Act Four Screenplays


Which consultation is right for you? Go to the Chooser

MY APPROACH TO CONSULTATION

Firstly, I need to make it clear what I am NOT: I am not an Agent and I am not a  "coverage service" that farms out your script to freelance Readers for a quick evaluation. 

I am a Los Angeles-based 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 have been working directly with writers like yourself for over 10 years now.

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, the development slates of the major studios and production companies and the "buzz" in Hollywood in regards to scripted material. 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 online every day. 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.

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