The TV sample script

A crucial tool. If you want the tv gig, you've got to show you can write for the tv world your gig lives in. This question about a sample script already written is an important one:

Phil: My favorite (sample script) so far is DRAGNET. It's very visual. You can really SEE everything in the story as if it's happening right in front of you. It's quick-paced with lots of excitement. Everyone who's read it has loved it. The problem I'm hearing is that it's not on the air anymore -- does this really matter? Darren

Yes, I think it does matter. I think a good tv sample is both excellently written and relevant - and you stay relevant by being a sample of a current tv show. Show runners/producers are very aware of what's on the air RIGHT NOW, as they may be battling it in the ratings, or being compared to it in a different time slot, etc.

The terrible adage that yesterday is old news, is most true in television. It is the definition of the incredibly fast changing world of what's hot and what's not. A series that was cancelled last year is ancient history because it isn't up against the six new shows that may have the one breakout huge hit of this year.

Think of ABC before Lost and Desperate Housewives. Their success changed the landscape of TV, as now everyone wants a show like that, but wouldn't have gone near either one the year before! Etc. etc.

Doesn't that suck? Welcome to the world of tv, and the requisite tv sample.