Z's Pilot Preview: This is it!

So, I wrote this post weeks ago and was all set to post next Monday when upfronts began, but Fox started announcing pickups tonight so I figured I better post now before this whole thing becomes obsolete.

So yeah, the upfronts are upon us …and this Pilot Preview business was much harder than I thought it would be.  For my final predictions, I wanted to say what I’d pick, and also do a little Oscar Ballot type action.

Some networks have bigger holes to fill than others depending on how many shows they expect to cancel/have already canceled this last year (The CW not so many, ABC, almost all).

We’ll see what happens, and when I’m less busy I’ll take time to look over what actually got picked up and see where I went right and where I went wrong.

Finally! Shut up about pilots already!

ABC

Will pick up: a lot…at least 7 maybe 8 new dramas.

What I’d LIKE to see picked up:

• Georgetown
• The show fka Good Christian Bitches
• Grace
• Hallelujah
• Once Upon A Time
• Pan Am
• Poe
• Scandal (AKA new Shonda Rimes fka Damage Control)

What I think WILL get picked up:
All but three of those and replace with…

• Charlie’s Angels
• Identity
• The River

Bottom Line:
ABC seems to have the strongest lineup of scripts, good thing because they seem to have the most spots to fill.  I’m happy that I think they’ll pick up most (maybe even all) of the shows I like but my selections lean pretty girly and I think The River is pretty much a lock, despite my issues with that type of show.  I also think Charlie’s Angels, unfortunately, has a leg up, and I think they'll also want something serious and more procedural like Identity.  I’d usually say look to an expensive “period” show like Poe or Pan Am to get the axe first, but I hear they’re very well liked.  On the other hand, Grace and Scandal 2 shows I was excited about and thought were iron clad to go might be a tad more on the bubble than I thought due to some mediocre buzz.  Tough call...too many good sounding shows!

CBS

Will pick up: about 4 new dramas

What I’d LIKE to see picked up:

• Rookies
• The Doctor
• The Rememberer
• Untitled Susannah Grant

What I think WILL get picked up:
Rookies and one other will stay but they’ll scrap the other two and instead take…

• Hail Mary
• Person of Interest

Bottom Line:
While I’d rather see CBS move away from the CIA stuff and funny crime stuff and take a chance on two medical procedurals, I think they’d rather have a JJ Abrams show and a Minnie Driver show.  In the end, I was so confident about The Doctor a month ago, but with so few spots, maybe I jumped to conclusions too soon and maybe the Susannah Grant doctor show will get the spot instead...or neither will go.

NBC

Will pick up: around 5 new dramas

What I’d LIKE to see picked up:

• 17th Precinct OR A Mann’s World
• Playboy
• Prime Suspect
• Smash
• Metro (fka SILA)

What I think WILL get picked up:
All of those except 17th Precinct/A Mann’s World… swap for…

• Wonder Woman

Bottom Line:
I think things are actually looking up for NBC.  While their pilots seemed a little all over the place, I think they have a couple shows I’m really into (Smash sounds really fun).  I’d like to see them steer clear of Wonder Woman and do something original…but I doubt they’ll want to take that gamble...nor should they.  I mean, why not try Wonder Woman?  If it flops, whatever, they tried.  If it’s a hit, then they've got a hit Wonder Woman show, which would likely be a big hit.

FOX

Will pick up: 4-5 new dramas including Terra Nova which has already got the go ahead.

What I’d LIKE to see picked up:

• Alcatraz
• The Finder
• Touch
• Weekends at Bellevue

What I think WILL get picked up:
Like I said, they already picked up Alcatraz and The Finder but announced Weekends at Bellevue was dead.  Not too surprising.  I think Touch will get picked up for midseason and I figured they’d ditch Weekends at Bellevue for…

• Exit Strategy

Buuut…since Touch would only be for midseason (maybe even next year) maybe they’ll pick up 5 new dramas in addition to Terra Nova so that makes room for Locke & Key…but I see Locke & Key running last.

Bottom Line: I see Exit Strategy in that last open slot and Locke & Key getting the shaft unless they pick up one additional show/do something different like air it as a movie.  I'd like to see fewer CIA shows (I think they're kinda out) but I think Exit Strategy will end up on the air one way or another.

THE CW

Will pick up: as few as 2 new shows (to replace LUX and Smallville) and as many as 4 or 5 depending on One Tree Hill (I think WILL come back) and Nikita/Hellcats. For now though, let’s just assume only 2 new shows.

What I’d LIKE to see picked up:

• Hart of Dixie
• The Secret Circle

What I think WILL get picked up:
I actually think these are the two that will go. If there is one more spot I’d expect Nikita to be cancelled before Hellcats and replaced with…

• Awakening

But yeah, I'd lean towards only the 2 new shows.

Bottom Line: Looks pretty good for The CW.  Only a couple spots to fill and I think they’ve got two solid and obvious shows for both spots.

Z's Pilot Preview: The rest of the rest!

Well, my blog hiatus didn’t last long!  As I said, I wanted to finish up this Pilot Preview business.

With that, I present the shows at the bottom of the totem pole for me.  Not saying some of these won’t get picked up (we’ll get to that next week) but these are the shows I have the greatest doubts of success about either based on their logline/or because they seem like bad matchs for their network.  Not saying any of these are “bad” shows (I'm only going off loglines) just that they don’t jump out at me in the right way.  Time will tell just how wrong I am…

Tired of all the pilots, yet?

ABC

Partners
This show sounds a tad silly….the women are “secret half-sisters” also cop drama Detroit 187 didn’t fair that well on ABC…plus no big actors here either…I doubt it gets picked up and if by some miracle it does, I would guess it won’t last.

The River
I think this might get picked up and I know horror is hot on film and Paranormal Activity was especially hot, but I don’t see this show fitting with the ABC brand at all…and I don’t think people who like Paranormal Activity are exactly ABC’s target audience.  ABC might pick it up to try their luck at striking gold/doing something new, but honestly, I don’t see this working as well as they think it will.

CBS

Hail Mary
I think this also might be picked up and I know this has Minnie Driver but a “Buddy P.I.” show sound too comedic for CBS (plus not sure Driver is the kind of actress CBS audiences would like)…it is a crime procedural though, so maybe I shouldn’t sell it short?  But then again, I don’t love the title.

Ringer
Once again, big TV star Sarah Michelle Gellar. But, this just feels more Fox than CBS…plus not sure it’s actually a procedural which doesn’t bode well.

NBC

Grimm
This seems too strange to me, but honestly, no clue what direction NBC is going right now, I just can’t really picture what this show IS.

Reconstruction
A perfect example of why this isn’t a list of shows I think are “bad.”  This sounds awesome, but no way it could be a network show…right?  First of all, it would be crazy expensive, and secondly, it seriously sounds like an HBO show

THE CW

Cooper And Stone

A super girly detective show on the CW?  Nah, that’s okay.  Leave the crime procedurals to the other networks.

Danni Lowinski
Putting this show on this rest of the rest list was tough because I actually think this sounds kinda cute, and funny (reminds me a little of Wonderfalls) but with no huge stars I just don’t see this going anywhere.  And also, the whole law practice aspect feels un-CW while the whole show concept might be too quirky (even for me…and especially the CW).

Heavenly
The concept of this show kinda confuses me.  Not sure about a legal themed show on the CW, either…I know CW can do the whole fantasy thing, I just don’t buy into this.

And that’s all the shows…right?  Did I miss any big ones?  Next week are upfronts (yay!).  I’ll try to do a final post about what I’d LIKE to see picked up and what I think WILL get picked up.  Get excited for all the new shows!

Just another frantic Friday

Happy Friday, all!

Ugh, it's not so happy actually.  I’m soo soo busy right now.  Between getting my spec in shape for all the contest deadlines coming up and the webseries I’m helping out on, I hardly have time for my first love (Idol).

So with that, I’m announcing a teensy bit of a hiatus from daily blog posts…pretty much, just until June (and I so wanted to make it to 100 posts in a row first…oh well!).

In case of emergency, break the blog posting chain.

Now, I’m not going away completely till then, I’m too excited about the new pilots and upfronts not to finish up with my posts on that (and not to comment on all the new shows) but…I’ve got to get this stuff done, and so my little blog that could is getting the shaft for now.

So yeah, don’t fear (you weren’t) I’ll be back to daily posts soon enough.  You shouldn’t be reading this anyway.  That’s right, stop procrastinating and finish your own darn scripts already!

Serial Killer

Hola, and happy Cinco de Mayo!  Today, something I've been thinking about, and maybe you have too if you’re writing a new spec for this year’s upcoming TV writing program circuit (as mentioned yesterday, deadlines are fast approaching...be sure to check the list again, I had a few mistakes actually that I just corrected).

Specs can cause a lot of headaches.  Like I said in a post way back when, there are a lot of conflicting “rules” when it comes to specs.

“Rules” aside, one issue I always seem to hear fellow spec writers discussing this time of year is: how do I deal with spec’ing a highly serialized show? (like Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, and lots of other cool shows you might want to spec).  As a friend of mine recently summed up, “I wrote a spec for a really serialized show last year and a couple episodes later, everything on the show had changed and now my spec is worthless and makes no sense.”

Wrong kind of "serial."

Jane Espenson has written extensively about specs and this specific issue on her a-mazing blog (btw she advocates NOT constantly updating your specs, so don’t think that is the solution).  I suggest checking out her blog for real pro advice, but two tips I’ve run across/have been suggested in my baby writing circles that I think are most helpful when spec'ing serialized shows are as follows:

1. Write a “one off” episode.

A “one off” is an episode that could happen essentially any time in the show’s chronology/doesn’t have to come after the last episode that aired/you saw.  This is easier said than done with some shows, and honestly, no matter what, you will probably have (and want) to deal with SOME (or many) juicy serialized elements or current cool storylines of any show you want to spec.  However, instead of trying to play psychic with how all the mysteries of your favorite show will develop, try instead to introduce something new into the show (and I don’t mean “new” like new character or location, I mean new like new conflict or relationship between existing characters...something that hasn’t been extensively explored or even hinted at...yet).

OR

2. Write an “in between” episode.

This is when you pick two fairly current episodes of the show you want to spec and write an episode that occurs in between these.  Your spec might seem a little stale as the show progresses and characters change, get together, break up, die, move away, but technically your episode will always be valid.  Thinking this way might actually help you do #1 and create a one off idea since you won’t be as preoccupied with predicting your show’s future.

Contest Deadline Alert – mid MAY and JUNE

Picking up where I left off last month, a continued list of/reminders for upcoming writing related contests/programs/fellowships and their application deadlines.  Be sure to check their websites (links under CONTESTS AND STUFF on the right) for more specific information (some of the later June ones aren't even open to submission until the end of this month).  Once again, the WHAT is what you need to give each contest/program and the HOW is how you deliver it.  Time to get organized!

Deadlines...away!

SCREENWRITING

Austin Film Festival
Deadline: May 15, 2011, June 1, 2011 (Late)
WHAT:
       • Original screenplay
       • Entry form
       • Entry fee ($40 regular) ($50 late)
HOW:
       • Snail mail (paper) OR
       • Online ($5 processing fee)

TELEVISION

Austin Film Festival
Deadline: June 1, 2011
WHAT:
       • Spec OR Pilot
       • Entry form
       • Entry fee ($30)
HOW:
       • Snail mail (paper) OR
       • Online ($5 processing fee)

Disney | ABC Writing Program

Deadline: June 1, 2011

WHAT:

       • Spec (multiple submissions not okay, 1 per person only)

       • Application form

       • Resume

       • Autobiography

       • Statement

       • 2 letters of recommendation from industry pros

       • Legal Release

HOW:

       • Snail mail only (no paper, CD with PDFs)

WB Writers' Workshop
Deadline: June 1, 2011
WHAT:
       • Spec
       • Resume
       • Short composition/statement
       • Entry fee ($30 per script, multiple submissions okay)
       • Online confirmation page
       • Signed submission agreement
HOW:
       • Online application first, THEN snail mail only (paper)

Fox Diversity
Deadline: June 30, 2011
WHAT:
       • Pilot
       • Cover letter
       • Signed evaluation letter (for unrepped writer)
       • Resume/Bio
       • Notarized release and agreement
HOW:
       • Snail mail only (paper)

NBC Writers On The Verge
Deadline: June 30, 2011
WHAT:
       • Spec
       • Application form (with short essay questions)
       • Resume
       • Signed release
HOW:
       • Online only (scan and email, all PDF)

How do you post on the UTA Job List?

A short post today since I’m so busy right now (eek).  I mentioned this in my previous post about where to get the UTA Job List, but I still see it asked ALL THE TIME on multiple tracking boards, so for anyone searching for the answer online, just to reiterate:

To post on the UTA Job List, send your job posting to joblist@unitedtalent.com

No requirements I know of beyond that, except I'm pretty sure they only list reputable jobs (no Craigslist type one day gigs).  If I was emailing a listing, I would keep it short and write “job for list” in the subject line, and the (short) listing just as I wanted it in the email body.  I also wouldn’t use any euphemistic terms that make me cringe...like: “must be thick-skinned” or “rock star assistant needed”…I hate stuff like that for some reason…probably because it’s just code for “this person is a mean/abrasive jerk who thinks every moment of your life should revolve around this low paying job and no matter how good/hard you work will still regularily harass you, degrade you, or find some other way to make your life hell, all the while proving to you each day that they are a moron who wouldn’t be able to blow their nose without your assistance."

Z's Pilot Preview: The best of the rest of the rest!

Another Monday, another set of pilot reviews/previews.  As I continue down the pilot rabbit hole, here are shows I’m a little more on the fence about (remember, I've only read the loglines...no scripts yet).  Some of these I think will totally get picked up but I’m not sure about their staying power/how good they are and some I really like conceptually, but am not sure they’ll make it/are right for their network.  Also, stay tuned for next week when I’ll go over "the rest of the rest" (or you can spoil the surprise and figure out what those shows are right now, based on what I haven’t previewed yet).

Ugh, more shows...are we at upfronts yet?

ABC

Charlie’s Angels
I think this will get picked up for the name recognition alone and I do like Minka Kelly from FNL, but I’m not a huge Charlie’s Angels fan (it's just kinda boring to me, and now that it can't be so overtly sexist, it's become this bogus girl power thing).  On the other hand, it’s not as ridiculous as a Wonder Woman remake (I mean, the movies did do really well) but I think a show like this could easily get the ax early.

Hallelujah
I think this will probably get picked because of the pedigree of Marc Cherry (and the super awesome Terry O’Quinn) but it seems weird/ reminds me of that show Happy Town for some reason (an ABC flop) so, I’m not sure it will have sticking power or generate a big enough following.

Identity
This sounds kinda cool, but like it should have been for CBS and not ABC.  Maybe if ABC wants to try its luck with a crime/action procedural it will roll the dice and pick this up, but I’m not sure it will get a big following on ABC.

Pan Am
Like Playboy, this is a Mad Men effect show.  I like the concept of this show but the competition on ABC this year is really steep and period shows are expensive.  Soooo...not sure this will make it.  I do think it fits well with the ABC brand (being a soap and all) and it does have Christina Ricci who is still a pretty big star.  Buuut, as much as everyone wants a “cable-like” show this year, those shows don’t draw the really big audiences that network shows need to survive (cough, Lone Star, cough).

Poe
This sounds cool to me...cooler than that other "period" show Pan Am (and I like Kings’ Chris Egan) but I'm not sure I totally see it on ABC.  First, it’s a crime procedural (same problem Identity has) and yeah, ABC only has one that’s done well recently (Castle) and second, it is set in the 1840s.  A show set in the 1960s is one thing...I don’t know if a historical period drama can make it on a mainstream non-cable network, but maybe the proceduralness will make it more accessible (and help limit locations to make the show seem smaller in scale...and less expensive to make).  Overall, this is one show that I find myself debating about a lot...not sure what will happen here.

Revenge
This feels like this show would have been better for the CW (with the young cast and Hamptons setting)…also a revenge based show seems kinda mean/wouldn’t be that much fun to watch.  I do, however, like Emily Van Camp of Everwood, but not sure this is perfect for ABC, especially in a year where they seem to have lots of good shows on the horizon.

CBS

Person of Interest
I think this might get picked up simply because of J.J.'s name and awesome star Michael Emerson.  But, something about J.J. Abrams and CBS just doesn’t jive for me.  The whole reclusive billionaire and CIA stuff seems too slick for the network (and CIA show CHAOS just flopped on CBS).  I guess I’m picturing a male driven Alias type show (it only barely worked on ABC...and then Undercovers flopped last year...maybe CIA shows are just out).

Untitled Susannah Grant
I like Susannah Grant, but the supernatural aspect of this show feels un-CBS to me.  Also, I think I like The Doctor more…so the question is...will CBS do 2 new doctor shows?  Maybe...

NBC

17th Precinct
This show sounds kinda cool and once again, no clue what direction NBC wants to go in but as well as Heroes did, this feels maybe TOO genre for the network...I see it more on FOX…or even SyFy.

A Mann’s World
Another Mad Men effect show.  While Don Johnson used to be a big star, I just see this fighting with Playboy for the network’s affection and in the end, I think Playboy will win out...but the show’s concept does intrigue me since it is so different.

FOX

Exit Strategy
I think this will probably get picked up because Fox loves shows with movie stars, but nothing about this strikes me as new or interesting.  Also, a show about a group of super smart elite specialist type people reminds me of the struggling Breaking In for some reason (only obviously this is not supposed to be fun/funny).  Plus, I'll say it again, I think CIA themed shows might be out.  But hey, Orci and Kurztman?

Locke & Key

I think this could get picked up based on the name recognition of the graphic novel and pedigree of the higher ups, but I’m not really itching to see it.  I just think haunted house/horror stories work better in movies than on TV, so I wouldn't be shocked to see this flop even if it does get picked up.

Weekends At Bellevue
I adore Lauren Ambrose of Six Feet Under, so I’m curious about this show, and Fox has had success with character driven medical drama House…but so many female cast members makes me think this is too female heavy for the Fox audience (I see their scripted shows as more male leaning while their reality shows lean female).

THE CW

Awakening
Zombies on the CW?  Sure, why not?  Not entirely sold on this show though, I’d want to see how good/bad the effects are, and just know more about the overall tone...but if any network was gonna have a successful zombie show (and try to cash in on the popularity of The Waking Dead/zombie craze) it was probably gonna be the CW.