Writing Television Comedy

by Jerry Rannow

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Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Drawing on more than 25 years experience, the author gives aspiring and experienced comedy writers a humorous and eye-opening guide to conceiving, writing and marketing a winning TV sitcom. He shows how to construct a story outline; structure and format scripts; develop character and dialogue and work with networks and studios.

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All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

3 out of 5 stars

Overrated but not bad., 2008-09-05
This book is pretty helpful in offering structural advice and giving pointers from someone who has been successful in the business. However, it is clear that this comedy writer's time has passed. His jokes were so corny and unfunny (for the most part but not entirely) that I would find myself getting frustrated to the point where I would have to put the book down for a while. You've already proven yourself as a writer Jerry, there's no need to try and be cute and add unnecessary jokes into your book. Not a bad book but it seems like all of these books pretty much say the same thing anyway.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4 out of 5 stars

Good but there could be more, 2007-10-10
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 Many good points are made but the examples are outdated and focus on shows from the 70's and 80's, which may be tough for a younger reader to relate.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars

A gem of a book, 2006-12-17
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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars

Get It!!!!, 2003-09-05
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!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars

Great Help to Aspiring Writer, 2000-09-27
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."

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