Customer Reviews

How To Write For Television

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the weakest scriptwriting book I have ever read. The author's references are dated, and the examples she uses from her own writing (episodes of "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Starsky and Hutch") are hardly good guidelines for any new writer to follow.

The book is useful for its occasional pearls of wisdom (the main character should be in the first and/or last scene of every act), but the beginning writer would be confused by her explanation of structure. As for her guidelines on format and marketing--who knows how much has changed since 1990?

A new edition might be worth a look. For the novice writer, though, you're better off learning how to write screenplays and applying that knowledge to television. See authors like Christopher Vogler, Michael Hauge, and Michael Chase Walker.

Well, we all have opinions, and I must disagree with the prior reviewer. Perhaps he did the Evyln Woods speed read on this book. Madeline is an experienced and gifted screenwriter with her finger on the pulse of the motivations that drive character and create the conflicts that move plot to resolution. This book is a FUN READ, informative, and insightful. It is used as a teaching text at USC and is the product of Madeline's extensive experience writing for television. I have been fortunate enough to attend two screenwriting courses taught by Madeline (I have done many of the other "famed" teacher's seminars also) and found her to be genuine, inspired, open, practical, visionary and experienced enough to know the hoops you need to jump through and the order in which to do it. Her classes we leagues above the others - primarily because she never loses sight of the dynamics of characters and their inherent flaws.

'How to Write for Television' is one of the best books on this subject available anywhere.

As a writer who has always wanted to explore television writing, I found Madeline's book an excellent introduction to the genres found on the small screen. As a neophyte to the industry of television writing, but not the craft of writing itself, I was able to understand her explanations on crafting dialogue, setting the scene, creating characters and finding their "voices", and moving the script forward without feeling like I was in over my head.

Using fresh, very relevant examples ("Grey's Anatomy", "House", etc.), Madeline simplifies the process while still letting readers know it's a tough business to break into, but not an impossible one. She definitely doesn't present herself as the ultimate authority (although she has impressive credentials) and urges readers to explore the craft through writing and acting workshops. Tips are also included on finding an agent, networking, and marketing, making this book even more valuable to anyone looking to break into television writing.

After reading "How to Write for Television", I actually will tackle television writing, rather than just dreaming about the possibility.

Contemporary, savvy and loaded with examples to illustrate each point, "How to Write for Television" is a must-have for writers working to perfect their craft and potential writers needing help navigating through their script -- and the industry! Madeline DiMaggio's guidelines for creating living & breathing, multi-dimensional characters are clear, specific and supported by examples and studies of some of our television and film favorites. Any writer working on their craft - whether for television, the big screen, a novel or short story - will find this book's exploration of character development and story structure more than helpful - it is incredibly illuminating. This book is not only a `how-to' - it's also an `ah-hah!'. The author's combination of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for writing inspires long after you've finished the book!

Ignore the ridiculous statements about this book being less than spectacular - if you want to know how to break into television and features, this is the only book you need. DiMaggio tells it like it is - she's been there and knows how it works. Clear, informative and articulate, DiMaggio's new edition of this classic gives you the inside scoop on everything you need to know. Buy it - read it - and start writing.

Ironically I read this book before seeing DiMaggio's other book on Screenwriting (2007). Movie writing is my focus, not television. But her sections on character development (back and present life); how to develop the two hour movie (spine, time frame, turning points, et al.); what to do once you've written "your masterpiece", are succinct and to the point. She writes about common sense facts which are so easily missed - not seeing the forest through the trees.

DiMaggio sounds likes she's gotten her PhD from the University of Hard Knocks, with examples to back up her words. She shares the good, the bad, and the ugly. No pie in the sky, just what happens in real life. A good read, easy to follow. Can't wait to invest in her other book!

DiMaggio's instructions are clear and right to the point, and her advice about the business is both supportive and realistic. This new edition is packed with great examples from the latest hit shows across all genres and formats. A fantastic introduction for new writers, and a great brush-up tool for pros. The best guide out there--highly recommended.

I found this book to be written in an informative way that is easy to understand. I especially like the way the author doesn't just tell you not to do something as in other books, she tells you why not to do it and how to do it correctly, which ultimately makes more sense. I learned more about the art of writing for television by reading this one book, than I've learned reading three other books.

After reading Madeline's book I have a better grasp as to what it takes to write a successful television script. Her examples are clear and right to the point. It makes no difference to me if her examples come from The Bob Newhart or Shakespeare's Othello or Star Wars. This book is one that will stay front and center on my desk and I'll use it as a reference over and over again. You might consider doing the same.

Not only do you get the "how to's" of screenwriting, but Madeline DiMaggio gives you what a lot of the other writers of screenwriting books can't -- the benefit of her experience and expertise. Anybody can tell you how to format a script, not everyone can offer personal examples from working in Hollywood. DiMaggio does this and she does it with a love of the art and craft of screenwriting, a deep and abiding respect for the writer and a genuine sense of humor.

This book and its author are the real deal.