TV Writing the Right Way!

In this guide for every student of the small screen and every scriptwriter dreaming of breaking into the business, writer-producer Madeline DiMaggio hands you the tools of the trade. With dozens of examples from today's hit shows, as well as perennial classics, DiMaggio walks readers through the scriptwriting process, from learning how to watch TV like a writer to developing your script, pitching it, and eventually sealing the deal. DiMaggio answers the questions on every aspiring television writer's mind, with chapters on:

The tools of scriptwriting

Hooks that sell

Creating the pilot

Developing the episode, step by step

How to create riveting characters

Writing long form and cable movies

Adaptations and collaborations

Marketing your script

DiMaggio combines her own experience with advice to writers from others in the trade, including agents, producers, animators, and more. This readable, reliable book has been a trusted reference for nearly two decades and is now revised to include the most up-to-date information from today's television climate, from writing for cable, reality, and TV-movie formats to the ever-evolving face of the sitcom. A must-read for anyone aiming to write for TV, How to Write for Television will continue to help budding writers reach their small-screen goals and will prepare them for working in the rapidly changing world of TV.

2. The Tools of Scriptwriting
Locales
Narrative/Action
Dialogue
The Scene

3. Restrictions of the Medium and How You Can Make Them Work for You
Time Limitations
Characters Are Set
Locales Are Set
Budget Limitations

4. The Hooks That Sell
Hook 'em Fast
The Quick Setup
The Star Is Pivotal
Personal Involvement for the Star
Twists and Turns in the Plot
Powerful Act Ends
A Good Runner
The Button
The Teaser and the Tag

5. Thoughts to Consider Before Writing Your Spec

6. Writing the Half-hour Sitcom
Comedy and Collaboration
Writing Funny: Can It Be Taught?
Structure: The Most Essential Element

7. Writing the Hour Episode
The One-Hour Structure
Creating Suspense
The Hour Setup
Build to the Act Ends

8. Developing an Episode Step by Step
Serials and Parallel Storylines

9. How to Create Rivetin g Characters
A Character's Back Life/ Present Life
Professional Life
Personal Life
Private Life
The Compelling Characteristic

10. The Television Pilot
The Pilot Concept
Filling in the Concept
Treatments

11. Movies For Television and Cable
The Two-Hour Movie: The Basic Three-Act Structure
The Movie of the Week: The Seven-Act Structure
What Is Meant by High Concept?

12. Developing the Two-Hour Movie
Step 1: Defining the Spine
Step 2: Establishing the Time Frame
Step 3: Breaking Down the Turning Points
Step 4: Broadstroking the Beats
Step 5: Developing Character
Step 6: Scenes/Sequences
Step 7: Interior Voice
Step 8: First Draft
Step 9: Rewrites
Step 10: Polish

13. Adaptations, Collaborations, and My Biggest Mistakes
Adaptations
Collaborations
My Biggest Mistakes
A Word from Animation Writer Stan Berkowitz
A Word from Reality Writer Gardner Linn

14. So It's Written. What Do I Do Now?
A Word from Agent Mitchel Stein

15. The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Marketing

16. A Final Note From The Author

Glossary

Appendix A: Resources
To Find Scripts
To Buy Scripts
For Networking
For Links and Information
Screenwriting Software

Appendix B: Fellowships and Writing
Competitions

Acknowledgments

Index