Successful Sitcom Writing

Author : Jurgen Wolff,L. P. Ferrante
Publisher : St. Martin's Press
Page : 208 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 1996-08-15
Category : Reference
ISBN : 0312144261

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Successful Sitcom Writing by Jurgen Wolff,L. P. Ferrante Pdf

Sitcoms have never been hotter in Hollywood, and the demand for writers has never been greater. With fees starting at $16,000 for a half-hour script, sitcoms can be a lucrative option for freelancers. The hundreds of shows produced every year, each of which needs a team of writers, provide a tremendous opportunity to break into the industry. But successful sitcom writing begins long before Act I, Scene I. Hollywood insider Jurgen Wolff will start you off right. He'll show you why some ideas are promising and some should be rejected immediately, even when they're funny. You'll learn how to analyze and develop characters. And you'll find out how the pros punch up their work with subplots, physical comedy, and timing. The technical ins and outs of the sitcom format are also explained, including act structure, subplots, sets, entrances, and exits. You'll learn the manuscript formats the networks use, so your work will look as professional as it reads. And you'll get solid advice on how to find an agent, take a pitch meeting, and land your script on a producer's desk-- even if you don't live in Los Angeles. Novice and veteran sitcom writers alike keep Jurgen Wolff's book handy. Read it, and you'll see why.

Author : Jurgen Wolff
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 193 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 1988
Category : Comedy programs
ISBN : 0312015143

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Successful Sitcom Writing by Jurgen Wolff Pdf

Author : Lee Goldberg,William Rabkin
Publisher : Turner Publishing Company
Page : 194 pages
File Size : 40,8 Mb
Release : 2007-08-10
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9780470248164

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Successful Television Writing by Lee Goldberg,William Rabkin Pdf

The industry speaks out about SUCCESSFUL TELEVISION WRITING "Where was this book when I was starting out? A fantastic, fun, informative guide to breaking into?and more importantly, staying in?the TV writing game from the guys who taught me how to play it." --Terence Winter, Coexecutive Producer, The Sopranos "Goldberg and Rabkin write not only with clarity and wit but also with the authority gleaned from their years of slogging through Hollywood?s trenches. Here is a must-read for new writers and established practitioners whose imagination could use a booster shot." --Professor Richard Walter, Screenwriting Chairman, UCLA Department of Film and TV "Not since William Goldman?s Adventures in the Screen Trade has there been a book this revealing, funny, and informative about The Industry. Reading this book is like having a good, long lunch with your two best friends in the TV business." --Janet Evanovich "With sharp wit and painful honesty, Goldberg and Rabkin offer the truest account yet of working in the TV business. Accept no substitutes!" --Jeffrey B. Hodes and Nastaran Dibai, Coexecutive Producers, Third Rock from the Sun "Should be required reading for all aspiring television writers." --Howard Gordon, Executive Producer, 24 and The X-Files

Author : Evan S. Smith
Publisher : Penguin
Page : 352 pages
File Size : 49,9 Mb
Release : 2009-12-01
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9781101151624

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Writing Television Sitcoms (revised) by Evan S. Smith Pdf

This new edition of Writing Television Sitcoms features the essential information every would-be teleplay writer needs to know to break into the business, including: - Updated examples from contemporary shows such as 30 Rock, The Office and South Park - Shifts in how modern stories are structured - How to recognize changes in taste and censorship - The reality of reality television - How the Internet has created series development opportunities - A refined strategy for approaching agents and managers - How pitches and e-queries work - or don't - The importance of screenwriting competitions

Author : Jerry Rannow
Publisher : Allworth Press
Page : 232 pages
File Size : 51,5 Mb
Release : 2000
Category : Humor
ISBN : UOM:39015047844363

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Writing Television Comedy by Jerry Rannow Pdf

Veteran television writer/producer Jerry Rannow gives aspiring and experienced comedy writers a humorous and eye-opening guide to conceiving, writing, and marketing a winning TV sitcom. Drawing on more than twenty-five years' experience, he tells how to construct a story outline, structure and format scripts, develop character and dialogue, pitch to producers, collaborate with other writers, and work with network and studio executives, producers, directors, agents, writers, and stars. Full of laughs and profitable tips for making a living in the business, this book is an invaluable tool for any writer who wants to break into TV comedy. Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

Author : Crispin Tennant
Publisher : Richards Education
Page : 149 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2024-05-21
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 8210379456XXX

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Lights, Laughter, Action: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a TV Sitcom by Crispin Tennant Pdf

"Lights, Laughter, Action: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a TV Sitcom" is your ultimate companion on the journey to crafting comedic gold for the small screen. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a budding humorist, this book offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and insider tips from industry professionals. From developing unforgettable characters to pitching your sitcom to networks, each chapter is packed with actionable strategies and creative exercises to help you bring your sitcom vision to life. Get ready to tickle funny bones and leave audiences roaring with laughter as you embark on your sitcom-writing adventure.

Author : Evan S. Smith
Publisher : Penguin
Page : 310 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 1999
Category : Performing Arts
ISBN : 0399525335

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Writing Television Sitcoms by Evan S. Smith Pdf

Describes the writing method called premise-driven comedy, examines how comedy affects character development and story structure, discusses guidelines on script layouts, and offers advice on establishing a career

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unistar Books
Page : 178 pages
File Size : 44,9 Mb
Release : 2024-05-21
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 8210379456XXX

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Writing Comedy by Anonim Pdf

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unistar Books
Page : 180 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2024-05-21
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 8210379456XXX

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Writing Sitcoms by Anonim Pdf

Author : James Cary
Publisher : SPCK
Page : 112 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2021-06-17
Category : Humor
ISBN : 9780281085996

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The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer by James Cary Pdf

Maybe Jesus was joking, the disciples didn't know what they were doing and the New Testament is a lot funnier than you might think. You would think it weird if someone suddenly ascended into heaven, right? Reading between the lines, do we detect a touch of rivalry between Peter and John? And surely the lack of parables in the latter's mystical tome is simply crying out to be redressed . . . In this sparklingly witty book, BBC sitcom writer James Cary gives us a new and liberating way of looking at the gospel as he entertainingly relates it to a modern context, with references ranging from Charles Dickens to The Vicar of Dibley. Cheerfully playing around with the text, he takes the Bible seriously but allows us to laugh at our own petty vanities and foibles - and be enlightened in the process. The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer is ideal for anyone wanting to liven up their Bible reading and looking for new ways to be thrilled by this sacred text. It's also perfect for priests, pastors, youth leaders and all those involved in ministry and giving sermons, as James Cary shows using comedy and humour is a brilliant way to communicate the gospel. Warm, funny and full of brilliant insight and Christian humour, The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer will make you laugh out loud and shake your head in awe. You'll never read the Bible the same way again.

Author : Richard A Blum
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 433 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2013-04-03
Category : Performing Arts
ISBN : 9781136050343

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Television and Screen Writing by Richard A Blum Pdf

Now in its fourth edition, Television and Screen Writing: From Concept to Contract is a classic resource for students and professionals in screenwriting and television writing. This book will teach you how to become a creative and marketable writer in every professional arena - including major studios, production companies, networks, cable and pay TV, animation, and interactive programs. Specific techniques and script samples for writing high-quality and producible "spec" scripts for theatrical motion pictures, the sitcom series, one-hour dramatic series, longform television, soaps, talk show, variety, animation, interactive and new media are provided. Television and Screen Writing: From Concept to Contract, Fourth Edition also offers a fully detailed examination of the current marketplace, and distinct strategies for marketing your scripts, from registering and copyrighting the script to signing with an agent. This new edition has been expanded to include the most up-to-date creative and professional script samples, marketing resources, and practical information possible. The companion website (www.focalpress.com/companions) offers a wide range of contacts and resources for you to explore, and Internet links to professional resources. There is also an Annotated and Selected Bibliography for your reference

Author : Marc Blake
Publisher : A&C Black
Page : 311 pages
File Size : 41,8 Mb
Release : 2011-09-23
Category : Reference
ISBN : 9781408130896

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How NOT to Write a Sitcom by Marc Blake Pdf

The craft of sitcom is possibly the hardest of all screenwriting genres, demanding a complex set of skills. How NOT to Write a Sitcom is a troubleshooting guide aimed at both the novice and the practising sitcom writer. It illustrates and explains the many pitfalls in concept, characterisation, plotting and dramatic/comedic writing,which pepper the hundreds of scripts submitted every year. Each point is illustrated with an example of the error and each section contains practical suggestions and exercises for the writer to apply to their own writing. The book makes no assumption of the reader other than an interest in the form. It contains interviews with current producers as well as interviews with successful practioners of the craft. Marc Blake is a script consultant, writer and teacher of writing for sitcom. In this book he acts as a `script mechanic' for writers - stripping a sitcom down to its component parts, isolating the faults and fixing them. What script editors and producers are looking for are scripts that work. Naturally they want a genius in embryo, but above all they first want to see something that is roadworthy.

Author : Jill Chamberlain
Publisher : University of Texas Press
Page : 220 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2016-03-01
Category : Performing Arts
ISBN : 9781477303733

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The Nutshell Technique by Jill Chamberlain Pdf

Veteran script consultant Jill Chamberlain discovered in her work that an astounding 99 percent of first-time screenwriters don’t know how to tell a story. These writers may know how to format a script, write snappy dialogue, and set a scene. They may have interesting characters and perhaps some clever plot devices. But, invariably, while they may have the kernel of a good idea for a screenplay, they fail to tell a story. What the 99 percent do instead is present a situation. In order to explain the difference, Chamberlain created the Nutshell Technique, a method whereby writers identify eight dynamic, interconnected elements that are required to successfully tell a story. Now, for the first time, Chamberlain presents her unique method in book form with The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting. Using easy-to-follow diagrams (“nutshells”), she thoroughly explains how the Nutshell Technique can make or break a film script. Chamberlain takes readers step-by-step through thirty classic and contemporary movies, showing how such dissimilar screenplays as Casablanca, Chinatown, Pulp Fiction, The Usual Suspects, Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, Silver Linings Playbook, and Argo all have the same system working behind the scenes, and she teaches readers exactly how to apply these principles to their own screenwriting. Learn the Nutshell Technique, and you’ll discover how to turn a mere situation into a truly compelling screenplay story.

Author : William Smethurst
Publisher : How To Books
Page : 236 pages
File Size : 44,9 Mb
Release : 2009-08-28
Category : Performing Arts
ISBN : 9781848033634

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How to Write for Television 6th Edition by William Smethurst Pdf

Television is a growth industry with an insatiable hunger for writing talent. Soaps, series dramas, plays, situation comedies - television constantly needs new writers. This inspiring book is full of professional tips and techniques that producers, agents and script editors would give you themselves - if only they had the time. Complete with vital information on how to sell your writing - and how much you can earn. Packed with tips for writing and selling. Lists essential contacts and phone numbers. Contents: List of Illustrations; The opportunities; 1. The basics; 2. Story & theme; 3. Style; 4. Structure; 5. Plotting; 6. Visual Interest; 7. Dialogue; 8. Characterisation; 9. Situation Comedy; 10. Presentation; 11. From Script to Screen; 12. The difficult Markets; 13. Programmes Looking for Writers; 14. Soap Operas; 15. Other Markets for Scripts; 16. Common Queries; 17. TV Talk; 18. Organisations That Will Help You; 19. Where to Send your Script; Further reading; Index.

Author : Jurgen Wolff,Kerry Cox
Publisher : Penguin
Page : 448 pages
File Size : 43,5 Mb
Release : 2011-05-30
Category : Performing Arts
ISBN : 9781599634821

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Successful Scriptwriting by Jurgen Wolff,Kerry Cox Pdf

SUCCESSFUL SCRIPTWRITING Let's start with "The End." The credits roll - we see "Screenplay by ..." and there's your name. The show's a hit! It's Emmy/Oscar night, and you're seated up front. The nominations are revealed; your name is called. Your acceptance speech is memorable, an inspiration to the new writers "breaking in." Variety says your "future looks very bright." Hooray for Hollywood! But how did you get here? With talent, determination, and the help of this comprehensive guide, you'll have the wherewithal to move your dream from your mind onto the page and to succeed in this fiercely competitive, highly selective field. Starting with a basic course in scriptwriting, Jurgen Wolff and Kerry Cox teach you the fundamental skills of writing the feature film script, from original idea to finished screenplay. Then you'll learn how to apply your new-found skills to every type of television and film script: movies-of-the week, episodic television, situation comedies and soap operas. You'll also find helpful insight from the greats in the business, like Colin Higgins (Harold and Maude, Foul Play, 9 to 5), Larry Gelbart (Oh, God!, Tootsie, "M*A*S*H"), William Bickley ("Perfect Strangers," "Happy Days"), and Steven Bochco ("Doogie Howser, M.D.," "L.A. Law"). And you'll find answers to these essential questions: • What fundamental skills and essential ingredients do I need to write a feature film script? • By what criteria do producers and studios evaluate scripts or ideas presented to them? • When should I write an outline or a treatment for my script, and what are the formats? • How do I go about protecting my work? • Is there a cut-and-dried technique for pitching my ideas? Every part of this book reflects the needs and realities of today's TV and film industry, providing you with insight as well as practical knowledge. With this book as your guide, you can start at the beginning and follow a well-defined path to successful scriptwriting.