The TV Writer's Workbook: A Creative Approach To Television Scripts
by Ellen Sandler
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Book Summary Information
Author: Ellen SandlerEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-03-27
ISBN: 0385340508
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Delta
Book Reviews of The TV Writer's Workbook: A Creative Approach To Television Scripts
Book Review: Simple, Concise, and Filled with an Abundance of Info for Writers/Producers
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are serious about writing/producing for TV then this book is a must. What better way to get information from someone who has actually worked in the business and taken the journey many of us are currently forging. I found Ellen Sandler writer/producer of Taxi, Coach, Everybody Loves Raymond, and more to be honest and sincere in her description and advice on what it takes to become success writer/producer in the business.
This book is a rich resource on how to write your first spec script and what qualities besides good writing one should possesses or develop to break through, what often times seems to be a brick wall of Hollywood studio, producers, agents, managers, ect. The content and tone is that of a workbook, however not in a traditional sense, but in a more subtle and simple way. Ellen gives a brief background about how she herself got into the business and then informs the writer of what they need to know about the spec script and how to read to write. She further goes into what you need to do to develop your story, how to make it come alive, and re-edit it until you cant anymore. In another part of the book she focuses on what you need to do when you have your spec script written and gives you sound advice with real world examples on how to break into the door. She offers up helpful tips on FAQ's such as should you move to LA?, the difference between producers and writers, pitching your ideas, dealing with agents/managers, potential salary figures, respecting the industry and business standards and more.
Besides loving the content on writing, I loved the wealth of information contained in the book on such helpful topics as where to get scripts, industry jargon/terminology, bookstores and publication sources for writers, as well as a host of contact information for other beneficial advisors.
Lastly, I love the humility with which this book concludes. Ellen acknowledges here successes and rightfully so, but advises the reader to keep searching and seeking out other advisors and not be afraid to listen to contradictory information, keeping in mind that in Hollywood there is not set path to success.
As a publicist switching careers and having previously written spec scripts I love this book and highly recommend.
Summary of The TV Writer's Workbook: A Creative Approach To Television Scripts
Why is TV writing different from any other kind of writing? How will writing a spec script open doors? What do I have to do to get a job writing for TV? Writing for television is a business. And, like any business, there are proven strategies for success. In this unique hands-on guide, television writer and producer Ellen Sandler shares the trade secrets she learned while writing for hit shows like Everybody Loves Raymond and Coach. She offers concrete advice on everything from finding a story to getting hired on a current series.Filled with easy-to-implement exercises and practical wisdom, this ingenious how-to handbook outlines the steps for becoming a professional TV writer, starting with a winning script. Sandler explains the difference between ?selling? and ?telling,? form and formula, theme and plot.
Discover:
? A technique for breaking down a show style so you?re as close to being in the writing room as you can get without actually having a job there
? The 3 elements for that essential Concept Line that you must have
in order to create a story with passion and consequence
? Mining the 7 Deadly Sins for fresh and original story lines
? Sample scripts from hit shows
? In-depth graphs, script breakdown charts, vital checkpoints
along the way, and much, much more!
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