I have been writing television show formats for over ten years and have now decided to share my self taught skills with other television show writers across the world.
Firstly there is no concrete clad format that I have found..
The bottom line is to have an original idea! Think it's original and never been done before - SEARCH first and write later. Once you have searched and believe it is original it's down to writing. The following is how I set out my formats. Once written but not yet produced they are referred to as paper formats.
The first page should contain the title of the show along with a one or two sentence punch line. The title and punch line will entice the reader to read on.
The second page should contain a half page synopsis which explains the show. Say it like you are selling it. Paint a picture of the show how you envision it will be on television.
The third page is the nuts and bolts page and should contain genre, rating, cost effectiveness, feasibility and the show or episode breakdown.
The following is a sample for a quiz show.
GENRE
Quiz. (Other genres could include - Reality - Lifestyle - Cooking - Music - Sport and or a mixture)
FORMAT
*30-minute
recorded / live audience. (This could also be *60- minute live / live
audience.)
RATING
General.
(Ratings are available in television guides.)
COST
EFFECTIVENESS
Studio
based involving limited mechanical constructions that can be taken apart
and re-assembled within hours.
SHOW
BREAKDOWN
· Start.
·
Game
round 1.
·
Game
round 2.
·
Game
round 3.
·
Prize
round.
·
End.
The running order explains the whole episode.
Start is where the Host and contestants are introduced. It explains the studio set briefly.
Game rounds are where the main game is played. The game, how a winner is chosen and rules are explained in this section.
Prize Round is explained.
End.
FUTURE
The future of the show and or alternate variations are explained.
Last page. * At the end of the concept your contact details should be included.
Once the concept is written it should be registered with the Writers Guild of America. www.wga.org/
Promoting your work: Search through Google for television production studios, television producers, format agencies and then send introductory emails or letters. Never send an unsolicited concept as it will end up in the bin and not read at all.
Now the rest is up to you. I hope in some small way this has helped.