Six Ways to Know if Your Story is a TV Series or Movie

The first question to really ask yourself is - which medium do I prefer watching? Do I stay informed on new movie releases, and have I historically watched and got invigorated by them? Or - do I watch a lot of TV and has the format, rhythm, and construction of multiple storylines become subconsciously ingrained in my creative database? 

I love a good binge, and have way too many shows in my “like” cue on Netflix, Prime, AppleTV, Hulu… and… what am I missing? Oh right – HBOMax!  That said, I am and have always been a cinephile. My brain tends to envision and sculpt stories in that more limited and defined format, not to mention that I’ve written more screenplays than I have TV pilots. 

I encounter many writers who believe their idea is a TV series because “that’s what everyone is buying these days.” While it’s true that the boom of streaming channels has opened up numerous opportunities for long form shows, including novels adapted into limited series - and I always encourage clients to reach for the stars - at the end of the day, it comes down to 6 fundamental questions, to be asked in the following order:

1. Write what you know. 

I’m not referring to the subject matter (although that counts too). I mean write what comes most naturally to you. Lean into your strengths.

Maybe you’ve written a screenplay or pilot script before, or even if you haven’t – ask yourself which format you’re more familiar with, and moreover, which one do you enjoy writing? Which feels less daunting?  You’d be surprised to discover that you actually know a lot more about the craft than you realize from simply watching stuff! Conversely, if you don’t watch TV, or find yourself drawn to specific genres (be it scifi, drama, or comedy) ask yourself if your show lives in said genre. If not, you may want to reconsider embarking on the long journey to launch a TV show (more on that below). If you do decide to pursue that route anyway, start watching TV. Read how-to books and blogs and educate yourself on the language, structure, and requirements first.

2.  Is your story better suited for TV or film?

Once you’ve answered #1 (and the answer could be, “I love both formats equally”) the next essential step is to take a look at the roots; the budding tree of your storyline or overall idea and ask yourself whether it has enough potential branches to explore and sustain over the course of a TV series. If it does, fantastic. Start breaking those branches out by sketching out potential storylines, settings, and characters. 

Alternatively, is your story a simple, high-concept idea that follows a small number of characters and can be told in under two hours (or 120 pages in final draft or comparable)? Does it have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Then by all means, start outlining your movie.

You may ask, but what if I envision my story as a TV show (it’s got octopus limbs and a huge canvas to explore), but I’m more comfortable writing a screenplay? In my experience, that’s a good problem to have. Try taking your big idea and simplifying it to it’s most unique and vital storyline. Perhaps it’s the decision to select one protagonist who you find most compelling and tell the movie from their point of view.  Or zoom-in on one aspect of the bigger world and write the script set in that time period or the most dramatic and pivotal moment, where your character is faced with a high-stakes choice. Tackle not only what you deem achievable given your bandwidth and knowledge, but also what that ineffable “thing” is about this idea that is worth telling from your unique perspective.

In other words, take a step back and ask yourself why you want to write this to begin with – what is it about this story that I am consistently pulled towards? - and clarity will follow.

3. Understand what you're committing to.

When you’re under the hood working on your writing project, the innards and mechanics differ greatly for TV and Film. 

For a TV project: You will in no uncertain terms need a TV bible or “pitch document” that lays out what your show is about; your vision for the first season and its episodes, and a description of the story arch, characters, themes, and world. It is a sales document that gives away what your show is about (twists and reveals and all) and conveys that you have a handle on how its scope will manifest on screen. It is a tool to sell your show, not a piece of creative writing. Some people – many! – brains don’t work that way, especially if you’re a writer. So be prepared to do the hard work of learning what this entails and the patience to workshop it repeatedly. Unless you are an accredited writer with a show produced, you most likely will also need a pilot script written in script format (30 or 60 minutes aka pages, depending on whether it’s a half hour or one hour drama.). You will want to make all those decisions up front before beginning your bible.  

For a film script: You will need to outline (whatever works for you - index cards on walls, google sheets, or handwritten journaling) then write many drafts of your screenplay, and revise it with the feedback of beta readers, festivals and competitions, editors (or coaches like me ;) and make sure you have a great hook that can be articulated in a logline and synopsis. 

4. Do you have connections in one format vs. another? 

This matters. A lot. Let’s say you’ve finally completed your project and are looking to “sell it somewhere” but have no representation. The harsh reality is that who you know, or who a friend of a friend might know who is a seasoned player in the field, is the difference between hearing crickets versus a chorus of two or three.

While this should in no way dictate what format you choose to write your idea in, if you’re on the fence or suspect your story could be either – if you’re more connected to people in one field and are willing to do the necessary networking to receive an introduction to that person, that could be a factor in choosing which way you go.

5. Do you have the patience and commitment required for outreach?

Are you prepared to research and identify who those relevant players are, and craft a killer synopsis and query letter, and send it out to tons (upwards of 50) managers, agents, producers, etc? Are you willing to play the numbers game for the long haul, and furthermore, do you have the thick-skin to receive rejections or in the majority of cases, no response at all? (But I promise, eventually you will!)

6. What else interests me?

Be prepared for your baby to get no love after you birth it. I’ve been writing screenplays, pilots, and novels for over a decade (that’s where I stop counting). I used to write with a partner, with a few sparks of interest and validation, but when I embarked on the journey on my own, I was met with numerous “no’s” and “almosts” that stung and discouraged me, yet I kept on…and on…and on…

And along the way, improving my craft, voice, as well as time and maturity (and managed expectations) eventually led me to landing a film manager and book agent - and fcking finally, a movie deal. If I had given up when I got thrown off the first, second, third or tenth rung, I wouldn’t be writing this at all. 

While you may be immersed and consumed by the one writing project you’re focused on at the moment – and you should be! – the life of a writer requires not only longevity, but a way of looking at the world that incites new and fresh ideas. Don’t dismiss them. Jot them down. Explore their merits and the playful process of curiosity by writing your way to discoveries.

And let go of the outcome - whether you will sell it or not. Or, whether you will “finally” be able to post a big announcement of acknowledgement (which understandably, is enticing, exciting, and human). Or the license to tell your weary and skeptical parents, partners, or friends that finally, this “wishy-washy writing thing I’ve been doing and the reason I can’t come to the family bbq” has paid off. 

 Don’t worry about having something to prove.  The only proof you need is exploring what thrums inside you by putting it on paper. 

And eventually, one of those stories will be put out into the world.