TEN KEY COMPONENTS TO SETTING UP A SERIES

WRITING TO SELL

SETTING UP A SERIES

This is a formula that I created from a prominent show that had two successful seasons. When you deeply dive into why something works and make a formula, it helps writers mimic it. Understanding the setup lets you see how a firm foundation with the series setup can lead to several successful seasons.

1.        INTRODUCE THE CENTRAL CHARACTER – MAKE US FEEL THE VOID

2.        SHOW THE FLAW

3.        TELL US ABOUT THE TRIGGER EVENT BEFORE WE ENTER THE STORY

4.        SET UP THE WORLD

5.        SET UP THE SERIES TRIGGER AND DILEMMA

6.        GIVE US A GLIMPSE OF WHAT THE SHOW IS ABOUT

7.        GIVE US A SENSE OF THE GUILT THE CHARACTER FEELS

8.        SHOW POSITIVE CHARACTER TRAITS

9.        SHOW VULNERABILITY

10. SHOW DESIRE

INTRODUCE THE CENTRAL CHARACTER – MAKE US FEEL THE VOID

When writing your opening scene, please convey the void through the action or reaction of the central character.

SHOW THE FLAW

Please show us the flaw of the central character in all its glory. The flaw is the story of the wound. When you show the flaw, it makes us lean in to want to know more about the wound.

TELL US ABOUT THE TRIGGER EVENT BEFORE WE ENTER THE STORY

If there was a loss or an incident before we entered the story, tell us about it while linking it to the series setup.

SET UP THE WORLD

Give us a glimpse of the world and where we can expect to be week to week.

SET UP THE SERIES TRIGGER AND DILEMMA

What happens to your central character that turns their world upside down and pushes them into a compelling dilemma? Please give us a sense of their dream, flaw, earlier wound, and biggest fear.

With the series trigger and dilemma, the central character is reacting.

GIVE US A GLIMPSE OF WHAT THE SHOW IS ABOUT

Please give us a sense of what the show is about through the character dynamics and the actions of your central character.

GIVE US A SENSE OF THE GUILT THAT THE CENTRAL CHARACTER FEELS

Does the central character feel guilty about the trigger event that happens before we enter the story? If so, give us a glimpse of this.

SHOW POSITIVE CHARACTER TRAITS

It is essential to balance the flaw/flaws with positive character traits. It makes us feel the character’s humanity.

SHOW VULNERABILITY

Show us a moment where the central character feels vulnerable. Showing vulnerability adds depth.

SHOW DESIRE

Please show us what the central character wants externally and internally.

We should feel why the central character wants what they want.