Customer Reviews

Writing Television Comedy

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

"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!

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."

Most hotshot comedy writers today learn by the seat of their pants and burn out after five years..to maintain a successful career where the average lifespan is five years you need someone who has been there and survived and is willing to act as a mentor...Jerry Rannow does this in Writing Television Comedy. He shows you how to repeat the magic time after time, he shows you how to base sitcom stories on things that are going on in your own life and most importantly he teaches you how to jump start your funny bone with exercises geared toward thinking funny. I have a stack of half started scripts in my office but it wasn't until I read Jerry's book that I finished one just in time for the ABC writer's fellowship. Thanks Jerry!

As a d-girl for Appitite Productions I read a lot of bad scripts every day that could benefit from a dose of Jerry Rannow's comedy elixer. If you want to learn how to make a sitcom script breathe with life outside of the cliche ridden ghetto, read this book, read it again and then read it twice more and then write your script and send it to me.

I wish there was more in this book about script formats and script notes then just what's funny and what's not. Many good points are made but the examples are outdated and focus on shows from the 70's and 80's, which may be tough for a younger reader to relate.

I am going to keep it simple: THIS GUY KNOWS WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT!!! Whether you actually want to take the leap into the crazy, unpredictable world of Hollywood writing or just want a professional peek into how some of the classics were-- and still are-- put together, this is the book to buy. I loved it-- and I'm not even headed to Hollywood!

Rannow has written a wonderful guide for the would-be comedy writer and a great read for everyone else. He shows us how to get the idea, write the script, sell it-- and ourselves-- to Hollywood, and even how to avoid those cocaine parties when we hit it big. He has put his considerable experience as a Hollywood comedy writer into a guide that's as honest and funny as it is helpful. Jerry never condescends. He simply assumes if he can do it, we can do it. Lots of excerpts from real scripts here and even some inside Hollywood gossip. Great book.

I've attended the Warner Bros. Writing Workshop, and John Vorhaus' workshop and more, and read John's book and many others on how to write for television, and I find Jerry Rannow's book a "must-have" addition to the professional writers' bookshelf. Because Jerry's book is so thorough, with plenty of great examples, I'm recommending it to all my students. Anybody teaching writing should consider this as a possible text. Jerry writes in a no-nonsense, humorous style that makes this book a pleasure to read. What's more, Jerry's worked in the trenches of the staff rooms for years and you just plain learn a lot. Thanks, Jerry, for an excellent, new book on the subject.

The author is right. This appears to be the only book about writing for comedy by someone who has actually written for comedy! Based on the reviews here at Amazon I decided to invest in the book and was glad I did. This man knows what he is talking about.

The author writes about his past 25 years experience writing and working in Hollywood, and advises on what pitfalls to avoid. He gives examples of what a TV comedy script should look like and in the back of the book he lists a list of agents as well as other helpful tips on how to get rolling.

I have other books on writing but this is by far the best one I have to purchase. You won't be disappointed. Add it to your shopping card and BUY.