Act Four Screenplays

Read a review of my services in SCRIPT MAGAZINE.

See my Client Raves and Testimonials page.

"On the Job" Training

Not every Reader gets called in to read the "A" material. On the job as a Story Analyst, I was fortunate enough to read several high-priority screenplays and books — some projects that became produced films like The Sixth Sense, Cold Mountain, Memoirs of a Geisha, Beloved, The Faculty, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Someone like You, Titus, Ten Things I Hate About You and many that never made it through the very difficult development process. I was called in to consult on high-profile books by major authors like John Grisham, Pat Conroy and Elmore Leonard, to name a few — and I have consulted on scripts and books with top talent attached — stars like Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lopez and Pierce Brosnan. I was the primary Reader on the first two books in the Artemis Fowl series for Miramax, which became a greenlit film.

Here's a blog post I wrote about Sam Raimi's upcoming film "Drag Me To Hell" which I read on the job when it was called "The Curse."

(Please see the Why Hire Me page for lists of screenplays and books that I’ve read on the job.)

My Passion{back to top}

I can honestly say that screenwriting is my number one passion, and I believe that doing written story analysis is the greatest tool for learning the craft. Through years of work and independent study, I have developed my own method of narrative construction and deconstruction which I call "Story Maps." This set of tools can analyze any story and locate where it is or isn’t working to its full potential.

 I live in the heart of all things entertainment and  I am always networking with contacts in the industry in Los Angeles.

Clients and Methodology

I have been working directly with writers for over 10 years.  Ireally enjoy private consultation and believe that I have a talent for teaching and ‘coaching’ writers. My clients always give me glowing reviews — in fact a number of them have told me they had hired other consultants previous to me, and were surprised at how much more specific and detailed insight I had provided them on the very same script.

My broad range of clients have represented all ages, walks of life and ethnicities. As for occupation, my clients have included entertainment industry professionals such as major studio rewrite doctors, visual effects professionals, actors, producers, crew members and TV staff writers. Other professions of my clients include heart surgeon, art dealer, caterer, retired professor of dentistry, engineer, grad student, p.r. writer, marketing guru, computer programmer, postal worker, jewelry salesman and even a professional boxer. My international clients have hailed from all over the globe, including Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, England, Italy, New Zealand, Russia, Thailand and Turkey!

I created Act Four Screenplays to help screenwriters improve their work and boost its chances of getting into the right professional hands without getting lost in the difficult development system. I also give an honest and practical assessment of a script’s commercial potential, with clear suggestions on how to boost that aspect. This is a tough business and Readers like me reject 90% of submissions to the major studios. My clients pay me good money and in turn I always give them a direct and practical analysis. I am supportive and encouraging, but I can also be a tough coach. You deserve no less.

I have helped clients to improve their stories and get them into the hands of major production companies and agents. I have forwarded scripts to studio contacts and they’ve sent them out for coverage. I have worked with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of writing experience. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with many clients for whom English is not their native language. Here's some Client Raves and Testimonials .

Teaching{back to top}

I really enjoy teaching group Classes online and onsite on the fundamentals of screenwriting, screenplay analysis, and the business of story development. I’ve taught at The New School University, The Learning Annex, The Seminar Center and Cabrillo College Extension. I am enjoying my Online Classes as a fantastic way to put together screenwriters in varied locations with the common goal of developing a new script.  I have published articles in Script magazine (you can read them on the Tips page: M. Night Shyamalan, Voice, Story Maps, and Central Dramatic Question).

Screenwriter

I am also a screenwriter. I have completed paid rewrite assignments and written several original spec screenplays.  I am active in a local screenwriter's group and I consider it an essential element of being the best teacher I can be to also practice the form. My experience with the craft allows me to understand a script from the writer's side as well as the buyer's side; both perspectives are crucial in helping you to improve your work. And believe me, I know that it's tough to get notes on your own work so I sympathize with my clients!

My message to you

I’d just like to say that I applaud you for having the courage to write your heart and send it out the door to people like myself and anyone else. I know that writing is extremely difficult and exhausting; I know that we writers walk around all day saying to ourselves: "I should be writing right now." It’s a tough life. I am always supportive and encouraging of fellow writers. I can relate to you as a screenwriter because I’ve written screenplays myself and read so many. A few years ago I felt blocked, so I wrote an essay to motivate myself and others; I named it Don’t Give Up.

What I’m not

I want to make a few things clear: I do not offer management or agenting services; I choose to function in the role of adviser rather than making false promises of selling your work to Hollywood. I’m a coach, not a broker. This may help explain my approach.

My Services and More Background

Please look over the list of my Story Consultation Services; if you don’t find one that’s a perfect fit for you, I’m sure we can work something out so feel free to email me.

If you’re comparing my services to that of another consultant, check out Why Hire Me?

For a few Success Stories and Testimonials from clients, see Raves and Testimonials.

I’m excited to work with you!

-Daniel Calvisi