How To Write A SciFi Channel Original Movie
Sep 20th, 2007 by DanO
Say what you will about the SciFi Channel’s original movies, they require the cable network to purchase many scripts which means work for genre writers. Bill Cunningham on his DISContent blog has found writing guidelines from the SciFi channel via prolific writer-director Steve Latshaw.
"Actually, based on a conversation I had with their director of development in 2005…
1. They prefer a seven act structure.
2. First act runs around 17 minutes… opens with a 3 minute (3 page) teaser right off the top that features the monster attacking.
3. Remaining six acts run 8-15 minutes. Each act (including the first act) must end with a cliffhanger. They monitor ratings - literally - every minute; any fall off is noted as audience disinterest.
4. Concept must be simple for the monster, story, etc. Don’t bog down with excessively confusing plot.
5. Pacing / tone must be immediate and fast. Hit the ground running. They liked the immediacy of series like 24, where everything is happening NOW. High tension, characters in immediate trouble that gets worse. This is very important.
6. No expanded or lengthy "coda" scenes. Kill the monster, heroes left alive, boom, into closing credits. Fast ending.
They used, as a perfect example for tone, an excellent Brit flick called DOG SOLDIERS. They loved that movie."
Every channel is gong to have their own needs, but if you’re writing something you think the SciFi channel would be interested in reading, then it never hurts to know what they are looking for.
