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08/12/2007: He's President AND a Prostitute!


Stephen in Canada has a good question about writing spec pilots. He wants to know if he should write something similar to what's already on television, or if he should try something more wild and strange.

Hm, that's an interesting question. Well, obviously, both ends of the spectrum are dangerous. It's going to be hard to make a Law and Order clone stand out, for example. And, at the other end, a 45-minute all-CGI bisexual space-musical might not demonstrate a knowledge of what is currently hot within the television market. (I have no idea if this is what Canadian Stephen is into, by the way.)

The answer, I think, is to take the best of both ends. Keep enough of the traditional in the show so you can demonstrate that you know the basics. Then add something unique either in concept, or by doing something interesting with character, or both. The pilots of Jericho and Big Love would have been good spec pilots, because the concepts are so arresting. The pilots of House and Ugly Betty would have made good spec pilots, because the characters are so unique. A show like Dexter might be the perfect spec pilot, with a shocking concept and a unique character. Weeds is probably a better model for a spec pilot than Desperate Housewives is. Housewives is more traditionally saleable, but Weeds is the one that makes people curious. At this stage in your career, where you're trying so hard to stand out from everyone else, curiosity is your friend.

If it were me, I would start by thinking of the types of shows I love and admire, and then consciously think about what I could add to them that pushes the boundaries a little bit, to make them different and a bit daring. Two years ago a whole bunch of pilots were purchased that fit established patterns except that the hero was mentally ill in some way. If they hadn't already done that, it would be a perfect model for what I'm talking about. But the basic recipe is still good. Take the basics, then pervert them, twist them, stretch them just a bit.

Lunch: Thai food -- som tum, and a sort of fried chicken thingy, and sticky rice. Lovely.