Created by: Inside the Minds of Tv's Top Show Creators [Paperback]

Steven Prigge (Author), Ted Danson (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2005

As entertaining as it is enlightening, "Created By..."presents a stellar cast of 21 show creators who candidly talk about writing and selling hit television series: J.J. Abrams ("Alias", "Lost"); Alan Ball ("Six Feet Under"); Yvette Lee Bowser ("Living Single", "Half amp Half"); Mark Brazill ("That '70s Show"); Ilene Chaiken ("The L Word"); Larry David ("Seinfeld", "Curb Your Enthusiasm"); Tom Fontana ("Oz"); Tracy Gamble ("8 Simple Rules"); Dave Hackel ("Becker"); Barbara Hall ("Joan of Arcadia"); Brenda Hampton ("7th Heaven", "Fat Actress"); Bill Lawrence ("Scrubs"); Dennis Leoni ("Resurrection Blvd."); Max Mutchnick and David Kohan ("Will amp Grace"); Tracy Newman and Jonathan Stark ("According to Jim"); Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."); Shawn Ryan ("The Shield"); Amy Sherman-Palladino ("Gilmore Girls"); Joss Whedon ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Angel"). They discuss influences: writing spec scripts; first jobs in TV; getting an agent; mentors; being staffed as a writer; the pitch; writing a pilot; putting yourself in the characters you create; rewriting; producing a pilot; marketing; hiring a writing staff; making a show last; TV writing vs. film writing; drama vs. sitcom; cable vs. network TV; what show creators look for in a writer; writers block; luck..and much more. This is a lively, well-written must-have book for all screenwriters and television writers - wannabes, novices, and professionals - as well as all avid TV fans.

Editorial Reviews

Review

21 top TV showrunners share their industry experiences . . . simple and informative primer on how to succeed as a TV writer. -- VARIETY

Created By answers the question of how to break into television . . . it also explains how to write a 'spec' script. -- SCRIPT Magazine

From the Inside Flap

"The stellar line-up of creative minds in this book represents the top talent in this business. Prggé brings out the best in them." --- Aaron Spelling

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 215 pages
• Publisher: Silman-James Pr (September 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879505827
• ISBN-13: 978-1879505827
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #194,806 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must buy!, March 4, 2006

By 

Diane L. (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Created by: Inside the Minds of Tv's Top Show Creators (Paperback)

I am a television writer who has seen a lot change in this business over the years. Because of the rapid popularity of reality television, it is harder than ever to break into the TV writing game. There are a lot of books out there that claim to show you how to get a job as a sitcom or drama writer. However, in my opinion this book is the best ever written on the subject. You get to hear from the TV show creators themselves how to write a spec script, rewrite a script, get hired on a show, pitch a network, market a show, hire talent, and much more. The author did his homework and rounded up some of the top TV show creators in this business. I found the questions asked and the stories told to be very interesting as well as encouraging. I tip my hat to the author. This is a must buy!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Light At The End Of The Tunnel!, March 4, 2006

By 

Writer Mike (Boston USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Created by: Inside the Minds of Tv's Top Show Creators (Paperback)

I had an idea for a TV pilot brewing for quite a while. I spent a few months working on the concept. Then I spent another few months writing and rewriting it...trying to make the script the best I could. Then, when I was done I had the realization -- How Am I Going To Sell It? That question has troubled writers since the beginning of the fountain pen. So, I began to read script writing magazines and bought some books on the subject. None were hitting the core or practical enough for me to relate to. Well, that was until I opened Created By.

I have to say that this book showed me "the light at the end of the tunnel." I started reading advice from industry professionals that seemed real. I learned that many of the top TV show creators were once just like me -- a struggling writer with a script and a dream. I got some good solid and priceless advice on how to get my script read. I have just sent my pilot out to some agents!!!!

If you have a script just sitting in your hard drive with no idea how to sell it this book is your resource. Wish there were more books like this out in the marketplace.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic look at TV showrunners and their story, October 19, 2005

By 

Grant Nieporte (LA, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Created by: Inside the Minds of Tv's Top Show Creators (Paperback)

I just finished reading Created By and I was extremely impressed. I've read lots of books on writing features, but this one is the most comprehensive to date about the art of writing for television. Having written several episodes for network sitcoms, I only wish I had this resource back then. The author not only brings a wonderful mix of TV show creators to the table, but he gets them to answer the questions that matter most. This is not just a "how to" book, it's also a great way to learn how some of the most successful television shows made it into our livingrooms. And a glimpse into the determination and sacrifice it takes to create a hit.