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Screenplay Formats

SHORT

(UP TO 20 PAGES)

A screenplay intended to be produced as an original motion picture with a running time less than a feature film. This includes trailers and proofs of concepts.

TELEVISION

(UP TO 60 PAGES)

A script intended for television, ie. a teleplay. This includes pilots, spec episodes of an established series, and web series.

FEATURE

(UP TO 120 PAGES)

A screenplay intended to be produced as an original motion picture.

Television Formats

ONE-HOUR


​Usually dramas told in 4-6 act structure. Think GAME OF THRONES or LAW & ORDER SVU.

1/2HR SINGLE-CAMERA


A series shot like a film on one camera. These shows have more freedom in location than 1/2hr multi-camera shows and are written in 3 acts. Think INSECURE or MODERN FAMILY.

1/2HR MULTI-CAMERA


Set on a soundstage with limited sets, produced in whole like a play in front of a studio audience with multiple cameras and are written in 2 acts. Think MARTIN or FRIENDS.
​ 

LIMITED SERIES


Usually one season of 6-10 episodes, 1-hour episodes. Frequently told as whodunnit stories with closed endings and are usually written in 5 acts. Think LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE or CLICK BAIT.
Service Format Selection: TV 1hr
Choose Limited Series as the Genre

MINISERIES


Usually told in 4-6, 2-hour episodes and are usually written in 5 acts. Think WHEN THEY SEE US or ROOTS.
Service Format Selection: TV 1hr + Additional Pages
Choose Miniseries as the Genre


ANTHOLOGY


A series pushed by theme that changes the world and possibly characters each episode or season. Anthologies are usually 1/2hr single-camera or 1 hour shows. Think HOMECOMING or BLACK MIRROR.
​Choose Anthology as the Genre

TV MOVIE


A narrative piece written in 9-Act structure. Think Lifetime and Hallmark movies. 
​Service Format Selection: TV 1hr + Additional Pages
Choose TV Movie as the Genre

Pitching Formats

Screenwriting One-Pager Service

ONE-PAGER

(1 PAGE)

A one-page overview of your project to include the title, logline, genre, tone, major characters, the writer's motivation/market interest, and a 3-paragraph summary of the story.
Screenwriting Treatment Service

TREATMENT

(UP TO 10 PAGES)

A present-tense, narrative of your project in prose. Should cover all of the major story beats and have a beginning, middle and end.

Screenwriting Pitch Deck Service

PITCH DECK

​(UP TO 15 PAGES)

Used to visually sell your project using graphics, colors and fonts that represent the tone, themes and look of the project. Information included varies on the stage of the project and the audience of the pitch but should always include the title, logline, genre, tone, major characters and locations, short story summary, and short bios for the creative team.
Screenwriting Story Bible Service

STORY BIBLE

(UP TO 15 PAGES)

An extension of the pitch deck that can live with the project in perpetuity, constantly growing as the executives and staff develop the show. Can include extensive character bios and arcs, location designs, future episode synopses, etc.

Screenplay Recommendations

DEVELOPMENT NOTES

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Development Notes Pass Recommendation at The Professional Pen

PASS

The story is either unclear, has weak structure, needs more complex character work or is lacking proofreading and industry-standard formatting.
Development Notes Needs Development Recommendation at The Professional Pen

NEEDS DEVELOPMENT

The screenplay is working in most areas but not executing at its highest potential. The script will be in great shape if the writer addresses the action items disclosed in the feedback.
Development Notes Consider Recommendation at The Professional Pen

CONSIDER

The story is clear, the structure is strong, the characters are 3-dimensional, and the proofreading and formatting is professional and up to industry standard.

logline review

Development Notes Pass Recommendation at The Professional Pen

PASS

The logline is either unclear,  doesn't match the story told in the screenplay, and/or is not selling the story.
Development Notes Needs Development Recommendation at The Professional Pen

NEEDS DEVELOPMENT

The logline is not executing at its highest potential. The logline will be in great shape if the writer addresses the action items disclosed in the feedback.
Development Notes Consider Recommendation at The Professional Pen

CONSIDER

The logline is clear, matches the story told in the screenplay, and is compelling enough to entice buyers to want to read the script.

SOCIAL responsibility analysis

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Development Notes Needs Development Recommendation at The Professional Pen

NEEDS DEVELOPMENT

The screenplay is intentionally or unintentionally creating a negative impact on historically marginalized groups that may cause harm to their communities.
Development Notes Consider Recommendation at The Professional Pen

socially responsible

The screenplay is socially responsible, culturally competent, and does not intentionally or unintentionally create a negative impact that may cause harm to historically marginalized groups.

OUTLINE REVIEW

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Development Notes Needs Development Recommendation at The Professional Pen

NEEDS DEVELOPMENT

The outline lacks clarity in key areas, and significant gaps need to be addressed to ensure the story can be effectively executed on the page. It will be ready for script once the writer resolves these issues, as detailed in the feedback.feedback.
Development Notes Consider Recommendation at The Professional Pen

GO TO SCRIPT

The outline is clear and well-structured, effectively setting the stage for a strong screenplay. All major elements are in place, allowing for a seamless transition to script. The writer should proceed to the scripting phase, building on the solid foundation laid out in the outline.

PITCH MATERIALS

Development Notes Pass Recommendation at The Professional Pen

PASS

The story is unclear and/or the deck isn't visually stimulating or lacks a professional look.
Development Notes Needs Development Recommendation at The Professional Pen

NEEDS DEVELOPMENT

The materials may be working in some ways but lacking in others that are easily remedied if the writer addresses the action items disclosed in the feedback.
Development Notes Consider Recommendation at The Professional Pen

CONSIDER

The story is clear and the materials are visually stimulating with a professional look.
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