ABSTRACT
This chapter explains what a series is and how it differs from other forms of television entertainment and details the preproduction process. It focuses on the development of the series form, the merger of film making and broadcasting, the role of the networks and advertisers in deciding whether a series will go on the air, and some other programming decisions. The chapter deals with functions that involve the sponsor and with the business or profit-making aspects that are more the concern of those outside the production crew. The television series is a serialized dramatic show, usually one-half hour or one hour long, which appears on a weekly or biweekly basis. Most of the filmed dramatic television series are produced and filmed in the Los Angeles area. In former years most of the series that appeared on the air were presented to the networks for purchase in the form of a pilot film.
