Act Four Screenplays

Looking for help with your script submission?  See my new "submission Coaching" service below.

CURRENT SPECIAL OFFERS
IN RED!

MY APPROACH TO CONSULTATION

Firstly, I need to make it clear what I am NOT: I am not an Agent or a Manager. I am not a Producer; I do not deal with production, budgets, or casting, at all. I am not a “referral service” that you hire to get your work into the hands of professionals.

I am a Consultant who has years of experience evaluating professional submissions to major production companies and movie studios, and working directly with writers on their narrative stories. I will read and analyze your work and advise you on how I think it can be improved to boost its level of craft and commercial potential.

I am the only person who will read and analyze your work. I will approach the first read of your script as a Reader on the job who was just handed a cold submission, thus you will benefit from a simulation of the criticism of the spec submission/coverage process and the solutions offered in detailed story notes.

My consultations provide you with specific advice on producing a stronger draft closer to the level of quality that major Hollywood production companies demand from a professional submission. My notes are always very particular and thorough; I offer constructive criticism without pulling punches, followed by positive strategies for solutions. I am very supportive and encouraging, but also very tough and direct, for the express reason that this industry is incredibly tough and you face a lot of competition. Your work has to be GREAT, not just good, to get past the pro Readers and move up the ladder.

I can assure you that much of my unique insight comes from my recent experience in the film industry. I also keep up to date on spec script sales and the development slates of the major production companies and studios. For more on my credentials, see: Why Hire Me?

My approach is not to be “on the clock.” I don’t charge for every hour of my time; my consultations are a flat fee. I will give you the exact amount of notes I feel are necessary for you to produce a stronger draft, according to my best assessment of your writing level; I won’t pad my analysis with a long synopsis or supplementary materials. This is not a guarantee of success, but in my opinion it is the best help you can get.

I don’t believe that any writer, no matter their level of experience or success, can be totally objective about their work. Outside opinion is a must. Some pro writers get to a level of craft and industry connections which allows them to give a new draft to a tight circle of colleagues and expect to get detailed, thorough typed notes. Most of us are probably not yet to that place.

I make myself available to writers, especially via email as I am often online. I always keep my former clients’ work in mind if I talk to someone in the industry who is looking for a particular kind of script. I have referred a number of clients to contacts of mine in the industry, but I don’t guarantee a referral because, honestly, most work I read is not close enough to the level of submission; which is normal, considering that many writers come to me as a crucial step in the writing process and evolution of their latest screenplay. But I still begin every script with the same hopeful outlook, because like all pro Readers, I am always looking forward to that great script that comes out of nowhere and blows me away!

My clients run the gamut from first-timers to major studio pros (Client Raves and Testimonials).

I give discounts to return clients, former students and members of select film and screenwriting groups.

If you only have an idea for a film but nothing organized on paper, let’s talk about some Coaching to help you develop that concept into a complete story.

SCREENPLAY CONSULTATIONS{back to top}

Full Consultation $325 EXPANDED!

This comprehensive option features detailed handwritten notes, a typed worksheet with notes and a scoring grid, email follow-ups AND a follow-up phone call.

What you get:

1. I will read your draft 3 times.
2. detailed handnotes on the draft, pointing out problems with all major elements and my reactions as I read it, especially in regards to structure, pacing, cutting & trimming, clarity and emotion, and your voice on the page. Crucial line editing.
3. 4-5 pgs. of handwritten summary  at the end of the script. A “wrap-up” that outlines the major critical issues in your script and touches on my basic commercial assessment. Please include five blank pages at the end of your script for these notes.
4. 15 Crucial Story Questions worksheet — how your script addresses these vital issues. This most closely resembles a coverage report, with a "box score" rating on a scale of Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor as well as typed notes.  (Recently expanded to cover more crucial story issues.)
   
5. 2 rounds of email follow-up questions.
6. 30-minute FOLLOW-UP PHONE CALL.
   

Requirements: Completed feature-length screenplay (90-130 pages), in standard screenplay format in COURIER FONT, 12 POINT SIZE, with 1" margins on top and bottom and page numbers.

Note: please judge the length of your script with 1" margins on top and bottom of the document and the dialogue set in a 3.5"-4" wide block. Other margins may distort the true length of the draft. Rates increase slightly if over 130 pages.

Please Contact Me for more information or to book your coaching time.

Looking for Screenplay "Coverage?" Please see ‘Why I Don’t Write Screenplay “Coverage”and Why You Probably Don’t Need It’

Fastback Page Notes $200{back to submenu}

This option is best for Return Clients with a new draft or for experienced screenwriters who need a quick round of page notes before an upcoming submission. When available, this service will always include a Rush delivery in the price of the consultation.

I highly recommend against this if you’re a new writer or have a very early draft, as I’m just not going to be able to give the script my maximum attention and give you the amount of notes you'll need.

Note: no extra discounts on this service.

What you get:

1. I will read your draft once.
2. 3-5 pages of typed notes emailed to you, addressing positives and negatives with the major dramatic elements, and limited notes on form, format and word choice. The big picture. Is it working? Am I sucked in? Concept, genre, pacing, structure, conflict, character, length; any major story issue that affects my reading and analysis of your screenplay.
   
3. Rush delivery included (2 weeks).
   
4. 1 email follow-up question.

Please Contact Me for more information or to book your consultation.

6-Week Private Workshop ("Write Your Next Screenplay") $600 

***SEASONAL SALE: $575

Personalized guidance via email as you develop your new screenplay.  A 6 week schedule takes you from initial concept to a detailed outline and your first 30 pages in
proper script format. 

You will get much personal attention, detailed notes on all of your work and priority email response.

See CLASSES PAGE for more info and to book via paypal.

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Master Screenplay Consultation - $600

Note: this service is on hold until further notice. Please inquire as to availability via email if you're interested.

This is an incredibly thorough analysis of your screenplay. I will spend many hours on your script, really taking it apart and studying every element. This guarantees you get the most time I can give to your draft. I recommend this option for new clients, especially first-time screenwriters.

What you get:

1. I will read your draft 3-4 times.
2. Handwritten draft notes on your script 
3. Complete Typed Story Map Analysis 
4. 15 Crucial Story Questions worksheet
   
5. 1 page Commercial Assessment 
6. 1 copy of my 15-page primer “The Story Maps Method of Classical Screenplay Structure”
   
7. 1 hour follow-up meeting

Turnaround Time{back to top}

Normal Turnaround Time For Services

3-5 weeks to complete the analysis, depending on my schedule and your needs. I will always confirm a deadline date when I book your consultation. Faster turnaround is available if my schedule allows...

Rush Job (2 weeks or less):  $75 extra

"Super Rush" Job (1 week or less):  $125 extra

COACHING{back to top}

Open Coaching  ($40/hr)

Coaching is us meeting by phone or in-person for active discussions about any topic that relates to your screenwriting development and goals.  This may include screenplay form, format and structure, your commercial career, your concept, screenplay-in-progress, or script pages.

I can structure a course just for you or we can just meet and talk. 

This would apply to you if you are looking for ...

-    general guidance with your screenwriting (Craft and Career)

-    notes on your script-in-progress as you write

-    notes on your Treatment

-    help with choosing a concept for your next script

-    help with scheduling, deadlines and time-management

-    powerful structure tools to fashion your concept into an active narrative

-    writing exercises to spur creativity

-    further coaching in my Story Map method.

Please Email me or Phone if you'd like further information.  I'm looking forward to meeting with you and coaching you to meet your goals!

SUBMISSION COACHING ($250 flat fee)  (SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER FOR NEWSLETTER READERS WITH CODE)

One month of one-on-one coaching from me on your marketing materials and submission strategy, with priority response.

Topics we shall cover...
-  Logline
-  Synopsis
-  Query Letter
-  Phone Pitch
-  Submission Target List

I will suggest companies for you to submit to AND provide contact info.  We will work together on your approach, based on your unique story, background and personality.  If your story looks to be ideal for one of my own contacts, then I can extend a personal referral.

Please Contact Me for more information or to book your coaching time.

“Story Maps” Coaching   {back to submenu}

This is my proven method of story analysis, developed from years as a pro Reader and intensive study. The focus is on goals, theme, conflict, unity of action, your main story engines and the ten critical plot points that fuel those engines and propel your narrative. (For a basic overview of this method, please see my column that was published in Script Magazine: Story Maps.)

“Story Maps” Master Class $200 (2-3 hour class + materials + Story Map analysis)
***SEASONAL SALE: $185

If you have some experience and you're starting a new script, this is ideal for you.

I introduce you to my Story Maps method, which breaks down each dramatic element of your story and focuses the plot on concise lines of action. Using a helpful worksheet, I will show you step-by-step exactly how to fashion your ideas into a structured narrative that you can turn into a polished treatment or completed draft. This method can locate story problems in your existing drafts, or get you on the right track as you prepare to write a new screenplay.

Once you've prepared a first draft outline using the worksheet I send you, I will email you detailed notes and we will have a phone call  to discuss your story.

See CLASSES PAGE to book your Master Class via paypal.

Pro Reader Training{back to submenu}

How To Work As A Reader $175 (2 hour class + materials)
***SEASONAL SALE: $150

This class gives you the inside scoop on how to be a professional Story Analyst for the major movie studios and production companies — how this job can make you money and benefit your screenwriting career. I will teach you crucial story analysis tools, tutor you on producing a great coverage sample, and provide tips on getting work. We will look at samples of my on-the-job coverage, including my coverage on “The Sixth Sense” submission draft and the best-selling book “Memoirs of a Geisha." I have taught this popular class to hundreds of students at three different educational institutions.

How it works:

1. I will email you the class syllabus and coverage samples as attached Word docs. You can print these out and have them in front of you as we talk.
2. We talk in a 2 hour phone call (on your bill); I give my lecture content while we go over the syllabus and coverage samples. I’ll answer any questions you have.
3. BONUS! if you write your own sample coverage, you can email me this file within two months of the consultation and I’ll provide notes.
   
   See CLASSES PAGE to book your Reader Class via paypal.
   
   

Payment{back to top}

Your payment books your consultation.  My policy is "First Come, First Serve," so I suggest acting fast to get the best turnaround.  Payment must be sent upfront with your work.  I accept payment in the form of money order, cashier's check and Paypal, the most trusted and reliable pay service on the internet.

Notes: You can use a Credit Card to make a PayPal payment or have it draw from your checking account. A small tax is included. I can provide a receipt for your records. Rates increase slightly if length is over page requirements.

Extras{back to top}

Electronic Notes (MS Word or Final Draft "scriptnotes"):  $100 extra.

Electronic Delivery: $20 printing fee (waived with Electronic Notes). 

DISCOUNTS

At certain times of the year I can offer generous discounts to members of quality film and screenwriting groups, including the WGA, WGC, TWB, NYU Tisch West, IFC, WIF, SAG, Inktip.com, students of Hal Croasmun's classes and others.  Please inquire about the current offers.

How to Contact Me for a Consultation{back to top}

By eMail

dan@actfourscreenplays.com

By Phone

310-849-1402

(please leave a message including your CITY, PHONE NUMBER and EMAIL ADDRESS if I’m not in. I will not share your email with any other source.)

By Mail

I am located in West Hollywood, in Los Angeles, California, USA.  I do not give out my mailing address on this site, to prevent junk mail and unconfirmed submissions.

I prefer to communicate with you first before you send me your work.

My Policies{back to top}

Confidentiality

Your work is totally confidential with me. I do not accept written work unless it is first registered with the WGA or copyrighted. I do not need your WGA registration number (nor does anyone but yourself).

My personal policy

If your script is ready to submit and does not need my help, I will return it to you free of charge and with one referral to a contact in the industry.