- Hardcover: 213 pages
- Publisher: St Martin's Press; Revised edition edition (Aug 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0312144261
- ISBN-13: 978-0312144265
- Product Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 2.1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
605,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #27 in Books > Reference > Writing > Play & Scriptwriting
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Description
Review
"Wolff knows what he is talking about. This book will give the aspiring sitcom writer a very important leg up on the competition."--Rob Ulin, former executive producer of "Roseanne"
"An extraordinary book-- it really helps writers to understand and master the complex genre of the modern sitcom."--John Barber, senior vice president of International Production, Columbia/Tri-Star TV
"We invariably recommend "Successful Sitcom Writing "as the most comprehensive, contemporary, and practical nuts-and-bolts guide available."--Kerry Cox, publisher of "The Hollywood Scriptwriter"
"An extraordinary book-- it really helps writers to understand and master the complex genre of the modern sitcom."--John Barber, senior vice president of International Production, Columbia/Tri-Star TV
"We invariably recommend "Successful Sitcom Writing "as the most comprehensive, contemporary, and practical nuts-and-bolts guide available."--Kerry Cox, publisher of "The Hollywood Scriptwriter"
Product Description
Sitcoms have never been hotter in Hollywood, and the demand for writers has never been greater.
With fees starting at $16,000 for a half-hour script, sitcoms can be a lucrative option for freelancers. The hundreds of shows produced every year, each of which needs a team of writers, provide a tremendous opportunity to break into the industry.
But successful sitcom writing begins long before Act I, Scene I. Hollywood insider Jurgen Wolff will start you off right. He'll show you why some ideas are promising and some should be rejected immediately, even when they're funny. You'll learn how to analyze and develop characters. And you'll find out how the pros punch up their work with subplots, physical comedy, and timing.
The technical ins and outs of the sitcom format are also explained, including act structure, subplots, sets, entrances, and exits. You'll learn the manuscript formats the networks use, so your work will look as professional as it reads. And you'll get solid advice on how to find an agent, take a pitch meeting, and land your script on a producer's desk-- even if you don't live in Los Angeles.
Novice and veteran sitcom writers alike keep Jurgen Wolff's book handy. Read it, and you'll see why.
With fees starting at $16,000 for a half-hour script, sitcoms can be a lucrative option for freelancers. The hundreds of shows produced every year, each of which needs a team of writers, provide a tremendous opportunity to break into the industry.
But successful sitcom writing begins long before Act I, Scene I. Hollywood insider Jurgen Wolff will start you off right. He'll show you why some ideas are promising and some should be rejected immediately, even when they're funny. You'll learn how to analyze and develop characters. And you'll find out how the pros punch up their work with subplots, physical comedy, and timing.
The technical ins and outs of the sitcom format are also explained, including act structure, subplots, sets, entrances, and exits. You'll learn the manuscript formats the networks use, so your work will look as professional as it reads. And you'll get solid advice on how to find an agent, take a pitch meeting, and land your script on a producer's desk-- even if you don't live in Los Angeles.
Novice and veteran sitcom writers alike keep Jurgen Wolff's book handy. Read it, and you'll see why.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A great book for any comedy writer. Biased towards the States but full of solid information on the hard parts of sitcom writing - plot character and ideas. I've read a lot of (situation) comedy writing books and this is the best no question. I owe one broadcast BBC radio series and a Channel Four commision to this book. Go for it!!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This clear, practical guide is thoroughly recommended. The main difference between the two editions is that the sitcoms cited as examples have been updated, so there is no compelling reason to buy the more expensive versions. Very useful for generating ideas and there is a short but invaluable chapter on shaping sitcom characters. Aimed at the American market but there's a great deal about the basics of writing which is equally applicable to British writers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5 reviews
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Not a bad book, but . . .
18 Feb 2000
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
if you are serious about learning how to write sitcoms, the Evan Smith book "Writing Television Sitcoms" is much better. Smith's book gives better more detailed advice, plus it is more current.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Recommended. A focused and concise book on sitcom writing.
25 Sep 1998
Format:Hardcover
This book gathers the basic information on sitcom writing an a refreshingly straightforward manner. Because of the focus on successful network shows, the examples are necessarily lame. This book focuses on the structural requirements of teleplays as well as applicable business constraints.
This will not teach one how to be funny. No book can. But, as the book states: jokes are easy. Story is hard. This book will help you craft a better sitcom story in a professional manner.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
If you're ready to write, this book will help you focus
11 Nov 1999
Format:Hardcover
Boy, did I love this book... Mr. Wolff engagingly shares his experience as a veteran of the sit-com world with his audience of hopefuls, and makes it not only understandable but enjoyable. I was especially motivated by his step-by-step exercises designed to free the muse. And even though he was very direct about the chances of an unknown actually selling a show, he made me feel I can -- and will-- succeed. If he's this good on paper, I can only imagine how inspiring he would be in a classroom!
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