The One-Hour Drama Series

The hour-long drama, the staple of primetime television, is here dissected, examined, and discussed by a highly regarded, highly successful pro. The author’s thorough knowledge of television producing, gleaned from his years of work on major, influential drama series, is here distilled and presented in a friendly way that will keep producers-to-be avidly turning pages.


Charts, script excerpts, useful forms, and a glossary of industry terms embellish an in-depth text that takes the reader from a nascent series concept through the production and sale of its pilot to a broadcast or cable network.


Every step along the way is covered, including

• finding a fresh series concept

• developing the pilot

• casting 

• hiring directors, writers, and key crew members

• budgeting

• script breakdown

• scheduling 

• production prep

• production, from hair and makeup through transportation and shooting

• post production

• accepted accounting procedures

• selling a pilot

• what to do if your series is picked up

• interacting with studios and networks


Written for a readership that encompasses young, aspiring producers and production students as well as industry insiders who wish to move into production work, this is the ultimate guide to current television drama production methods and skills.


Robert Del Valle has worked in television as a producer, production manager, and assistant director for many years. Winner of a Directors Guild Award, for which he has been nominated seven-times, Del Valle has also been nominated for two Emmys and two Producers Guild Awards. Among his many credits are Six Feet Under, Shark, The Sopranos, Ally McBeal, Melrose Place, Hunter, The Wonder Years, Northern Exposure, and Tales of the City.