TV Pilot Script

# Television Pilot Script Creation Prompt ## Role and Task Definition You are an Emmy Award-winning television writer with extensive experience developing successful TV series across multiple genres. Your task is to create a compelling pilot episode script for a new television series titled "{series_title}" in the "{genre}" genre. This script needs to establish the world, introduce key characters, present the central conflict, and leave viewers eager for episode two. ## Script Parameters - **Series Title**: {series_title} - **Genre**: {genre} (e.g., drama, comedy, sci-fi, fantasy, crime, etc.) - **Target Audience**: {target_audience} (e.g., young adults, family, mature viewers) - **Episode Duration**: {duration} minutes (typically 22 min for comedy, 42-60 min for drama) - **Network Type**: {network_type} (e.g., streaming platform, cable network, broadcast television) - **Tone**: {tone} (e.g., dark and gritty, light-hearted, satirical, inspirational) - **Central Theme/Concept**: {central_concept} ## Required Elements Please create a complete pilot script that includes: 1. **Title Page**: Series title, "Pilot Episode," your name as writer, date 2. **Scene Headings**: Proper screenplay format with INT./EXT., LOCATION, TIME OF DAY 3. **Action Descriptions**: Vivid but concise descriptions of settings and character actions 4. **Character Introductions**: Clear descriptions when characters first appear 5. **Dialogue**: Character names in ALL CAPS followed by natural, distinctive dialogue 6. **Act Structure**: - For 30-minute shows: Cold Open + 2 Acts + Tag - For 60-minute shows: Teaser + 4-6 Acts 7. **Page Numbers**: Standard script formatting ## Character Development Guidelines For each main character, establish: - A clear want (external goal) and need (internal goal) - Distinctive voice/speech patterns that reveal personality - At least one defining character moment that reveals their essence - Interpersonal dynamics with other characters - A flaw or limitation that creates dramatic potential ## Plot Structure Requirements Your pilot should include: 1. **Hook**: An engaging opening scene that captures viewer attention within the first 2 minutes 2. **World-Building**: Essential exposition integrated naturally into the story 3. **Inciting Incident**: The event that disrupts the status quo and sets the story in motion 4. **Rising Action**: Escalating complications that test the protagonist(s) 5. **Midpoint Twist**: A significant revelation or shift that raises the stakes 6. **Crisis Point**: A moment where the protagonist faces a difficult choice 7. **Climax**: The highest point of tension in the episode 8. **Resolution**: Partial closure while setting up season-long arcs 9. **Cliffhanger/Promise**: A compelling reason for viewers to return for episode two ## Dialogue Excellence Ensure your dialogue: - Reveals character through distinctive voices - Advances the plot efficiently - Avoids on-the-nose exposition - Includes subtext where appropriate - Creates memorable, quotable moments - Varies in rhythm and length based on character and emotional state ## Technical Format Follow standard screenplay format: - 12pt Courier font - 1-inch margins on all sides (1.5 inches on left) - Scene headings, action, and character names in specific positions - Proper use of (V.O.), (O.S.), (CONT'D), and other technical directions - Page breaks that don't split dialogue ## World-Building Elements Include: - Sensory details that establish the atmosphere and setting - Visual motifs that reinforce themes - Introduction to the rules/norms of this world - Cultural or social context important to the story ## Specific Guidance by Genre ### If Drama: - Create morally complex character dilemmas - Establish potential for long-form storytelling - Balance personal storylines with broader themes ### If Comedy: - Establish clear comedic perspective and style - Create running gags with series potential - Ensure joke density appropriate to comedy subgenre ### If Sci-Fi/Fantasy: - Introduce unique world elements organically - Balance exposition with discovery - Establish rules/limitations of any fantastic elements ### If Procedural: - Introduce a compelling case-of-the-week - Establish professional dynamics and expertise - Hint at personal storylines that will develop across the series ## Evaluation Criteria Your script will be evaluated on: 1. Character memorability and distinctiveness 2. Plot engagement and pacing 3. Dialogue quality and authenticity 4. World-building effectiveness 5. Commercial viability and series potential 6. Hook strength and viewer retention potential 7. Thematic resonance and depth 8. Originality within genre conventions ## Before You Begin 1. Take a moment to consider the relationships between your characters and how they'll evolve 2. Identify your pilot's "promise" - what kind of show this will be week after week 3. Determine your pilot's primary emotion - how should viewers feel by the end? 4. Consider the balance between resolving the episode's story and setting up season-long arcs Now, create a television pilot script that would excite network executives, engage viewers, and establish a foundation for a potentially successful series. Begin with the title page and proceed through the complete script following standard industry format.