important stage of any NEW writing project and must never be skippped.  It's purpose is to get all the KEY story elements, main and conflicts fully esablished before any writing begins.  This is what all professional writers do, to avoid rewrites and problems later on.   The development process is also KEY in selecting the right characters for the story as well as developing the character chemistry. The story development process also helps to 'educate' the non-writer client about what the TV/Film Producers will be looking for in new TV and/or Feature Film projects. Far too many new writers without any formal writing education, try and skip this process resulting in work that is not professional.  This is why the industry makes it hard on new writers to get 'read' because they are not sure they have the understanding of how the writing process actually works, and where the 'craft' of the structuring and writing rules stems from (genre).   

Only once the story and character development phase is completed by both the client and the screenwriter, it is then time to use this valuable information and turn it into an actual script.  The first draft of the completed screenplay is typically between 100-120 pages long (approximately one and a half hour feature length film) and is written in Final Draft Screenplay Software.  The first draft of a TV Series Pilot Episode (one hour long) is approximately 60 pages long and is also written in Final Draft Screenplay Software.    All details of the first draft of a screenplay and/or TV Series is based on the story development outline for screenplays and the TV Bible which have been already approved and agreed upon by both the screenwriter and the client. 

The final polish of the screenplay tor TV Pilot tkes the first draft and makes is a page turner. It is neccessary to polish any first draft before it is ready to marketed and reviewed by readers.  This polishing phase takes all the key elements that are currently working and refines and tightens them, as well as cutting out any 'fat' or that may slow the reader down.  As for the TV Series, the  First Pilot Episode does not typically  required a full polish because it is not  'a shooting script' but is more a sample of what the show will look like.     

EVERY new  project needs to be reviewed. There is no other way to know if the STORY is reaching its target audience without some feedback.  Search sites for professional readers based on the genre and goal.  Projects with 'GOOD, CONSIDER or RECOMMEND' help to verify that your project has potential for being both read and sold.  Review the readers on these sites and make sure they are suitable for your needs.