Writing Television Comedy [Paperback]

Jerry Rannow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

Veteran television writer/producer Jerry Rannow gives aspiring and experienced comedy writers a humorous and eye-opening guide to conceiving, writing, and marketing a winning TV sitcom. Drawing on more than twenty-five years' experience, he tells how to construct a story outline, structure and format scripts, develop character and dialogue, pitch to producers, collaborate with other writers, and work with network and studio executives, producers, directors, agents, writers, and stars. Full of laughs and profitable tips for making a living in the business, this book is an invaluable tool for any writer who wants to break into TV comedy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Jerry Rannow captures the essence of the battlefield of 'sitcom' hell. It's a world of angry people creating humor. He's run the gauntlet and survived. A very funny book by an insightful professional."

  (Gary Cosay, founding partner, United Talent Agency )

About the Author

Jerry Rannow began his show-business career as a professional actor and then moved on to writing and producing for such popular network television series as Happy Days, Welcome Back, Kotter, Love Boat, and Head of the Class. He has won exclusive contracts to develop television series for ABC Network, Columbia Pictures, and Twentieth-Century Fox, and has taught humor and television writing at the University of Wisconsin. He now heads his own communications company, the Write Connection, out of his hometown of Racine, Wisconsin.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581150423
• ISBN-13: 978-1581150421
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #867,907 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Of The Best "How To Write" Books -- Ever!, July 20, 2000

By 

Wayne Van Dien (Milwaukee, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing Television Comedy (Paperback)

Having written professionally for thirty-plus years, I've read dozens of books on "how to write." They range from the sublime to the ridiculous, and only a relative few have been -- and continue to be -- helpful. Jerry Rannow's delightful Writing Television Comedy is a welcome addition to my bookshelf, not because I'm interested in writing TV comedy but because it helps me WRITE -- period! While the book does target the aspiring sitcom writer, it also offers valuable tips and inspiration for ALL writers.

I often struggle with so-called writer's block, and Rannow's book provides me with several different techniques for breaking through it. The chapter entitled Managing The Story Muscle is particularly helpful, but I can open the book almost at random and find a jump-start to get me going. Sometime's it's just a reminder, like: "So-called writer's block is simply FEAR, but when you sit down and concentrate and focus on the story at hand, you erase that fear." And sometimes I discover that the problem was in my plot, or a character wasn't ringing true.

The book also reminds me of ways to look for the humorous aspects of life, because I frequently use humor in my own writing: in radio and TV spots, print ads, newspaper articles, and the novel I'm currently completing. So if you're already a paid professional or still a wannabe writer, I highly recommend Jerry Rannow's book. It really IS well worth the price, and a whole lot more!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best One on the Market, August 8, 2000

By 

Carrie T. Gruman-Trinkner, critic and author ... (Appleton, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing Television Comedy (Paperback)

"Writing Television Comedy" is a well-written, articulate look at writing television comedy--AND it is downright hysterical! As a profressional critic and author, I find this to be one of the few "laugh out loud" books on the market--including those that are supposed to be comedy! Even if you 've no plans to write for television (and especially if you were a fan of the 1970's TV when comedy didn't rely on sex and vulgarity to get laughs), the book is a great read. It's filled with jokes, gags, anecdotes, excercises, examples and an insider's look at the industry. And, yes, there are even a couple of stories of some of the hottest stars of the 70's. If you are a writer, this is THE book to own. The information on its pages is invaluable whether you are a veteran or a novice writer. Rannow writes with depth, insight, authority and considerable wit. It is no wonder USC is recommending this book. I cannot help but add my voice to that recommendation--in the strongest terms possible. Buy this book. It will inspire, educate and entertain you!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Help to Aspiring Writer, September 26, 2000

By 

Dawn Sutherland (Racine, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing Television Comedy (Paperback)

This book not only gives you great insight into the art of t.v. sitcom writing, but gives you the encouragement you need to try it. Jerry's experiences are related with humor and empathy, making the book a lot of fun to read. You'll learn important lessons about the craft of comedy writing, and about the perseverance you need to succeed. Jerry teaches by example, and you'll laugh out loud as you read about his years in Hollywood. By the end of the book, you'll feel like you've been part of a sitcom writing team and that you "know the ropes."