Screenwriting : Spec pilot VS feature, what are your thoughts? by Conrad Ekeke

I don't have the answer for pay question, but I think the decision between feature and spec pilot would have to be determined by storyline(s). For a feature, there is usually one main focus, as in two characters and maybe a few minors. In a pilot, one where there will be multiple episodes and/or seasons, there needs to be more than one storyline. I guess my preference would have to depend on the overall premise of the story itself. Can it survive past two or three episodes? Is there enough material, characters, storylines to help it progress? I agree that writing a piot is twice as hard as a feature, too much demand to keep coming up with new ideas that haven't been done before and capture an audience. I would prefer to write a feature, but if given the opportunity I wouldn't throw away a chance to work on a pilot.

I think I can go with that Izzi. But I like pilots more. Having to expand an idea with cliffhangers at every end of atc/episode... Well, that's how I write best. When it has to be long. If you've written a short, you may be tempted to look at it as incomplete. That's an impression many won't agree on because introducing the central idea and precise storyline seem enough. In my experience, there's often more to write even when we FADE OUT.

I agree with the cliffhangers. In fact, five of my novels that I've written end in cliffhangers, thus that's why they would be more suitable for pilots than for features. It seems the movie fans are shying away from cliffhanger endings where one has to wait another year to see the next part. I can't write shorts, I tend to draw out storylines and ideas to where it becomes a 3-hour movie, that's where my editing has to start, what's relevant and what's not. But anyways, cliffhangers are great for pilots, not so much for features, at least that's my impression of the scene right now.

That's very true Izzi, features that aren't sequels/prequels should end conclusively. Thats also true Oliver, since the idea behind writing a pilot is to showcase how well one can write scripts and tell a story that will keep an audience on their seat.

With a Pilot, you have to think "will this concept be able to last 100 episodes?" The depth and story arcs need to be there. Not just the overall arc for the sries, but the character arcs and season arcs. Don;t worry about the payday right now. For TV, it could be more than one if your pilot gains traction.

Oliver, I'm on your last phrase "Money wise, TV writers can earn as much as feature writers." I take it as an assumption you made when you said "can earn". On a ratio of 1:1 TV writers can't. Highest a TV script can get - that's an episide/season, is $250k - if I have to exaggerate, but for starters it often ranges from $10k - $50k. Whereas, features go as high as $1 million/script. Wide wide gap. ;-)

That's true David

Sorry Oliver, I type with my phone I omitted "k" it's $10k max of $250k and $50k max for starters. I'm sorry I was to add "000" I guess those values in £ might equal that range. See here. https://www.writersstore.com/the-ins-and-outs-of-tv-series-writer-deals/ Again, I'm sorry for the omissions and yes it's ridiculous.

I am so glad you clarified the amounts. I was about to find all my ideas for TV and shred them!

Either way, feature or spec, I would focus on craft - not finances, my friend.

Hahaha Lynn, of course you'd research before shredding and Shawn, as usual, your advice is fundamental and I appreciate.

All good, Conrad! Keep askin' those questions, buddy. We all benefit from the teamwork!