Saturday, April 14, 2007

A little while ago I quoted TV comedy writer Ellen Sandler's list of what not to do in a TV writing room. Ellen has also written a book, The TV Writer's Workbook. Her approach is methodical. She suggests, for example, that when you're writing a spec script, you break down three produced episodes carefully. Count the number of 1/4 page scenes, the number of 1 3/8 scenes, etc. If your own script is way off the produced numbers, your script won't have the same rhythm as the show.

The book has many useful exercises -- it's a workbook after all. For example, to come up with springboards, mine one of the seven deadly sins for things you've done, or seen people do. Take one of those moments and brainstorm a "cluster" of associations and images. Then you can transfer one of these associations or images onto one of the main characters of the show, and see how it can grow into a story for him or her.

Ellen is an extremely accomplished sitcom writer/producer -- she's written for Everybody Loves Raymond and Coach, among others. So particularly if you're aiming for a career in TV comedy, check this book out!

UPDATE: Dan Abrams reports that Ellen will be promoting the book at the Dramatist's Bookshop in New York on Wednesday at 6 pm. It's on 40th St. between 7th and 8th.

Labels: Crafty TV Writing, your career

8:01 AM

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Back to Complications Ensue main blog page.