The TV Writer's Workbook: A Creative Approach To Television Scripts (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: premise line, spec script, page scenes, Central Character, Executive Producer, Desperate Housewives (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Sandler, whose credits include Everybody Loves Raymond and Coach, offers worldly, practical advice for those hoping for a career in television writing. Sandler emphasizes that the most important thing to do is sit down and write, but before doing so she recommends aspiring screenwriters obtain scripts from their favorite shows and study them carefully, breaking down the structure prior to embarking on capturing the feel and characters of an established show in their own spec scripts. After structure, Sandler moves on to the arc of an episode, which follows a set path and must revolve around the show's central character. She cautions beginners against pitfalls that mark a script as a novice effort, such as introducing new characters into a script for an existing show. After a wealth of writing tips, Sandler offers hints for how to approach agents and managers, how to network at social events, and how to survive a pitch meeting. Sandler's accessible guide is an invaluable tool for anyone aspiring to write for TV. Kristine Huntley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description

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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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Delta (March 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385340508
• ISBN-13: 978-0385340502
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #114,652 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb!, February 13, 2008

By	Justine E. Schroeder (North Hollywood, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been using Ellen Sandler's book as a guide for the last few weeks, and I feel I've done much better work in that short time than I did all last year. The book is mainly geared towards sitcom writers, and for those interested in writing a comedy spec, this book is the one to get!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, July 12, 2007

By	O. I. Reeves "Writer" (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is by far the BEST TV writing book I've ever read and I have nearly all of them. Sandler doesn't just tell you the steps necessary to write a fantastic spec script, like all these kinds of books do, she guides you through the creative process of mining story material for it. And she tells you how to fashion subject matter that has the most emotional meaning for you, the author--which is the benchmark of great writing. It was a concept that until now, that no matter how many books I read, or how many harsh notes from execs I received on all my previous specs (or so I thought, now I FULLY understand their notes!) that I didn't grasp until now. TV Writer's Workbook, has provided the creative lightbulb I needed to get me out of my sucky spec script darkness. Highly recommended!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I can't believe I am saying this, but there are no words for how amazing this is!, June 19, 2007

By	T. Salisbury - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

But for the sake of those wondering if they should purchase this or not, I will try to find some. YES, YOU SHOULD BUY THIS! How is that? :) Putting aside the fact that Ellen has written for some of the best TV I've ever watched, I don't see how anyone couldn't benefit from the generous advice she offers in this guide and so inexpensively! Be warned though, this book is not one that you just read. I guess you could, but I would honestly recommend trying the things she suggests. I tried most of her exercises and the differences in my spec script definitely stood out. This book is priceless, in my opinion.