what is an outline?

An outline is a composition of your ideas into a writing plan. At TPP, we call it a roadmap for your story. Like Google Maps, an outline helps writers avoid plot holes and find their way through their story without getting lost. This is the first step to writing an effective screenplay efficiently. In an Outline Review, a TPP Story Expert will assess if your beats are clear in a truncated version of your story to approve you to script.

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SERVICE INCLUDES:

• Rate: $125
• Turnaround Time: 2 Weeks
• Accepting Outlines up to 10 pages. Preferred Outline Format.
• Scoresheet of achievement of structural dramatic beats including: Inciting Incident. Goal, Debate, Transition to Act Two, Trial & Error, Midpoint, Climax, Resolution
• Conclusion of current status of screenplay and quick advice for moving forward.

Screenplay Formats

SHORT

(UP TO 20 PAGES)

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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)

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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)

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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.
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LIMITED SERIES

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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

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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

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What Are
Outline Recommendations?

Outline reviews offer recommendations to help writers determine if their outline requires more development or if it's ready to advance to the script-writing stage. 

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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.

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.

Outline Submission Form