How To Write a Television Pilot Part 2

Writing Tips A Beginner Writer Can Learn from watching SHOGUN

Previously on this blog post, we learnt the following.

Shogun, the series, is set in Japan in the 17th Century.

The central conflict revolves around 5 powerful men who are fighting for the position of Shogun.

We will experience this ancient world through the eyes of an Englishman named Jack Blackthorn.

We also learnt that the introduction of the main character is particularly important, especially when you are writing the first episode of a series. We talked about how it is important to create questions at the end of each scene that will drive the viewer to continue watching the show to find out the answers.

We learnt a technique from the Shogun writers in how they introduced characters. First, they set up intrigue and mystery about the character, creating a curiosity gap surrounding the character and then in the next scene they close the gap.

We shall see the same technique when they introduce the next character.

This is Lord Yoshii Toranaga.

He’s also one of the main characters in the series. He rides alone, but in front of a troop. He’s a leader. The head honcho.