Customer Reviews

How to Star In Your Own TV Show for $50 or Less: An Insider's Guide to Public Access

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I'm currently in film school, concentrating on TV production, and came across this book while doing some initial research on technical aspects related television production. I was disappointed to find this self-produced paperback provided nothing more than an amateur's perspective on shows the writer produced at a local access station. The title itself, claiming people can be a "star," precisely demonstrates the problem with the book's content - or lack thereof - in ignoring the fact that people should be concerned with talent and professionalism, not wanting to be a "star." In addition to various typos and incorrect statements, the author seems more concerned with trying to convince people they can get a free haircut or limo ride by doing their own show rather than stressing they learn the craft of production, writing, performing, etc. to become successful. Such bad advice is what separates those who succeed and those who fail not only in TV and film, but in life in general. Cable access is great for those who genuinely want to do a community service in bringing people information, however it serves as nothing more than a breeding ground for mediocrity for those who want to be "stars."

Who cares about public access anymore? The days of "Wayne & Garth" have long passed. Although the style of writing in this book certainly has a feel for a prior era, that doesn't mean that the overall effort is worth spending money on. Besides, all of this information is available free of charge at your local cable station. As I've said, public access is dead in Los Angeles, so I can't imagine it being such an enthralling subject in the obscure places that the other "reviewers" on this site are allegedly from. If any of you are serious about appearing on television, develop your talent and pursue it in a professional manner...this route is strictly for amateurs.

This unusual book came to my attention via a friend who used to do shows on Public Access Television. She told me that she knew the person who wrote it and wanted to know my opinion, since I work in the television industry. I have never personally heard of nor have watched anything that Mr. Darby has produced, so I went to the bookstore to "take a look." Unfortunately, like so many others who attempt to educate the masses on the ins-and-outs of the business, this book is not a well-produced effort. I came across some typos while reading the back cover quotes, and I couldn't imagine how that could have happened. Yes, we all make mistakes, but there are more to be found inside. Not just typos, but there are several technical aspects that have been stated incorrectly. I am not putting down public access, because I have watched it myself and have found some rare gems (mostly years ago before they moved it down the dial in Los Angeles). None of those programs was even mentioned in this book, so maybe it was just my taste, or Mr. Darby never worked with those individuals. In any case, there are so many books on the market that I believe it is very important that they be accurate and not give the public at large a false idea of how to produce a television show.

Enthusiasm within one's own little world never makes up for bad, inconsistent and inaccurate writing and fact reporting. Having worked at Century for several years as a Production Supervisor, I can tell you 75% of this book is merely madeup or twisted to serve the agenda of the author. The worst crime being that he took credit for starting the APLA Telethon (AIDS Project Los Angeles) at Century Cable, when in fact it was another Production Supervisor (Steve) who created, developed and produced the show, and Century Cable/Adelphia was involved with APLA long before Darby ever arrived. This book is a true shame, and a slap in the face to those who actually cared about others and helped them.

A more appropriate title for this book would have been "Charmin."

Unfortunately the pages are only one-ply.

This book shows how you can make quality shows on a small budget

Thanks to Mr. Darby and his wonder book I finally went from sitting around watching other people on TV and am now on TV myself. Yep, I finally did it. I'm about to tape my second show and I owe it all to this wonderful book. It contained everything I needed to get started especially motivating me to get off my keister and do something. I had watched public access for years and thought "Not only can I do that...I bet I could do it better!" Well, not sure about the better part but I am definitely doin' it. This book is a must for anyone who wants to get started in the biz. Its got the basic info that you need and lots of examples of others who have come before me. Thanks ! P. G.

WOW, THIS BOOK IS SO COOL. MY MOM GOT IT FOR ME FOR MY B-DAY AND I'M ALREADY DOING MY FIRST SHOW! I HAD WATCHED FREE TV LIKE THIS BUT WAS ALWAYS AFRAID TO TRY TIL THIS COOL BOOK MADE IT SEEM EASY ENOUGH AND I WASN'T SCARED. IT REALLY HELPED ME LEARN A LOT AND SO HAVE THE PPLS AT THE STATION. ITS JUST AS MUCH FUN AS THIS BOOK SEZ! ROCK ON!

There is a funky, homegrown quality about this book which I found very refreshing; perfectly in keeping with the subject matter of public access televison. In a way it reminds me of the Foxfire books, only for homegrown TV instead of log cabins. Handmade with love and not too slick. I'm thinking about doing my own show and picked this little number up to get acquainted with the subject. I would highly recommend it as an overview and introduction. Don't know if I'll do a show or not. But still nice to see a book so simple and accessible for common folk like me.

As someone who has produced Public Access shows (in Los Angeles and Chicago) for a few years I find HOW TO STAR IN YOUR OWN TV SHOW a fabulous read and very, very helpful. I thought I knew it all until I read the tips from Mr. Darby about how to get more bang for the buck. Public Access shows have always been in that sort of nether-world of television and this is the first book which addresses the very differences that make the medium the most exciting, viable place to be. Reading and re-reading the book gave me more ideas for shows and it is a never-ending source of reference for how to do things on the cheap (but with the maximum quality). I would recommend this book to anyone who has been there (in Public Access) AND, especially to those who are just starting. Great work, Mr. Darby!