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The following items are not returnable: Hollywood Creative Directories, DVDs (opened), and Gift Certificates.


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Anatomy of a Television Show: From Idea to On Air

At a Glance

  • Learn how an idea in a writer’s head turns into a show on your TV
  • A look at the collaboration process that goes into creating a weekly TV show
  • Scene by scene screening where you see exactly how the structure, dialogue and jokes work

In this new webinar, ELLEN SANDLER, a co-exec producer of Everybody Loves Raymond, reveals how an idea in a writer’s head turns into a show on your TV.

Television shows are all about the story—no matter how great the jokes or how sparkling the dialogue, if the story structure isn’t there, the show doesn’t work. Using her Thanksgiving episode of Everybody Loves Raymond entitled “No Fat” (aka “the tofu turkey”), Ellen tracks the process step by step from her original pitch to re-runs. Her analysis includes a scene by scene screening where she shows you exactly how the structure, dialogue and jokes work.

The reference point is series television, but these principles apply to every story you will ever write – TV, film, webisode, theatre and even memoir. Viewing story structure through the short, simple format of a TV show makes it easier to grasp and then apply to your own work.

Ellen offers you her personal writing secrets and shares the joys and frustrations of the highly collaborative process of network television writing in this funny and informative webinar. After taking this class you'll know a lot more about what you're watching on TV. You’ll also have a good idea why a strong structure takes the struggle out of script writing and actually gives you the freedom to take risks that make your script original and fresh.

Bonus Point: Ellen promises to reveal the answer to the FAQ, “Why does it take so (expletive deleted) many producers to make a twenty-two minute TV show?”

Testimonials

Loved it! Possibly a boring email as there is nothing I could suggest to make it better. I'm new to the world of webinars and I've only taken a few, but I found yours to have just the right amount of visual information so as to keep one engaged but not distracted (from the verbal content).

Content-wise it was fantastic. Running through the episode scene by scene for the second half really made the information from the first half clear. It's quite fitting the episode is called "No Fat" as the biggest lesson I took from it is to keep it TIGHT. Even the comedy/"jokes" didn't stray from the theme, nothing was floating around on it's own. So it was a good reminder to keep all of the comedy relevant, and more importantly to keep the A story water tight before even thinking about a B or C storyline (I'm not even sure if I need them anymore!) -  Matt

NOTE FOR PARTICIPANTS: 

  • You will be able access a copy of the script “No Fat” to follow and notate. 
  • You will be able to submit written questions in class; Ellen will answer selected questions live during the webinar.

How does the webinar work?

The webinar is broadcast over the Internet with the live audio being delivered through your computer speakers or over your telephone. The presentation is displayed directly from the Presenter's computer on to your computer screen.

The Q& A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions being answered by the Presenter for the entire class to hear. In the event some questions are not answered during the live session, an email with all questions and answers will be sent to all webinar attendees.

What equipment do I need?

All you need is a computer or iPad. You will be able to view the presentation and listen to the audio over the computer speakers. See below for complete system requirements.

System Requirements

For PC-based users:

  • Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
  • Required: Internet Explorer® 7.0 or newer, Mozilla® Firefox® 3.0 or newer or Google™ Chrome™ 5.0 or newer (JavaScript™ and Java™ enabled)
  • Required: Internet connection, with cable modem, DSL or better recommended
  • Recommended: Minimum of Pentium® class 1GHz CPU with 512 MB of RAM (2 GB of RAM for Windows® Vista.

For Mac-based users:

  • Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 (Leopard®), OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard®)
  • Required: Safari™ 3.0 or newer, Firefox® 3.0 or newer or Google™ Chrome™ 5.0 or newer (JavaScript™ and Java™ enabled)
  • Required: Internet connection, with cable modem, DSL or better recommended
  • Required: Intel processor with 512 MB of RAM or better recommended.

For iPad-based users:

  • Required: Free GoToMeeting app from the Apple App Store
  • Required: WiFi connection to use VoIP

Questions

If you have questions about the webinar, please call us prior to the start time at 800.272.8927.

Product Details

  • Date available: 01/10/2013
  • Return policy: This item is not eligible for return.

Return Policy

Your satisfaction is our top priority. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please return the item(s) for an exchange or refund within 30 days from the purchase date, unless otherwise noted on the product page.

Ship the item(s) to The Writers Store via a traceable and insured method. You will be responsible for return shipping fees.

Please include a completed Return Form with your shipment. Refunds take up to one week to process once we have received the item(s).

Software returns must be deactivated and uninstalled from your computer before a refund may be issued. Please contact the software manufacturer if you need assistance uninstalling or deactivating your software.

The following items are not returnable: Hollywood Creative Directories, DVDs (opened), and Gift Certificates.

Meet the Author: Ellen Sandler

Ellen Sandler was nominated for an Emmy as a Co-Executive Producer of Everybody Loves Raymond. She has created over 20 pilots for ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox Family, Oxygen and the Disney Channel and has consulted internationally on pilots for the ABC Australia; the CBC Canada; Media Marketing, Dubai; and MediaCorp, Singapore. A writer/producer on more than a dozen prime time TV shows, she is the author of The TV Writer’s Workbook (Bantam/Dell).

Ellen is also a playwright and director. Her most recent theatrical project was her adaptation of N.Y. Times food writer Mimi Sheraton’s book, The Bialy Eaters, which st...