How to Write for TV

A memo has surfaced by David Mamet, the executive producer of TV show The Unit, in which instructs his writing staff how to write better episodes. It's pretty hardcore (written in all-caps!), but there's actually some decent advice, even for non-TV writers.

My favorite part:

SO: WE, THE WRITERS, MUST ASK OURSELVES OF EVERY SCENE THESE THREE QUESTIONS.

1) WHO WANTS WHAT?
2) WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY DON’T GET IT?
3) WHY NOW?

THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS ARE LITMUS PAPER. APPLY THEM, AND THEIR ANSWER WILL TELL YOU IF THE SCENE IS DRAMATIC OR NOT