How to Write for Television

by Madeline DiMaggio

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671766414
• ISBN13: 9780671766412
• Release Date: February 1990
• Publisher: Fireside Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

This 'How-To' is an Inspiring 'Ah-Hah!'

Contemporary, savvy and loaded with examples to illustrate each point, "How to Write for Television" is a must-have for writers working to perfect their craft and potential writers needing help navigating through their script -- and the industry! Madeline DiMaggio's guidelines for creating living & breathing, multi-dimensional characters are clear, specific and supported by examples and studies of some of our television and film favorites. Any writer working on their craft - whether for television, the big screen, a novel or short story - will find this book's exploration of character development and story structure more than helpful - it is incredibly illuminating. This book is not only a `how-to' - it's also an `ah-hah!'. The author's combination of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for writing inspires long after you've finished the book!

A First-Rate Introduction

As a writer who has always wanted to explore television writing, I found Madeline's book an excellent introduction to the genres found on the small screen. As a neophyte to the industry of television writing, but not the craft of writing itself, I was able to understand her explanations on crafting dialogue, setting the scene, creating characters and finding their "voices", and moving the script forward without feeling like I was in over my head. Using fresh, very relevant examples ("Grey's Anatomy", "House", etc.), Madeline simplifies the process while still letting readers know it's a tough business to break into, but not an impossible one. She definitely doesn't present herself as the ultimate authority (although she has impressive credentials) and urges readers to explore the craft through writing and acting workshops. Tips are also included on finding an agent, networking, and marketing, making this book even more valuable to anyone looking to break into television writing. After reading "How to Write for Television", I actually will tackle television writing, rather than just dreaming about the possibility.

This book has it all!

Not only do you get the "how to's" of screenwriting, but Madeline DiMaggio gives you what a lot of the other writers of screenwriting books can't -- the benefit of her experience and expertise. Anybody can tell you how to format a script, not everyone can offer personal examples from working in Hollywood. DiMaggio does this and she does it with a love of the art and craft of screenwriting, a deep and abiding respect for the writer and a genuine sense of humor. This book and its author are the real deal.

The best book on writing for television

Ignore the ridiculous statements about this book being less than spectacular - if you want to know how to break into television and features, this is the only book you need. DiMaggio tells it like it is - she's been there and knows how it works. Clear, informative and articulate, DiMaggio's new edition of this classic gives you the inside scoop on everything you need to know. Buy it - read it - and start writing.

Practical, Fun & Written with Heart

Well, we all have opinions, and I must disagree with the prior reviewer. Perhaps he did the Evyln Woods speed read on this book. Madeline is an experienced and gifted screenwriter with her finger on the pulse of the motivations that drive character and create the conflicts that move plot to resolution. This book is a FUN READ, informative, and insightful. It is used as a teaching text at USC and is the product of Madeline's extensive experience writing for television. I have been fortunate enough to attend two screenwriting courses taught by Madeline (I have done many of the other "famed" teacher's seminars also) and found her to be genuine, inspired, open, practical, visionary and experienced enough to know the hoops you need to jump through and the order in which to do it. Her classes we leagues above the others - primarily because she never loses sight of the dynamics of characters and their inherent flaws.'How to Write for Television' is one of the best books on this subject available anywhere.