To Consult or Not? A Screenwriter’s Dilemma
As screenwriters we often become far too attached to our work. We can’t separate ourselves from the stories. Thus we need a new set of eyes to review our masterpieces and present us with the reality of what we have created. These amazing people of whom we owe our glorious sales to are script consultants. Script consultants are the hidden people who stand behind the majority of all scripts in Hollywood and never receive credit. From Spielberg to Kaufman to the average broke writer living in a crappy overpriced LA apartment, these people call on script consultants to bring out the best of what they have already done. Like most things, consultants come in every shape and size imaginable. There are general consultants and then there are those who have distinct disciplines and specialties. Although most script consultants are or have been screenwriters, all are not. Many of these people are professionals in other fields such as medicine, law and aerodynamics. They are the ones to turn to if your script needs help in establishing believability and credibility concerning its subject matter.
There are also script consultants who specialize according to genre. Action experts, comedy mavens, children’s and family film geniuses. Still there are consultants who categorize themselves based upon your needs. Do you need a coverage report? An on-the-page line edit? A complete rewrite? There’s a consultant for your every need similar to lawyers, which is where things get scary. With so many different options and everyone promising to turn your script into the next great hit, how do you know who will give you the best work for your buck? There are a couple steadfast rules when filtering through the abyss of script consultants: 1. If they promise to make your script the next big hit, say thank you for the meeting and walk away. 2. If they guarantee your script will sell after they are done doing their magic on it, say thank you for the meeting and walk away. 3. If they praise you for your brilliance but tell you they can make it even more brilliant, thank them for the meeting and walk away. Consultants who sugar coat things are simply after your money.
The truth is they most likely cannot find the flaws in your story. Instead they will make several line changes and minor edits, say you need to work on your character development and send you packing. This is of no use to a screenwriter. When looking for your consultant you need to ask yourself why you are looking for one in the first place. Is your script the best you can make it? Do you feel having another person looking over your script would help you improve it overall? Do you know your strengths and weaknesses as a writer? Will you be able to communicate your needs, wants and expectations for this script to another person? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should seek a script consultant. The small investment of time and money you put into a consultant will pay off when you make that sell and get your first real assignment.
As the owner of a small production company and after a decade of working in the entertainment industry, I myself became a script consultant. I love what I do now. I still write, but the thrill of helping other people accomplish their dreams and improve their stories is even more rewarding. My Recommendations for Consultants: Blake Snyder Blakesnyder.com Derek Rydall Jennifer Record Jenniferrecord@gmail.com Email for rates and more information Mention Associated Content and receive a discount
