Writing A TV Movie: An Insider’s Guide to Launching a Screenwriting Career
Break into the ‘Biz’ with a TV movie!
This insider’s guide is a complete resource for anyone who wants to write TV movies for television networks and streamers like Hallmark, Lifetime, and Netflix. The screenwriting how-to book identifies the unique nine-act structure of the popular TV movie thriller and rom-com genres. It gives excellent tips on how to get your scripts to producers and is an exceptional resource for teachers in screenwriting classes and workshops. Written by an award-winning, experienced writer with several produced TV movies, feature films and television series, this book should be on every screenwriter’s bookshelf and is sure to be a classic.
The book also features interviews with professional screenwriters: Melissa Cassera, Carley Smale, Kraig Wenman, Keith Shaw, and Kelly Peters & Amy Taylor.
Reviews
Roslyn Muir has written a must-read primer- it's a terrific guide to writing for television movies in North America, with solid, practical advice for beginners.
Alexandra Raffé, Producer
(Kim's Convenience, Strays)
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Roslyn Muir's Writing a TV Movie is a must-read for anyone looking to write their first MOW. With our busy lives the short, easy-to-read chapters makes absorbing the material super easy. And Muir covers everything from the different types of genres to writing a synopsis to breaking down the full script and then how to pitch it. She really takes you from how to get an idea to how to make a sale! And she asks some of North America's top screenwriters to share their best tips for breaking in - honestly, that alone is a reason to buy this book.
Heather Hawthorn Doyle, Director
(A Little Daytime Drama, A Godwink Christmas)
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A one-of-a-kind comprehensive reference for writing and selling a TV movie. Learn the detailed requirements for story, genre, structure, and character development and you are off to the races to become a screenwriter.
Penelope Buitenhuis, Screenwriter and Director
(Death of a Vegas Showgirl, Mistress Hunter)
•
“An essential and immensely readable guide for any writer – novice or experienced – wanting to break into the TV Movie industry.”
Sharon McGowan, Producer and Associate Professor, UBC School of Creative Writing and UBC Film Production Program
An invaluable analysis of TV movie structure.
Peggy Thompson, Screenwriter/Co-Producer (Better Than Chocolate, The Lotus Eaters)
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If you're a writer who is interested in breaking into TV movie writing, this is the indispensable guide for you. Muir breaks down the structure of the genre in a way that is both practical and entertaining. As a television and feature film screenwriter who has worked in a number of structures, I found this guide so helpful. Muir has done the research, so you don't have to! Highly recommended, for both novices and professionals alike.
Karen Lam, Screenwriter and Director
(The Curse of Willow Song, Van Helsing)
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Having worked with Roslyn to create Stranger in the House, indeed, a television movie, I can attest to the fact that she's extremely knowledgeable on the subject. If you'd like to learn the 'ins and outs' of how to put a contemporary television movie screenplay together, this book should be of enormous benefit to you.
Allan Harmon,
Director of over 20 Television Movies
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"If you want to break into writing TV movies, this book is a MUST read. Muir gives you a clear, manageable format for writing your movie and walks you through every step to getting your script on the screen. It has not only helped me as a writer but also as an actor by helping me understand why the scene is in the movie. Highly recommend this book!"
Tammy Gillis, Actress and Executive Producer
(Riverfront Romance, Siren)
As an industry insider, I highly recommend this book. It is an up-to-date, comprehensive manual for writing one of the most popular genres today. Any emerging screenwriter is lucky to have the benefit of Muir's experience and advice.
Daria Ellerman, Editor
(Meditation Park, Virgin River)
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A seasoned screenwriter, Muir offers up her expertise and real-world experience making this a must-have book for writers of all levels and interests. This informative and entertaining book is an excellent resource for new screenwriters wanting to break into the film and TV industry. Highly recommend!
Avi Federgreen, President/Producer, Federgreen Entertainment Inc.
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Writing a TV Movie: An Insider's Guide to Launching a Screenwriting Career is an invaluable resource for any aspiring screenwriter looking to break into the industry or an emerging one looking to strengthen their craft and/or advance their career. Roslyn Muir provides a clear, concise blueprint on how to master the highly structured TV movie format, from which creativity is free to blossom, but also provides engaging, realistic tips and insights on how to get your work out there, so that your career can blossom, too!
Rachelle Chartrand, Producer
(Chained, Downloaded)