Also known as pilot episode
The first episode of a series — the script that proves characters, tone, and the engine that can run for seasons. Often the draft a room or network judges hardest.
A pilot must work as an episode and as a prototype. Readers ask whether they would come back next week and whether they understand the show's rules from the sample. Cold opens, act breaks, and a clear series promise matter as much as a single brilliant scene that could never recur next week.
Unlike a feature, a pilot launches engines -- relationships, mysteries, workplaces -- that future episodes will run for seasons. Still give the hour (or half hour) a complete emotional movement so the sample feels satisfying, not like a trailer that stops right before the story earns a turn.
When you pitch or staff, keep a living series bible beside the pilot so tone, world rules, and character arcs stay aligned across materials. In Inkwell, keep that bible in Plot next to episodes rather than burying it in a disconnected general-purpose document you will forget to update.
A feature resolves; a pilot launches. Pilots still need a complete emotional movement, but they also seed ongoing engines -- relationships, mysteries, workplaces -- that future episodes will run.
For pitching and rooms, yes -- a living series bible beside the pilot helps. In Inkwell, keep that bible in Plot next to episodes rather than burying it in a general-purpose doc.
Depends on format: roughly half-hour vs hour norms for your market and network vs streamer expectations. Match recent comps in your lane rather than forcing feature page counts onto TV.
Only if it serves the show. Many pilots use one to prove tone fast; others open on Act One. Empty ritual teasers waste pages -- earn the slot with a specific incident.
