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An airplane pilot has to complete a checklist before taking off to avoid crashing and stay in the air. So too, Automatic Pilot is a TV Pilot Writer's Checklist to keep from crashing and stay on the air.
Automatic Pilot is the definitive guide on how to create and write an original pilot. It takes you through the step-by-step process of writing your own pilot script.
It is adapted from Bill Taub's very successful UCLA Extension Writers' Program online workshop,Writing A Spec Pilot, which he has been teaching to students all over the world since 2006.
Up until the series Desperate Housewives, developed from spec pilot, burst upon the scene and became an instant hit, nobody encouraged writers to write a spec pilot. Since then the floodgates have opened and every writer, including some of the biggest names, is either writing a spec pilot or thinking about writing one.
Like the workshop itself which crossed borders, Automatic Pilot is designed for writers no matter where they are. Whether you are writing a series about Congress or Parliament, the CIA or MI-5, a family in Bangladesh or Brooklyn, the process is the same. Whether it's a half-hour comedy, one hour drama, animation, or even a web series, the steps are the same.
While the odds of selling a spec pilot are slim, the chance your spec pilot will impress those in charge to hire you on staff is a good enough reason to have one. And every writer these days must have at least one spec pilot in their portfolio.
Automatic Pilot is not only an insider's guide on how to create an original pilot it's a book that will inspire you, motivate you, and help you discover (or rediscover) a sense of freedom and joy in writing, no matter what stage you're at -- whether you're new to the writing world or an old pro -- it will be something you will return to time and again.
Just published. Print and E-Book/Kindle edition. Rankings vary anywhere from 50K to 200K.
Here is a sample of a Pilot’s Checklist:
Before Takeoff
Auxiliary fuel pump — Off
Flight controls — Set correctly
Instruments and radios — Checked and set
Landing gear position lights — Checked
Altimeter — Set
Directional gyro — Set
Fuel tanks and gauges — Checked
Running down the Checklist before taking off can make the difference between staying in the air and crash-landing. Many a pilot has avoided embarrassment, not to mention a possible disaster, because he or she used the Checklist properly.
I have taken a cue from them and created a TV Pilot Writer’s Checklist — also to hopefully help avoid a disaster — or an aborted mission. So, before you start writing that pilot script of yours . . .
Here is the TV Pilot Writer’s Checklist:
Concept — Is it unique?
Main Characters — Are they original?
Settings — Are they different?
Tone — Is it the best one for the concept?
Stories — Do they involve your Main Characters in a compelling way?
The same warning applies: Many a TV Pilot Writer has avoided embarrassment — not to mention possible disaster — because he or she used the Pilot Writer’s Checklist properly.
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French
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Translation in progress.
Translated by Percy St-Pierre
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Portuguese
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Translation in progress.
Translated by Larissa Rainey
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Spanish
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Already translated.
Translated by Magdalena Balibrea Vich
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Author review: You are a 'find' Magdalena. Thank you so much for stepping forward. You did a great and thorough job. Above and beyond the call of duty. Even proofed the English and found some errors. Your English is better than mine. Muchas gracias, Bill... |
