How to Learn to Write a Web Series

So, you want to write a web series? Awesome! It's a great way to get your stories out there. This guide will give you the basics you need to know to write a killer web series.

Why Web Series?

Why should you even bother with a web series? Well, here's the thing:

• You get to be creative. No bosses telling you what to do!
• It doesn't cost a fortune. Way cheaper than making a movie.
• You can talk to your fans! Social media makes it easy.
• You can put it anywhere. YouTube, Vimeo, your own site... it's up to you.
• It can help your career. Get noticed by the right people!

Web Series 101

Web series are a little different than TV. Here's what's up:

How Long?

Episodes are usually short. Like, really short. Maybe 2 to 15 minutes. Think about how long people will pay attention online. Short and sweet wins!

The Story

Keep it simple. Each episode should have its own little story, but also move the whole thing forward. Here's a basic plan:

• Start strong! Grab their attention right away.
• What's the problem? Tell us what's going on.
• Make it worse! Up the stakes.
• Solve it... or leave them hanging! Gotta make them want more.

Fast Pace!

No slow parts! Get to the point. Use pictures and action, not just people talking.

Meet the Characters

Introduce them quickly. Show us who they are. Make them easy to understand.

What's the Point?

What's your series really about? A good theme makes it better.

Tips for Writing a Great Web Series

Okay, ready to write? Here's some advice:

1. Who are you writing for? Know your audience. It helps!
2. Have a cool idea. Something that people will remember.
3. Make a "bible." A guide to your whole series. Like a cheat sheet.
4. Pilot episode must be good. It's the first thing people see!
5. Think ahead. Plan out several episodes.
6. Show, don't tell. Use pictures to tell your story.
7. Keep it short! No one wants to watch a long web series episode.
8. Be realistic. Write something you can actually make.
9. Team up! Other writers, directors... they can help.
10. Get feedback. Ask people what they think.

Web Series Template

Need a basic format? Here's one:

SERIES TITLE: [Series Title]
EPISODE TITLE: [Episode Title]
EPISODE NUMBER: [Episode Number]

SCENE [Scene Number]
INT. [Location] - DAY/NIGHT

[Action lines describing what's happening]

CHARACTER NAME
[Dialogue]

You can find fancier templates online, too!

Learn from the Best Web Series

Want to see what works? Check out these web series:

• High Maintenance: Started as a web series, now on HBO. About a weed delivery guy.
• Broad City: Funny show about two friends. Was a web series first.
• Insecure: Issa Rae's web series "Awkward Black Girl" led to this HBO hit.
• Carmilla: A series based on the gothic novella Carmilla. Popular because of its queer representation and dedicated fanbase.
• The Guild: A comedy about online gamers. Super popular with gamers!

Watch them. See what they do right. Steal their ideas... just kidding!... kind of.

What Makes a Great Script?

Here's what to focus on when you're writing:

• Real talk. Dialogue should sound like people actually talking.
• Real people. Characters should be interesting and easy to relate to.
• A good story. Keep people guessing.
• Use your eyes! Show us what's happening.
• Cliffhangers are your friends. End each episode with a question.

Get Your Web Series Out There!

Writing is only half the battle! You need people to see your web series. Try these ideas:

• Pick the right spot. YouTube? Vimeo? Somewhere else?
• Use keywords. Help people find your videos.
• Social media is key! Tell everyone about your series.
• Team up with others. More eyeballs are better!
• Film festivals can help. Get your series seen.

Making Money?

It's tough, but possible! Here's how:

• YouTube ads. Get paid for ads on your videos.
• Patreon. Fans can pay you every month.
• Sell stuff! T-shirts, mugs... anything related to your series.
• Crowdfunding. Ask people to donate to help you make your series.
• Sell your series! Maybe someone will buy it.

Go Make Something Awesome!

Learning how to write a web series takes time and effort. But it's worth it! If you remember these web series writing tips and study great web series examples, You can do it. You really can!

So, what are you waiting for? Get writing! The world needs your web series.