Writing Television Sitcoms [Bargain Price] [Paperback]

Evan S. Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999

With guidance from top sitcom producers and examples straight from the screen, this book can help anyone write, revise--and sell--a script.

With twenty years in the business--as a writer, programming executive, and university instructor--Evan Smith knows what it takes to get from spec script to sitcom success. Here he offers the first published description of Premise-Driven Comedy, the writing method he has developed and popularized; tips from writer-producers who have worked on series from "Frasier" to "The Cosby Show" to "Roseanne;" a complete story outline from the series "Home Improvement;" explicit advice on how the business works and how to get an agent; and script layout guidelines for all three sitcom formats.

Clear, comprehensive, and cutting-edge, this is the true insider's guide to becoming a sitcom writer. Who knows--it might just be the book that inspires the world's next Seinfeld!

* Includes examples from classic and contemporary sitcoms, tips from successful writer-producers, and a complete "Home Improvement" story outline
* An author with twenty years of experience in the business
* Advice on both the business and creative aspects of a sitcom-writing career, including a discussion of Premise-Driven Comedy, Smith's innovative new writing technique

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; 1st ed edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399525335
• ASIN: B0035G02SG
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #916,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Remarkably Comprehensive Guide for the Sitcom Writer, November 21, 1999

By 

Erik Marshall (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing Television Sitcoms (Paperback)

Evan Smith's "Writing Television Sitcoms" is at turns both a practical handbook on building a career as a sticom scribe and a somewhat academic inquiry into the nature of comedy itself, developing a complete, independent school of thought. But what is ultimately most remarkable about Smith's work is its beguilingly logical approach. The book develops an entire theory of comedy writing to help the reader write their specs and then clearly delineates the process of turning those specs into a workable career. Especially cogent were the passages on building a script from the ground up and finding an agent in the sometimes labyrinthine Hollywood system. Like the fictional shopper in the Total cereal commercials, you might well have to read a half dozen other books on the craft to get the comedic nutrition contained in just one of Evan Smith's "Writing Television Sitcoms" Truly a must read for any current or aspiring sitcom writers.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring to all students of writing., January 13, 2001

By 

Kevin Miller (Hollywood, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Writing Television Sitcoms (Paperback)

Evan Smith introduces Writing Television Sitcoms as the all-in-one writer's guide to sitcoms. It sounds heavy, but honestly true. There is no aspect of TV sitcom writing a student, or otherwise, could dream up a question for which Smith doesn't have an answer. He covers how to create a sitcom, write it, and sell it. And in the first chapters he even details how anyone can make a career in writing. You will find yourself beaming with childlike enthusiasm as your eyes run through Writing Television Sitcoms.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Writers Win with Writing Television Sitcoms!, October 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Writing Television Sitcoms (Paperback)

As a young writer who always reads and looks for books on TV and film writing, I found the best and most thorough information in Smith's book. He gives you much more than the title suggests--valuable tips on how to pitch, what to wear, playing the agent game, etc. As far as the creative process, Smith articulates his points and methods in an organized and concise manner. Above all, he gives insightful opinions on behind the scenes politics, which most producers will not do. And when I had a specific question, I sent an e-mail to Smith (his address is given in the back of the book) and he replied. To me that says it all--an outstanding book by a great author, teacher and person.