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What is a Pilot?

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Hi Screenwriter!

With the advent of streaming, the world of television has grown and changed, with so many more opportunities for unique and compelling stories to be told.

Whether you want to write for a big network or a streaming studio, it’s important to understand the foundations of serial storytelling.

If you’re developing your own concept for a series, you’ll need to build out the core concept of the show, as well as an exciting pilot episode that can hook the audience and keep them coming back for more. A pilot episode is the first episode of a series, and is a critical piece of the entire show.

If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to writing your pilot, check out our brand new course, Writing the Pilot, where we take you through a detailed process of developing both your show and your pilot episode.

A pilot episode is the hook for your series, and needs to function as an exciting episode of television while also setting up all the relationships and conflict that will exist within the series. There are a number of key elements that should exist in any great pilot:

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If this feels overwhelming, come talk about it with us in our Discord! It’s a place where screenwriters can discuss their work and brainstorm with other writers in a safe and positive environment.

Ready to get started on writing your pilot episode? Writing the Pilot is now open! Get access to the course, which features six full modules and assignments that will help you confidently develop your series and your pilot.

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You’ll also have the opportunity to join our weekly Office Hours, where you can submit your work for detailed, focused feedback to help you develop the best version of your pilot.

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-Alexie

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