Cook - Write to TV

Praise for Write to TV
Martie Cook has one of the best minds out there when it comes to writing for television. Her experience and insight played a crucial role in shaping my writing career, and Im thrilled for the aspiring writers who will surely benefit from the wisdom in these pages!
Jon Rineman, Writer, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Martie Cooks Write to TV is required reading for anyone considering a career in TV writing. More than any other single thing, I owe my success to following her teachings.
Matt Fusfeld, Writer/Producer, New Girl; Community; American Dad

I think this is about the best book on writing for television out there. I hope it sells like crazy because television will be better for it.
Peter Dunne, Emmy and Peabody Award-Winning Writer/Producer, CSI; Melrose Place; Dallas; Knots Landing; Author, Emotional Structure

Write to TV takes you inside the minds of writers, producers, and network suits in this brutally honest book. A must read for anyone who has the dream of making it in Hollywood. I wish I had read this book 20 years ago!
Glenn Meehan, Producer, The Talk; Little People, Big World; Entertainment Tonight

Martie Cooks Write to TV is the best book Ive found on the subject in 20 years as a prime time writer/producer and 15 years as a college professor teaching the subject. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of writing TV comedy and drama.
Ross Brown, Associate Professor of Film and Media Arts, Dodge College at Chapman University; Writer, The Cosby Show; Whos the Boss?; Step By Step; Author, Create Your Own TV Series for the Internet

Write to TV is an invaluable resource not just for writers but for anyone interested in getting the inside scoop about the way the industry works and how to break in. It gives an extensive overview of the current world of TV and a step-by-step guide for the new writer in town. Its anecdotal yet informational, entertaining yet insightful. Because the author has lived this experience, she can give a first hand step-by-step account of how you get from that first pitch to the on-screen credit.
Libby Beers, Executive Producer, The Christmas Ornament; Bringing Ashley Home

Martie Cook imparts a tremendous amount of knowledge in a way that is both easy to understand and entertaining. It is like having a mentor in book form.
Christopher Crowe, Writer, The Last of the Mohicans; Fear

Martie Cooks Write To TV is a smart How It Is book. Its an inspiring and edifying insiders first-hand experience and knowledge imparted lovingly and entertainingly. Its a book you cant set down once you begin and when youre done youll know what it takes to be successful in breaking into the businessthe rest is up to you.
Hassan Ildari, Writer/Director, Face of the Enemy; Assistant Professor, Emerson College

WRITE TO TV OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND ONTO THE SCREEN

SECOND EDITION

Martie Cook

First published 2007 by Focal Press

This edition published 2014
by Focal Press
70 Blanchard Road, Suite 402, Burlington, MA 01803
and by Focal Press
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN

Focal Press is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business

2014 Taylor & Francis

The right of Martie Cook to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

Notices
Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing. As new research and experience broaden our understanding, changes in research methods, professional practices, or medical treatment may become necessary.

Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in evaluating and using any information, methods, compounds, or experiments described herein. In using such information or methods they should be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, including parties for whom they have a professional responsibility.

Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe.

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Cook, Martie.
Write to tv : out of your head and onto the screen / Martie Cook.
pages cm
1. Television authorship. I. Title.
PN1992.7.C585 2014
808.225--dc23
2014000721

ISBN: 978-0-415-71089-3 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-88477-6 (ebk)

Typeset in Palatino LT Std
Typeset by MPS Limited, Chennai, India www.adi-mps.com

For Elisa and Brandon who are the pot of gold at the end of my rainbow.

And for my parents, who took me into their home and hearts.

Adoption is a beautiful thing.

My best advice is to not listen to any agents or managers or producers who tell you what the studios or networks are looking for. Write from your gut dont worry about whether it is a commercial idea write about something that troubles you, something that fascinates you. And make sure you do the research; know that world better than anyone else. Then send your script out and see if anyone wants to make it. If you know your craft, and if its truly original, your chances of getting it made are much better than if you go off chasing ideas someone else wants to see made.

Oscar winner Paul Haggis, Crash and Million Dollar Baby, on the best way for new writers to break into the industry

When I wrote the first edition of this book, I started with the words, The one constant about television is that television is constantly changing. The way the business operates today wont be how it works tomorrow. That turned out to be the understatement of the decade. In seven short years so much has changed. Favorite shows have come and gone. New hit series have sprung to life; some coming from very unlikely places. Technology has been a driving force. We now watch TV on computers and phones. This is all good. Change, my friend, equals opportunity. And right now, the future for television and television writers never looked quite so bright.

In my first edition, I sought the thoughts and advice of 45 industry insiders to get their take on TV writing. For this edition, I have interviewed an additional 25 top industry professionals, from network and studio execs to Oscar- and Emmy-winning writers and producers to agents, managers, and entertainment attorneys. I asked them the questions I thought you might ask if you were standing at my side. In a nutshell, here is what I heard: they want new writers. They are actively seeking new writers. But, they dont want you to waltz through their doors being the average bear with the average voice. Rather, they want you to come to the playground with original ideas, a respect for your craft, a passion for your work, and a unique point of view. They want you to tell stories that are fresh and exciting, in ways we havent heard beforein ways that only you can tell. They want your voice to pop.

That doesnt sound so difficult does it?