I need to know how to correctly introduce a character for a TV pilot. I've looked everywhere, and can't seem to find the accepted format. In film, you can write what the person looks like and maybe some underlining feeling the person should have. But with a character based show, appearance and attitudes are very important, especially for a comedy. Currently I'm writing a show with a lot of people. Twelve people to be exact. And currently I introduce them all at the same time, So I have basically almost half a page that takes up just introducing them. This is a problem. How do I correctly intro these people? I've seen some shows, especially for pitching, write up a page or two describing bio's on each character, to read before reading the pilot. Does any one have a good idea? I would like to do it the most professional way. I've read multiple pilots, which are extremely tough to find, and have not found anything that I'm looking for.
Hope you guys can help.
Thanks.
-Hoxnation.
" see things through my eyes "
" see things through my eyes "
You introduce them the same way as in a film. Age range and maybe
a small physical characteristic, nothing more. No underlining feelings,
no attitudes nothing about their appearance. Let the dialogue show all
that.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
There is only one way a writer can introduce the character: through the dialogue (as C.I. said). There is absolutely no point in writing some descriptive text about him (her), since audiences are NOT going to be reading that. The only way audience will get to know this character is through what they do and say in the course of the film / show. If it is a principal character, there will be enough time to define his main qualities through the way he (she) interacts with other characters.
Any descriptive text about the character should contain what it usually contains in a film script: most basic qualities that are essential for the plot (tall, bald, muscular; short, stocky; etc.). All other personal qualities must come from the dialogue and action.
Great advice. Thanks guys.
" see things through my eyes "
" see things through my eyes "
