Creating a TV Show: Step-by-Step from Concept to Screen

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 8 min read

Have you ever wondered about the detailed process that goes into creating a TV show that you love? Each episode is a result of extensive behind-the-scenes work, all of which begins with a mere concept. Welcome to the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen. In this guide, we'll walk you through this fascinating process, one step at a time.

1. Conceptualize Your TV Show

The first step in the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen, is, well, the concept. This is where you create the world that your TV show will inhabit. Conceptualization involves three key steps: identifying the genre, creating the main characters, and outlining the plot. Let's delve into each element.

Identify Genre

The genre is the backbone of your TV show. It sets the tone, style, and expectations for your audience. Comedy, drama, thriller, sci-fi, or perhaps a mix? The choice is yours. But remember, the genre you choose will influence every other aspect of your show, from the characters and plot to the dialogue and setting. So, choose wisely and stay consistent.

Create Main Characters

Characters are the heart of any TV show. They're the ones who'll bring your story to life. When creating your characters, consider their personalities, backgrounds, goals, and flaws. These traits will not only make your characters relatable but also drive the plot forward. For instance, in the hit show "Breaking Bad", the lead character Walter White is a mild-mannered chemistry teacher turned ruthless drug dealer, a twist that adds depth and drives the show's dark narrative.

Outline Plot

Now that you have your world and its inhabitants, it's time to decide what happens in it. The plot is essentially the sequence of events that make up your story. It's what keeps your audience hooked episode after episode. Start by deciding on the main conflict or problem that your characters will face. Then, plan out how this conflict will unfold and eventually resolve across the series. Keep in mind, a good plot isn't just about what happens, but also how and why it happens. For example, in the popular sitcom "Friends", the plot isn't just about six friends living in New York City—it's about their relationships, their struggles, and their growth over time.

2. Write the Script

With your concept firmly in place, the next step in the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen is to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and write the script. This is where you weave together dialogue, setting, and scenes to create a blueprint for your show. Let's break it down.

Develop Dialogue

Dialogue is the spoken word of your characters. It's how they communicate, express their feelings, and reveal their personalities. Good dialogue feels natural, authentic, and true to the character. Think about how your characters would talk in real life. Use their background, age, education, and personality to shape their dialogue. The witty banter between characters in "Gilmore Girls" is a great example of dialogue that not only entertains but also reveals the unique personalities of the characters.

Establish Setting

The setting is where and when your story takes place. It's more than just a backdrop—it can influence the plot, characters, and mood of your show. Whether it's the sunny beaches of "Baywatch" in California or the gritty streets of "The Wire" in Baltimore, make sure your setting is vivid and immersive. Use descriptive language in your script to paint a clear picture of the environment.

Construct Scenes

Scenes are the building blocks of your script. Each scene propels the story forward by presenting a piece of action or information. A well-crafted scene engages the viewer, advances the plot, and develops the characters. When constructing a scene, think about its purpose in the overall story. Does it add tension? Does it reveal something about a character? Or does it simply make the audience laugh? Remember, every scene should serve a purpose. The iconic Central Perk scenes in "Friends" are great examples—they offer humor, character development, and often, key plot advancements.

3. Secure Funding

After you've crafted your script, the next step in the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen is securing the funding. Producing a TV show can be expensive, and it's important to have a financial plan in place. Here's how to go about it.

Prepare Pitch

First, you'll need to prepare a compelling pitch to present to potential investors. This is your chance to sell your concept and convince them that your show is worth investing in. Your pitch should include an overview of your show, the target audience, estimated production costs, and a marketing strategy. It might help to think of your pitch like a story itself—you want to hook your audience (in this case, investors) from the start, build interest, and leave them wanting to see more. Remember how the creators of "Game of Thrones" pitched their show to HBO? They promised "The Sopranos in Middle-earth" and it worked!

Approach Investors

With your pitch prepared, it's time to approach potential investors. This could include television networks, streaming platforms, or independent financiers. When you meet with potential investors, present your pitch with confidence and be ready to answer any questions they might have. Remember, investors are not just investing in your show, they're investing in you. So, show them that you are passionate, knowledgeable, and capable of bringing your TV show to the screen.

4. Assemble Cast and Crew

Once you've secured funding, the next stage in the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen is assembling your cast and crew. This is the team that will bring your vision to life, so choose wisely!

Conduct Auditions

Let's kick things off with casting. Finding the perfect actors to play your characters is no small feat. Begin with conducting auditions. It's a lot like matchmaking—you're looking for actors who can embody your characters and bring something special to the role. Think about how Bryan Cranston brought life to Walter White in "Breaking Bad" or how Julia Louis-Dreyfus became the unforgettable Selina Meyer in "Veep".

Hire Key Personnel

Next up is hiring your crew. This includes everyone from your director and cinematographer to your costume designer and makeup artist. Each member of your crew plays a crucial role in shaping the final product. For example, think of the iconic costume designs in "Mad Men" or the stunning cinematography in "Planet Earth". These elements didn't happen by chance—they were the result of talented professionals doing their thing. So, take your time to find the right people for your team.

Assembling a stellar cast and crew is a major milestone in the journey of TV show creation: from concept to screen. Once you've got your team in place, you're ready to start production!

5. Start Production

With your cast and crew assembled, it's time to move onto one of the most exciting stages in the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen—starting production. This is where the magic happens and your concept begins to transform into a tangible TV show.

Coordinate Shooting Schedule

First, you'll need to establish a shooting schedule. This is essentially a calendar that outlines what scenes you're shooting, when, and where. It's a lot like planning a road trip. You need to know your start location, your destination, and the most efficient route to get there. And just like a road trip, there can be unexpected detours and obstacles along the way. Flexibility is key. For instance, remember how "Game of Thrones" had to schedule around various international locations, weather conditions, and even actor availability?

Manage Production Costs

Along with coordinating a shooting schedule, another crucial part of this stage is managing production costs. It's no secret that TV production can be expensive. From paying your cast and crew to securing locations and creating sets, the costs can quickly add up. It's like planning a wedding—everything costs something, and it's your job to keep the budget in check. Think of the elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects on shows like "Westworld" or "The Crown". Amazing, right? But also, not cheap. So, keep a close eye on your spending and make sure it aligns with your budget.

Starting production is a big step in the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen. It's the part where you get to see your ideas start to take shape. And with careful planning and budgeting, you can ensure that this stage runs smoothly and sets the foundation for a successful TV show.

6. Edit and Finalize

Once production wraps up, it's time for the next phase in the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen—editing and finalizing. This is like the home improvement stage of your TV show. You've built your house, now it's time to paint walls, install fixtures, and make it all look homely and inviting.

Review Footage

First up is reviewing the footage. It's a bit like sorting through your holiday photos, deciding which ones make the cut for your scrapbook. You'll sift through all the scenes you shot, select the best takes, and start assembling them into a coherent narrative. Remember how the editors of "Breaking Bad" skillfully intercut scenes to create suspense and drama? That's the goal here. And remember, you're not just looking for the best performances, but also the moments that best serve your story.

Add Special Effects

Next, it's time to add any special effects. This can range from simple tasks like color correction, to adding more complex visual effects, similar to the dragons in "Game of Thrones". This is where your show gets its final polish, the icing on the cake if you will. But remember, special effects should enhance your story, not distract from it.

Editing and finalizing is a meticulous and critical stage in the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen. It's where you refine your work, carving out your masterpiece from the raw material captured during production. It's a demanding process, but the reward—a complete and polished TV show ready for viewers—is well worth the effort.

7. Market and Distribute

Now that we've polished our masterpiece, it's time for the final stage in the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen—marketing and distribution. It's one thing to create a great TV show, but it's another to get people to watch it. This stage is about getting the word out and making your show accessible to the audience.

Plan Marketing Strategy

First things first, you'll need to plan your marketing strategy. This is like planning a party—you need to decide who to invite, where to host it, what to serve, and how to make it the best party ever. For your TV show, this might involve creating a social media campaign, designing promotional materials, or even hosting a premiere event. Think of shows like "Stranger Things" and how Netflix used nostalgia and mystery in their marketing to pull viewers in. That's the kind of buzz you want to generate.

Select Distribution Channels

Next, you'll need to select your distribution channels. This is where you decide where and how people will be able to watch your show. Will it be a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime? Or perhaps traditional cable TV is more your speed? Maybe you have an edgy comedy perfect for Adult Swim, or a family-friendly sitcom that would fit right in on ABC's primetime lineup. Your choice here will depend on your target audience and the type of show you've created.

Remember, the art of TV show creation: from concept to screen doesn't stop when the cameras stop rolling. Marketing and distribution are key to ensuring your show gets seen by the right audience. The work may be tough, but there's no better feeling than seeing your show out in the world, being enjoyed by viewers far and wide.

If you're excited about the prospect of creating a TV show and want to dive deeper into the world of television, check out Atte Tanner's workshop, 'Getting Started In The TV Industry As A Photographer'. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to navigate the TV industry, specifically as a photographer, and help you bring your vision to the screen.