Most Writers Don’t Know if Their Pilot Works — Until It’s Too Late.

You’ve poured your heart into your pilot. But how do you know if it’s working?

My free PDF, Will My Pilot Work?, walks you through a 7-step test used by pro screenwriters to check if their pilot is hitting all the marks—story, character, structure, stakes, and more.

Whether you’re polishing your draft or just starting, this guide will give you the confidence to move forward and the insight to fix what’s not landing.

I'm James Hurst, a professional screenwriter with over 25 years of experience writing television pilots and episodic scripts for major networks and streamers.

I've written nearly 50 produced scripts for award-winning TV shows, including Wynonna Earp, Hardy Boys, Being Erica, Flashpoint, and The Listener. My work has earned multiple nominations and awards, including two Canadian Screenwriting Awards and a Peabody Award.

Over the years, I’ve learned what truly makes a TV pilot work—how to hook the audience, build irresistible characters, and structure a story that sells. I created Will My Pilot Work? to give writers a clear, simple test to assess their pilot before submitting to agents, contests, or producers.

Whether you're just starting your first pilot or refining your third, this guide will help you write a TV pilot that stands out, connects, and gets taken seriously in the industry.