Writing Hollywood highlights the writing process in the production of television drama and comedy series in the U.S. The way writers do their jobs is heavily dependent not only on the demands of commercial business, but also on the uncertainties inherent in a writing career in Hollywood. Drawing on literature in the fields of Media Industry Studies and Occupational Culture, Writing Hollywood explains writers' efforts to control risk and survive in a constantly changing environment.
Using data from personal interviews and a six-week participant observation at a prime time drama, Dr. Phalen analyzes the relationships among writers in series television, describes the interactions between writers and studio/network executives, and explains how endogenous and exogenous pressures affect the occupational culture of the television writing profession.
Autorentext
Patricia F. Phalen is the Assistant Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University, USA. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on media organizations; the connections between Hollywood and politics; audience research; and the interdependence of media, democracy and culture.
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Acknowledgments
INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1: Entertainment Media in the U.S.
From Live Entertainment to Film
Radio and Television Broadcasting
Television via Cable and Internet
Economic Demands and Audience Research
From Scenarists To Writers To Executive Producers
Chapter 2: Writing for TV
Getting There
Being There
Chapter 3: Showrunners - Where the Buck Stops
Who Runs the Show?
Managing Writers and Scripts
Managing Production
Characteristics Writers Value in Showrunners
Chapter 4: The Writers' Room
Creating the Writers' Room
Working in the Room
Drama vs. Comedy
Chapter 5: Occupational Culture
The Experience of Writing for Television
Who Succeeds, Who Fails?
Just Part of the Job
Chapter 6: Managed Creativity: It's a weird way to create
Working With Executives
Notes From Studio and Network
Structural Limitations
Chapter 7: Political Spaces: There aren't any rules, but you have to follow every one
Politics of Structure and Hierarchy
Writers' Room Politics
Politics of Professional Relationships
Party Politics
"Hello, he lied"
Dealing With Actors
Politics of Prestige
EPILOGUE
BIBLIOGRAPHY