Television and film might share the same medium, but writing for each requires a distinct approach. If you’ve ever wondered why your film-ready script isn’t landing with TV producers, it could be because you’re not adapting your writing style to the demands of episodic storytelling.
In this article, we’ll break down the top five differences between TV and film scripts, with tips to help you craft stories that are tailor-made for the small screen.
1. Structure: Episodic vs. Self-Contained
The Difference:
- Film: A self-contained story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The goal is to deliver a complete emotional journey within 90-120 minutes.
- TV: Episodic storytelling relies on a larger narrative arc spread over multiple episodes or seasons. Each episode has its own mini-arc that contributes to the overall story.
How to Adapt:
- For TV: Focus on creating a “pilot” that sets up the world, introduces compelling characters, and hints at long-term conflicts while delivering a satisfying mini-story in one episode.
- For Film: Ensure the plot is tightly focused and resolves within the runtime.
Example: In Breaking Bad, the pilot introduces Walter White’s descent into the criminal underworld while also delivering a standalone story of his first meth cook and its consequences.
Pro Tip: Think of TV as a novel with chapters, while film is more like a short story.
2. Character Development: Depth Over Time
The Difference:
- Film: Characters undergo significant transformation within a limited timeframe. Their arcs are usually complete by the end of the story.
- TV: Characters evolve gradually, often over multiple seasons. Their arcs are designed to sustain long-term interest.
How to Adapt:
- For TV: Focus on creating characters with layered personalities, unresolved conflicts, and room for growth. Think about how they’ll change over a season—and beyond.
- For Film: Ensure your protagonist has a clear and satisfying arc that aligns with the story’s theme.
Example: In The Sopranos, Tony Soprano’s struggle with his dual life as a mob boss and family man unfolds over six seasons, allowing for nuanced development.
Pro Tip: For TV, consider creating character “bibles” that outline backstories, motivations, and potential future arcs.
3. Pacing: Slow Burn vs. Immediate Impact
The Difference:
- Film: Every moment counts. Films are designed to grab the audience’s attention quickly and maintain momentum throughout.
- TV: Episodic storytelling allows for a slower build, with room to explore subplots, secondary characters, and themes.
How to Adapt:
- For TV: Introduce long-term conflicts and mysteries that can unravel over time. Don’t rush to resolve everything in the pilot.
- For Film: Hook the audience early and ensure every scene drives the plot forward.
Example: In Lost, the pilot introduces the mystery of the island but leaves many questions unanswered, drawing viewers into the long-term narrative.
Pro Tip: For TV, include “teasers” at the end of episodes to keep viewers hooked.
4. Dialogue: Expansive vs. Efficient
The Difference:
- Film: Dialogue is often lean and functional, serving to advance the plot or reveal character with minimal words.
- TV: With more time to fill, TV dialogue can be more expansive, allowing for deeper character interactions and exploration of themes.
How to Adapt:
- For TV: Focus on dialogue that reveals relationships, backstory, and character nuances. Use banter, monologues, and subtext to enrich the story.
- For Film: Strip dialogue down to its essence. Let visuals and actions do the heavy lifting.
Example: In The West Wing, dialogue is fast-paced and layered, reflecting the complexity of the characters and their world.
Pro Tip: Write dialogue that feels natural but is specific to the medium. Avoid overly verbose conversations in film.
5. Endings: Closure vs. Continuation
The Difference:
- Film: The ending provides closure, wrapping up the story and leaving the audience satisfied (or purposefully unsettled).
- TV: Episodes often end with cliffhangers or unresolved conflicts, enticing viewers to keep watching.
How to Adapt:
- For TV: Write endings that tease what’s to come. Whether it’s a shocking twist or a subtle hint at future conflict, leave viewers eager for the next episode.
- For Film: Ensure your ending feels earned and aligns with the story’s theme, even if it’s ambiguous.
Example: Game of Thrones became famous for its season-ending cliffhangers, like the shocking conclusion of the Red Wedding episode.
Pro Tip: For TV, always think about how your pilot sets up future episodes and seasons.
6. FAQs About Writing for TV vs. Film
Can I adapt my film script into a TV pilot?
Yes, but you’ll need to expand the story to support episodic arcs and long-term character development. Consider how the world and characters can sustain multiple episodes or seasons.
Do TV writers need different skills than film writers?
While both require strong storytelling, TV writing demands the ability to think long-term, collaborate with a writers’ room, and juggle multiple storylines.
Which format is better for beginners?
TV pilots can be a great way to showcase your skills, as they’re shorter than feature-length scripts and often leave room for further development.
Resources for TV and Film Writers
- Save the Cat! Writes for TV: A guide to adapting the “Save the Cat” structure for television.
- Final Draft: Includes templates for both TV and film scripts.
- Stage 32: Connect with professionals in both mediums and find workshops tailored to TV and film.
- The Script Lab: Offers resources and articles on writing for both formats.
Final Thoughts: Choose Your Medium Wisely
Understanding the differences between TV and film scripts is essential for creating stories that resonate in their respective formats. Whether you’re crafting a standalone masterpiece or building a world for episodic storytelling, tailoring your approach to the medium will make your script more effective—and more likely to succeed.
Remember, both TV and film have their unique challenges and opportunities. Choose the medium that best fits your story and your creative strengths, and you’ll be on your way to capturing the attention of industry professionals.
