By Forris Day JR
Sitcoms are one of the top formats on television and there is a ton of money to be made writing for these shows. The big money is the so called “Elephant Bucks”. The author of the book “Elephant Bucks; An Inside Guide to Writing for Sitcoms”, Sheldon Bull, has been writing for sitcoms for over 30 years. He shares his knowledge he has attained in his long Hollywood career with you in this book.
The book goes step by step through the process. Be warned it is hard work. They are called Elephant Bucks, not Easy Bucks. The process begins with writing a spec script for a show you enjoy. Bull will help you brainstorm which show you should write the script for. Being familiar with the show is a huge help. The writing process is broken down into several parts including choosing a story, structuring the story, writing the scenes and so forth. Bull holds your hand and you never feel alone through the process.
The book is written in a conversational tone. It makes you realize that as a writer you can indeed create a spec script. Just know that a spec script is one you write without getting paid, but it is a script that can lead to paying gigs. Think of a spec script as a calling card. Once yours is written Bull will guide you further by teaching you how to pitch your brand new spec script to executives and ultimately get a job as a writer on a show. He encourages you throughout the book to work outside your comfort zone, such as writing a spec for a show you do not know well. By working out of your comfort zone you will be much better prepared for the real world of writing on a show when the assignments come and you MUST get them completed.
As the book comes to a close there is a section called “Learn From the Past” with suggestions on older shows to study and advice on what to look for in them. I never really thought about it but “The Flintstones” cartoon is actually a situation comedy so now I will watch it with new eyes and study. You are encouraged to watch classic TV shows and study how they are written. That is not such a terrible assignment now is it?
Each chapter ends with a summary of what you’ve just learned and a “To Do List”. Think of the list as a homework assignment that you actually want to do. By doing your homework you will become a better writer overall but you will gain a deeper understanding as to how sitcoms are put together. Stick with it, and who knows, someday you may experience the satisfaction of writing the next big sitcom episode that everyone is talking about around the water cooler.
An in depth and inspirational book that covers all the bases. It will get you psyched to sit down and start writing your spec script.
Rating: 9/10 – “Make big bucks doing what you love”
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