The Office - Episode Notes

I read through an example script of "The Office" that I found on dailyscript.com and it was incredibly beneficial. I would say it's pretty much a must to be able to see at least one script of the show in order to effectively write a spec script. Not only do you get a sense of how it's formatted, it makes it easier to identify patterns and characteristics of the show. Of course it's even better to see at least two scripts, because then you can confirm patterns for all episodes.

For example, from "The Office - Email Surveillance" episode:

• There's a "Cold Open" and 2 Acts.
• The Cold Open starts the show, ending with a punchline, but also setting up sub-plot A (email surveillance) and being called back at the very end of the episode.
  
• Act One starts with sub-plot A, references a recurring sub-plot B (Pam and Jim's relationship), introduces another sub-plot C (Dwight and Angela), exposes the main plot for the rest of the show D (Michael not being invited to Jim's Party), closes sub-plot A, and finally introduces another sub-plot E (Michael's improv class).
  
• Act Two mixes each of the plots introduced in Act One using different scenes and character dialogs. Sub-plot E closes and brings the main focus on the main plot D. D wraps up and sub-plots B and C both have their parting laughs but are left unresolved for future shows.
• The style is a mockumentary- a lot of jokes and punchlines are made by either looking at the camera or by the 1 on 1 interviews, referred to as "Talking Heads."
• A lot of jokes are made by situations being awkward and playing on the facial expressions of the actors.
• There are a good mix of longer scenes where characters exchange dialog, and then quick scene changes in succession for "one-liner" type jokes and building the multiple story lines.

There a number of other notes I took while reading the script, many of them based on how each of the characters behave. I suggest trying to find yourself a copy of a script for your show (preferably an episode you can also watch on TV, Internet, DVD, etc). Once you have it, read through it and mark down patterns and techniques the writer used throughout the episode. Then when you're writing your own spec script, you can try to parallel some of the same techniques.

How to Write a Spec Script - About.com

Some good tips on how to write a spec script from About.com:

• "Unlike a spec script for movies where your skills can sell a script, a television spec script is meant to sell your skills."
• When finding an example script, "Be sure NOT to get a “transcript” of a given show. A transcript is nothing more than the dialogue as it’s heard when it plays on television. You want an actual script that includes all dialogue, stage direction and descriptions."
• "Do Not Create New Main Characters"
• This is true for all comedy: "Learn to lose what’s not working and never marry yourself to a scene, joke, line or character. If something is weighing down the quality of your script, it will ruin your chances for success."

Step 5 from the article (Step 5: Getting Feedback) is the whole purpose of this challenge. At the end of the month we finally share all of our work, we'll be able to provide feedback to each other to make our scripts even better.

Page One Most Important for Spec Script

Yo yo, I found this quote to be interesting and think it makes sense:

Page one is the most crucial page of a spec script. In that page, you have to realize, producers and executive producers are making the decision whether or not to continue. They read hundreds and hundreds of scripts for maybe five to ten jobs. So, they're not going to read from page one to page fifty of your script unless it's great.

From http://www.getintohollywood.com/articles-spec-script.html

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Dailyscript.com

If you're looking to find an example script of the TV show you picked (which you should be doing), there are some over at dailyscript.com. When possible, you want to get an actual copy of the script they first wrote, or used for shooting, not a "transcript" of the show (there are a few subtle differences).

If you can't find anything there, a simple Google search might give you some good results.

Day 1!

So the challenge officially starts today, and paaaaat is all proud because he started his plot... but congrats to him.

Remember, if you want to "officially" join the challenge, send an email to playinmaychallenge@gmail to get access to the blog and post a user such as those found here.

If you want to "unofficially" join, just be sure to subscribe to this blog's feed to receive updates and links to resources that can help you along the way.

Happy scripting.

Dibs

User: paaaaaaaat
Location: Fairfax, VA
Shameless Plug: http://myspydiary.blogspot.com/ (oh it's terrible, don't judge me)
Experience: improv comedy and stand-up
Dibsing: The Big Bang Theory

Also, I've already finished the plot for the script.  Inyaface.