Average customer rating:
- A Solid Book
- I scanned it straight to the money
- Inspiring to all students of writing.
- Sitcoms from the ground up
- A must-read for would-be sitcom writers
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Writing TV Sitcoms
Evan S. Smith
Manufacturer: Perigee Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Writing Television Comedy
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ASIN: 0399525335 |
Book Description
With guidance from top sitcom producers and examples straight from the screen, this book can help anyone write, revise--and sell--a script.
With twenty years in the business--as a writer, programming executive, and university instructor--Evan Smith knows what it takes to get from spec script to sitcom success. Here he offers the first published description of Premise-Driven Comedy, the writing method he has developed and popularized; tips from writer-producers who have worked on series from "Frasier" to "The Cosby Show" to "Roseanne;" a complete story outline from the series "Home Improvement;" explicit advice on how the business works and how to get an agent; and script layout guidelines for all three sitcom formats.
Clear, comprehensive, and cutting-edge, this is the true insider's guide to becoming a sitcom writer. Who knows--it might just be the book that inspires the world's next Seinfeld!
* Includes examples from classic and contemporary sitcoms, tips from successful writer-producers, and a complete "Home Improvement" story outline
* An author with twenty years of experience in the business
* Advice on both the business and creative aspects of a sitcom-writing career, including a discussion of Premise-Driven Comedy, Smith's innovative new writing technique
Customer Reviews:
A Solid Book.......2005-10-02
Although it has an unfortunate title (who the hell wants to write sitcoms? - aren't they supposed to be dead?), this book is one of the better resources on the subject of television writing in general. It paints a very realistic picture of the business and acknowledges some of the changes that are taking place within the industry. This is a good book for someone who already knows how to write a solid script, but who'd like to learn more about the TV biz.
I scanned it straight to the money.......2001-04-13
I scanned right throught the pages like I needed the cool breeze and stopped on the "how much will I make" page and well, it looks good to me. I also looked in other areas of the book and before I even read it I know it's exactly what I was looking for. A must for even a dream sitcom writer like me. This is a real shortcut, it covers all the information you will ever need.
Inspiring to all students of writing........2001-01-13
Evan Smith introduces Writing Television Sitcoms as the all-in-one writer's guide to sitcoms. It sounds heavy, but honestly true. There is no aspect of TV sitcom writing a student, or otherwise, could dream up a question for which Smith doesn't have an answer. He covers how to create a sitcom, write it, and sell it. And in the first chapters he even details how anyone can make a career in writing. You will find yourself beaming with childlike enthusiasm as your eyes run through Writing Television Sitcoms.
Sitcoms from the ground up.......2000-09-24
Smith goes right to the foundations of sitcom writing, and leads his reader through all the steps to a funny, saleable product. He explains his 'premise-driven comedy' in terms a beginner can comprehend and put to immediate use; a pro will find suggestions for boosting his batting average, and will recognize the voice of someone who's been there, and done that. Kudos to Smith
A must-read for would-be sitcom writers.......2000-09-21
This book is very well-organized, well-written and very informative. I have found that I refer to it often. It is worth the investment if you are serious about sitcom writing.
Book Description
At the core of this Hollywood howto guide is the concept of The Eight Characters of Comedy, the eight specific character archetypes used in sitcoms dating back to the advent of TV. Every actor can find a sitcom niche by identifying with one of these eight characters. Using past and current actors and sitcom personalities, Sedita describes in detail where these characters come from and how actors can play them truthfully. * who is normally cast as The Logical Smart One' * why do we love The Lovable Loser' * why is The Neurotic such a fun character to play' In addition, readers learn how to break down a comedy script, how to identify different types of jokes, how to deliver them with comedic precision, sitcom auditioning techniques, and how to market themselves.
Customer Reviews:
The EIght Character of Comedy is a Winner!.......2007-03-09
The "Eight Characters of Comedy" by Scott Sedita was absolutely fantastic! The book was incredibly informative to a writer and an actor, but also gives the audience/reader such an insight to how tv shows and film are created. It's a wonderful book. I recommend it to all!
Finally!.......2007-02-06
I mean, seriously. Someone FINALLY sat down and wrote a book that deconstructs all the different characters (there's 8, by the way) that appear in comedy, sitcoms specifically. Sedita manages to set forth a simple, concise, easy-to-read (AND understand) method to determining, from an acting standpoint, WHICH character you are (I'm, surprisingly, a "lovable loser" and not, as I had hoped and dreamed, a "womanizer"), and which specific traits are most often and commonly associated with PLAYING these characters ("hopeful" and "optimistic" are two big ones for the "lovable loser"). I can only begin to tell you how incredibly helpful this book has been in my audition preparation and my character creation. If you've ever thought about acting, especially in comedy, PICK UP THIS BOOK!
This is the key to comedy!.......2007-02-02
Now I truly understand comedic timing! Sedita is a master at communicating the true technique of the comedic actor and how to apply it to your performance. I learned more from this book about acting than any other acting book I have read. He writes in simple straight forward terms that any actor can use to improve their performance and truly makes you respect the great comedic actors of our time. Thanks Scott!
Read this book!.......2007-01-18
Scott Sedita's Eight Characters of Comedy provides the actor and/or writer wonderful tools for making sit-com characters come alive! All artists interested in the world of sit-com will benefit from this book! And it's fun to read, too - Unique and incredibly insightful!
great!.......2006-12-04
just skimmed through the book and can see it is insightful, awesome, and will change your life/acting! even if you are a sitcom buff, not an actor, you should get this book. you will enjoy finding out about your fave characters. will write another review when i've read it. that Sedita is a genius!
Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
Not a bad book, but . . ........2000-02-18
if you are serious about learning how to write sitcoms, the Evan Smith book "Writing Television Sitcoms" is much better. Smith's book gives better more detailed advice, plus it is more current.
If you're ready to write, this book will help you focus.......1999-11-11
Boy, did I love this book... Mr. Wolff engagingly shares his experience as a veteran of the sit-com world with his audience of hopefuls, and makes it not only understandable but enjoyable. I was especially motivated by his step-by-step exercises designed to free the muse. And even though he was very direct about the chances of an unknown actually selling a show, he made me feel I can -- and will-- succeed. If he's this good on paper, I can only imagine how inspiring he would be in a classroom!
Recommended. A focused and concise book on sitcom writing........1998-09-26
This book gathers the basic information on sitcom writing an a refreshingly straightforward manner. Because of the focus on successful network shows, the examples are necessarily lame. This book focuses on the structural requirements of teleplays as well as applicable business constraints.
This will not teach one how to be funny. No book can. But, as the book states: jokes are easy. Story is hard. This book will help you craft a better sitcom story in a professional manner.
TAKE MY WIFE, PLEASE.......1998-09-04
If you think that is funny.....then you'll love this book.
This tired and insipid book........................................1998-07-24
This book is sorporific. It's humour-free and is as dessicated as the gobi dessert. Wolff and Ferrante are to comedy writing what Ronald Reagan is to rememberance. This tired and insipid book is the broker of an unalloyed satanism. It purports to transform sketchy scrips into something monolithically funny. But their techniques are utterly without value and character. My mother, bless her, has more depth and writing ability than these two charlatans, and she has never picked up a pen or read a book.
Customer Reviews:
The definitive Sitcom book for aspiring writers.......2005-01-25
Not only is this book a no nonsense in-depth approach to Sitcom writing, it is obviously written with a great deal of knowledge acquired through a genuine love of the subject. The authors share their experience of actually having written Sitcoms and also provide us with the results of their detailed analysis of the structure of a successful script. It's also a very good read.
Book Description
Publisher Marketing: A comprehensive guide to writing a highly commerical and saleable spec sitcom script and launching your career as a TV sitcom writer. Includes detailed inside information on how to choose the right series to spec, how to pick the right story, and detailed, step by step instruction on how to write the scripts that will get you work.
Customer Reviews:
And career success ensues.......2007-08-13
Very nice, very well written book giving straight forward easy to follow advice on how to write a TV Sitcom and find an agent. Of all the screenwriting books I've read, this one is the most straight-forward and to the point. Would be a great textbook, while still being interesting.
A must for aspiring sitcom writers.......2007-06-24
If you buy one book to learn how to write sitcoms, this is the book. Sheldon Bull has been a sitcom writer and producer for 30 years. He has turned that experience into a step-by-step guide on how to write sitcoms. His writing style is funny and easy to understand.
What sets this book apart from the rest is Sheldon's method of structuring a story. Having a great story to write about is key and Sheldon does not fail on this element.
Read this book and start writing.
Want to Write for Sitcoms? Read This Book!.......2007-05-15
Obviously, if you want to write for sitcoms (or any other field), you've got to have some talent going into it. If you don't, well ...
But if you do, then this book contains the rest of what you'll need besides raw writing talent.
Sheldon Bull should know. He's been in the sitcom biz for a long time and has had his fingers in some very popular programs. So he's not full of bull, so to speak.
Elephant Bucks walks you through the process of successful sitcom writing. He starts off with actually writing the damn thing (even how to pick which shows to write spec scripts for). From there it's on to getting your script read, pitching your script and what to do once it's sold and you're in the door.
Bull's book is insightful and entertaining and leaves no stone unturned in the exploration of writing sitcoms and getting somewhere by doing it.
His writing is informative and enjoyable, so there's no risk of missing out on needed info because you didn't have the heart to wade through any more. There's nothing to wade through here. It's a fast-paced and quite useful book, comprehensive without being exhaustive or exhausting.
Bull's writing skills obviously extend beyond sitcoms.
Book Description
Do people constantly profess you're funny? Do friends and even more importantly, non-friends, laugh hysterically at your jokes? Ever dream of writing your own TV sitcom or working as a writer on a hit sitcom? Yes, you say to all of the above? Well then, this book is for you!
Whether you're a novice writer or a writer looking for a new medium to stretch your literary muscles, everything you need to know to turn your idea into a saleable TV sitcom pilot or sample spec script for an existing show is right here. Gardner's Guide to TV Sitcom Writing: The Writer's Road Map will guide you through various exercises, helping you turn your story ideas into a sitcom pilot script and/or a spec script for an existing series. This book will guide you in creating two sitcom scripts. Once you've completed two half-hour scripts, this book provides guidance for developing and pitching your TV sitcom pilot and/or existing series episode ideas to executives.
Regardless of your writing goals, Gardner's Guide to TV Sitcom Writing: The Writer's Road Map, will zoom you onto the road of sitcom writing in an easy manner. So stop wasting your brilliant jokes at the dinner table and start putting them on paper. By the time you finish Chapter One, you'll be on your way to a thrilling and prosperous career!
Customer Reviews:
A core reference for any aspiring television sitcom writer.......2005-02-10
What elements differentiate the successful sitcom writer from the mundane? They know and practice the "Road Map" principles outlined in this book, on every script they produce. Beginners and some seasoned writers will find these "Writer's Road Map" guidelines essential for transforming a mundane idea to a great one. The basics of what makes an idea salable are covered through different styles of comedy, sitcom character types, and more. Gardner's Guide To Tv Sitcom Writing: The Writer's Road Map is an essential, core reference for any aspiring television sitcom writer.
Download Description
TV sitcom is the goldmine genre, watched by millions. An absurd predicament, witty banter, a group of hilariously dysfunctional people: it all seems so easy. But is it? If you've ever said 'I can do better than that', then this book will encourage, test and pull you through the sitcom-writing boot camp. Comedy guru Marc Blake has written for Spitting Image, Frankie Howerd and Craig Charles, and had his own TV show and BBC Radio 4 series Whining for England. The author of several humour books and comic novels including the bestselling Sunstroke, he has taught comedy writing across the UK for ten years.
Book Description
The creator and executive producer of Everybody Loves Raymond dissects the art of comedy and the making of a sitcom classic
In television, where programs can premiere and disappear in the same week, Everybody Loves Raymond reigned as America's best-loved show for nine years with more than seventeen million viewers. As the number-one sitcom, it received more than seventy Emmy nominations, including two wins for best comedy. With You're Lucky You're Funny, Phil Rosenthal takes us onstage and inside the writer's room.
Rosenthal's meteoric ascent was preceded by odd jobs, including a stint as a museum security guard, running a deli, and writing for a slew of forgettable shows—including one starring Robert Mitchum as a curmudgeonly homeless man taken in by two orphans. But when he met comedian Ray Romano, they discovered a shared lifetime of family dysfunction—and endless material for a sitcom.
Not only a chronicle of one man's rise to the peak of his profession, Rosenthal's book is also an unprecedented look at the making of a hit series: how shows are written and character developed, how comedy is refined, how network executives are outsmarted, and most important, how egos are massaged. You're Lucky You're Funny is an inspiration to anyone involved in the creative process and a must read for the show's millions of devoted fans. BACKCOVER:
Advanced Praise:
“In the Prologue, Mr. Rosenthal says `No one listens to me. Maybe the reader will...' You should! He is the real deal, both as a human being and as an artist of comedy.”
—Henry Winkler
"I read YOU'RE LUCKY YOU'RE FUNNY and loved it! If you had the Everybody Loves Raymond bug during its 9 year run, this is the love letter you've been waiting for. If you've missed the bug, read it at the risk of being bitten and smitten."
—Norman Lear
Customer Reviews:
If you liked Raymond.......2007-08-25
It is a must have book. Even if not, there are a lot of good stories on showbiz, and his life as well. Good read.
An Entertaining Read for ELR Fans.......2007-06-12
I think this book would appeal to fans of "Everybody Loves Raymond". For some parts it talks about the struggles of Phil Rosenthal's early days as an aspiring actor cum writer. His experiences before he found success are recorded with humor and insight. However the most entertaining parts were when he recounted how some of my favorite episodes came about. It is like a keepsake for an ELR fan.
Everyone loves Phil....not!.......2007-05-06
Haven't read a book in years I am ashamed to say. However, a portion of this book was in the Reader's Digest recently and was fascinating, if you are a devotee of "Everyone Loves Raymond," Thought I would get it and it would collect dust, like the other books I purchase. Nope, I read it in 3 nites. Not sure why this book didn't soar, or at least I never heard about it. Phil Rosenthal permeates every episode of the Raymond series....you can see that clearly here.
This book is great.......2007-03-12
......one of the funniest books I have ever read. If you are a fan of
ELR, this is a must-read. Good job, Phil!!!!
good story, annoying voice.......2007-02-19
I thought a humor book would have an edge as a book on CD, but the cadence of the author's voice is off-putting. It's like listening to Jackie Mason Lite. Good stories about the behind-the-scenes life of a comedy writer if you can get past the voice of Phil Rosenthal.
Book Description
With a detailed explanation of vertex and pixel shader programming, coverage of the new Microsoft HLSL (High Level Shader Language), and greater concentration of the fixed function pipeline, the second edition of this popular reference guide will take you farther than you ever imagined! Written by an industry expert, this book will put an end to your struggle to master the concepts. "Beginning Direct3D Game Programming, 2nd Edition" serves as a comprehensive guide for learning DirectX graphics programming. It allows you to start with the basics and ease your way into graphics and animation. As you work your way through the book, however, you'll get a chance to focus on some advanced shader effects to give your games that extra touch of realism.
Customer Reviews:
Overview.......2004-05-12
This book covers the usage of DirectX 9.0. Note, this book is not a cook-book type book where it tells you how to program a game in DirectX 9.0.
I would not buy this book again (ie future version/revision).
Not enough thought given to readership requirements.......2004-05-10
DirectX is difficult to master. Even drilling down into just D3D is exceptionally challenging for most students. I have been looking for a DX book to use on an undergraduate course and in the process I have reviewd a few. While most books have something to offer few have drawn the whole of any of the DX modules together. Given the standard of the SDK documentation there is a clear need for good textbooks. My reaction to the present text is that it is very unsutiable for beginners. In the first place, it is not well written. Secondly,some of the code is way beyond what beginners could grasp and there is very little hand holding to reassure pedagogues like me. Thirdly, the material of matrices could do with being looked at again. However, it is not all gloom. The chapter on animation is really very good and well worth spending the time on.
All too frequently we see computer programming texts come out without proper regard for the readership. Occasionally the reading public have the right to expect publishers to get material out there that was written to be read by others. I don't blame the authors, but the publishers who don't put enough editorial weight behind their offerings. I have no doubt but that this book could have been a much more useful book with appropriate editorial input. May be the 3rd edition will be.
Why even buy the book.......2004-04-18
I read most of it in the book store. He has like maybe 3 good pointers but overall this book is a sham. It should only by about 19.99 to say its even worth it. Hell even VB is more interesting than his writings.
Mixed feelings.......2004-04-14
The title of this book is misleading. It's not so much a beginners book as it is a fast-paced primer so you can get on to the good stuff. Chapters five and six (the first that take you into actual code) are *extremely* accelerated and don't really explain exactly what's going on in a lot of the code, though it's easy to figure it out once you load up the samples and play around with them for a while. It's written well, is easy to read, and it gives a great overview of the basics, just don't let the title fool you.
My advice? Go through a bunch of online Direct3D tutorials first, then read this book.
Good stuff... Maybe not worth $34.99.......2004-03-03
I am a totally beginning programmer, I've only taken 1 & 1/2 programming classes so far. Like the guy below me said, it isn't enough to write a game, but it's gives you a good enough understand to start your own valuable research on the topic. The author lists many really good sites to start with. Also, the section on setting up your compiler is CRUCIAL and I have never been able to get it working before now. The cd as well has some good stuff on it.
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