whoops.


Phil

Not sure if this will be of any interest.  But word has got back to me from someone in TV Land via my writer mate.  I'm guessing it's the BBC chick.  

The quote was: ...she wants to make a program about it, so she will certainly be in touch again.

I'm on the edge of my seat.

Not trying to hijack jayrex's thread or anything but I also have a question about writing for television. I know that when writing a screenplay you're supposed to capitalize a character's name the first time they appear but I was wondering if the same works for a series. Do you capitalize each character's name the first time they appear in every episode or just the first time they appear in the series?

Seems like it would be for each episode to me.

Just thinking that, because you'd have to look at each episode as stand alone, and every character won't appear in every script.

Yeah, that's kind of what I was thinking it just feels weird for some reason. I think it's just because the series is very much one long story and my main cast is in every episode.

Is there a way to denote a guest star in the script or is that just unnecessary?

Now I AM hijacking Javier's thread. If, say, I was trying to write an episode of a mini-series, to be submitted to the BBC when the series is done, how would that be formatted? I've currently got it laid out as a 29-page script without teasers, act breaks etc., since the Beeb doesn't have commercials and I was imagining it to be a half-hour episode.

Does that sound right? I've looked at scripts from actual shows on the BBC's Writers' Room website and they don't seem to follow the teaser/acts structure...but is it better to do that anyway?

I've just finished episode 1, so I think I'll upload it on here it in a second!

Quoted from JonnyBoy I've currently got it laid out as a 29-page script without teasers, act breaks etc., since the Beeb doesn't have commercials and I was imagining it to be a half-hour episode. Does that sound right? I've looked at scripts from actual shows on the BBC's Writers' Room website and they don't seem to follow the teaser/acts structure...but is it better to do that anyway?

Jonny, if you use Final Darft you have a section for TV scripts and several examples. I used it for my series script I submitted several years ago here:

http://www.simplyscripts.com/scripts/ThomasOrSandy.pdf

The script is not that good but you'll have there a perfect example of the three acts episod. Hope it'll help.

Michel

Have a look here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/submissions_writersroom.shtml

I also found this:

Is your script formatted correctly?

We don't penalise writers for scripts that aren't correctly formatted, but presenting your work appropriately suggests a professional approach and an understanding of the medium and format for which you are writing. You can download our Script Smart software for free, and you can read formatted and produced work in our Script Archive. We do not accept handwritten work. Please only type or print on one side of the paper. You might also want to consider using a dedicated script formatting program.

And:

What do I have to include with my script?

You should always include your contact details. As a general rule, information about the characters and story should come across in the script itself – if you feel the need to include additional information, then perhaps you ought to look again at how well your script is working. If you are submitting an episode from a series/serial, then you should include an outline of further episodes. It is not essential, but you can also send in a brief writing CV to give an idea of any experience you might have. Please also include a SSAE so that we can return your script.

I meant George Willson.

Don't worry; he's back at SS as if he never left.


Phil