I am adapting a book series into a limited series intended for streaming distribution... I have a pilot episode written and am working on a pitch deck and have a pitch document, but should I write all of the ten or so episodes out in their entirety, or should I keep it with only the pilot as with a serial drama series for example? (Note: I have written only the pilot for a period, crime drama I wrote and have pitched). For a limited series, what is the standard practice... ? What do the executives prefer? I am guessing just a pilot episode, but I am just double-checking. Thank everyone in advance for their answers and replies.
Screenwriting : Writing a Limited Series... How many episodes must a writer write? by Brian Harrison Mack
Producer-Writer-Film Editor at ELUVA and Cinemagine Studios ♦ Producer, Screenwriter
1 month ago
Writing a Limited Series... How many episodes must a writer write?
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Hi, Brian Harrison Mack. You usually only need to write the pilot.
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So very helpful! Thank you.
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You're welcome, Brian Harrison Mack. I only write the pilot for a series (TV or limited), and I make a series bible and pitch deck. Writers don't have to have series bibles and pitch decks, but it's nice to have them in case a producer, director, etc. asks for them. Some producers/etc. require a series bible though, and some require a pitch deck.
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Got it. Well thank you again for your advice. I REALLY appreciate it.
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You're welcome, Brian Harrison Mack.
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What Maurice Vaughan said. Some people will tell you that you shouldn't have to have a deck/bible, but in my experience you will get asked for a deck all the time. A basic deck is fine, but preferable with really nice visuals, and please don't use crazy fonts in varying sizes and glaring colors. Make it attractive and easy to read.
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Right now, Brian Harrison Mack, it's your limited series. Write whatever you want. I've written three limited series. For each of them, I wrote the pilot plus the pitch deck and the Bible that had one-pagers for the episodes. For two of them, I wrote out the entire pilot plus two episodes because I just fell in love with the story. But when it comes to dealing with producers about your limited series, I go with the Less-Is-More principle: pilot and pitch deck with a logline for each of your episodes. Also, I was told by my rep that a limited series is between 4-8 episodes. Good luck!
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You’re right, typically, for a limited series, execs expect a pilot script along with a detailed series bible or pitch deck outlining the season’s arc. Some may ask for additional episode summaries or even a second script to showcase consistency in tone and storytelling. Since you’ve pitched before, you probably already have a strong grasp of the essentials. Sounds like you’re on the right track!
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Thank you everyone for your advice and input!