Q: What does MZPtv do?

A: MZPtv is a website/forum dedicated to helping screenwriters, new and experienced, develop and promote their ideas for scripted “Virtual Series” and “Virtual Movies”, otherwise known as “scripted fiction”.

It’s a community where new writers can learn the ropes and either get involved with writing for and working on an existing show, or make a start on one of their own.

And it’s a place for more experienced virtual series producers to find staff to help them work on their own shows, as well as finding an audience to promote their shows to.

Q: What is a “Virtual Series”?

A: An online series of screenplays that work as a “real” TV show would, just not filmed or put on TV. Each series is written by talented writers from all over the world, sometimes solo, sometimes in a team. A Virtual Series will typically have anywhere between 8 and 24 episode seasons, each episode being a script that represents a 22 minute comedy (around 30 pages) or 42 minute drama (around 55 pages) episode of the show itself.

Each script is uploaded to our website and posted both there and on our forums, for people to then open and read at their leisure. Each series has a schedule, usually weekly — much like a real television series. Some shows air on an unscheduled basis, posting episodes whenever they’re finished.

MZPtv strives to produce scripted fiction of a high quality, and provide all the thrills, laughs and excitement you’d get from a real television series or movie.

Virtual Series often have “Fantasy Casting”, where the producers of each show will pick an actor or actress that they think would best fit the role. None of these actors have any association with MZPtv, and the act of fantasy casting is purely for fun.

Q: How do I join? What are the benefits?

A: Sign up for a membership by using the ‘Register’ link at the top of our community forums. You could also register using your Twitter account, if you prefer.

The benefits are that members get newsletters and updates of what’s going on at MZPtv, as well as the ability to join in with any of our shows, either as a writer or as a producer. We have a thriving community of writers and readers who enjoy chatting about all manner of topics, including television, books, and movies, as well as helping each other improve their writing (both script and prose).

Q: I have an idea for a Virtual Series. How do I tell you about it?

A: First, sign up for a membership by using the “Register” link at the top of our community forums. Introduce yourself in The Welcome Mat and get involved by joining in with whatever discussions you like. We want people to be ingrained with our community before we “pick up” your Virtual Series to air on the MZPtv website and forums.

When you think you’re ready, you can “pitch” your idea in our The Idea Factory forum. This is stage 1!

If you have any questions, you can use the Staff List page on our forums to find an admin to contact. We’re all friendly and willing to help, no matter what the query.

Q: What about movies? I also have a small mini-series that runs for about two to six episodes…

A:We cater for both Movies and Mini-Series ideas. Again, just shoot your idea into our The Idea Factory forum.

Q: I want to write for one of your shows. How do I sign up?

A: Head for the Calling All Staffers! board and look for an available job. We’re always looking for new staff members.

Typically, the relevant show’s producer will contact you and ask to see some samples of your work before giving you a job. If you’re new to screenwriting, don’t worry — we have sections of the board designed to get you started! Try our Scriptwriting Masterclass board if you need advice.

Q: I already have a virtual series. How do I get it on to MZPtv to get some more viewers?

A: You can use our Contact page to get in touch and tell us about it! We’ll try and find a place to link to your show in one of our “Virtual Series” boards to get you some more promotion, or add you to our affiliates page.

Q: Do you air video web series on your website?

A: We don’t currently have a section for video web series, but we’re happy to promote them via other means — such as posting blog entries about them or posting a thread on our community forums. If you’ve got a web series that you’d like to promote, we’d be happy to discuss it with you, and maybe set up affiliate links between both of our sites. You can use our Contact page to get in touch.

Q: I’m still confused about some of the jargon you’ve used above — how can I find out more?

A: Check out our Glossary, which should help clear things up!