The Television Program: It's Writing, Direction and Production

The Television Program: Its Writing, Direction, and Production by Edward Stasheff and Rudy Bretz is a comprehensive guide to creating television content, covering aspects from scriptwriting to production. The book delves into the collaborative processes involved in television production, highlighting the roles of writers, directors, and producers. It also addresses the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the television medium. Rudy Bretz (1914 1997) was a pioneering figure in the field of television production, recognized for his extensive contributions as a consultant, educator, and author. Born on July 12, 1914, Bretz began his television career in 1939 as the first cameraman hired by CBS-TV. Throughout his career, he held various roles, including director, producer, studio manager, control room engineer, news cameraman, and editor. He also contributed to the creative aspects of television by designing weather maps and painting scenery. Beyond production, Bretz played a significant role in the establishment of several early educational and public television stations, such as KCET in Los Angeles, WQED in Pittsburgh, WBOQ in Birmingham, and the Alabama Educational Television Network. He also served as a consultant in the development of religious broadcasting. From 1954 to 1958, he was the dean of the School of Radio and Television Technique in New York and later led the Television division of UCLA's Theater Arts Department from 1956 to 1958. His global influence included teaching workshops and courses across more than 20 countries, often sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and UNESCO. In addition to his teaching and consulting roles, Bretz worked as a senior consultant for the Rand Corporation between 1965 and 1972, focusing on innovative uses of communication technology. He also served as vice-president of Bedacom, a computer services firm, from 1974 to 1983, specializing in management information systems and instructional technology. Bretz was an inventor, holding patents for devices like the "Bretzicon," "Bretzbox," and "Bretzscope." His literary contributions include co-authoring "The Television Program: Its Production and Direction" and authoring "Techniques of Television Production," both of which became standard textbooks in the field. Rudy Bretz passed away on June 1, 1997, leaving a lasting legacy in the television industry through his innovations, educational contributions, and global influence.…