Hire Me as your Script Reader!
Whether you believe it or not, getting your screenplay made into a movie is a collaborative effort. Everyone has an idea about your script. The problem is that most often, the ideas people have about your script are usually not very helpful.
When your script lands in the hands of a studio executive, they will do whatever they can to put their "mark" on it. Everyone likes to feel useful. This process can be maddening and difficult. It makes many screenwriters want to never write again.
But look at it this way: the studio is willing to pay you tens of thousands of dollars for your idea or screenplay. They are then going to dump millions of dollars into creating a film about your story. It is very much in their interests to squeeze as much awesome into your screenplay as they can. They will throw as much crap at you as they can to see if any of it is any good. You simply must take it, say yes (or you'll consider it) and keep refining your story until it's the best it can possibly be.
How can you avoid the Hollywood crap factory?
You avoid it by simply writing the best screenplay possible. If there's less for them to change, then your job becomes much easier.
So how do you do that? First you pour your soul into your screenplay, then you get as many people as you can to read it. Once you've handled all the major issues, now it's time to send it to a script reader.
In the interest of full disclosure, there are tons of people who can do this for you. It ranges from someone giving you simple coverage outlining your plot, identifying story and formatting issues, and then telling you whether you get a recommend, consider, or a pass (pass as in "not interested"). Or there are "gurus" who charge you a thousand bucks or more to really dissect your screenplay.
As helpful and humbling as coverage can be, it still doesn't give you any meaningful feedback on how to fix story issues. And who has a grand to spend on some self-proclaimed master?
Before you even consider on paying a guru, look for their name on the Internet Movie Database to see if they've actually even done anything. If they have no writing credits, then they have no right to charge you an astronomical fee as a script consultant.
What makes me qualified to be your script reader?
I'm in the trenches! I read tons of scripts and through this experience, I've become quite good in spotting issues and even better at coming up with solutions to fix these problems.
If you want the honest, self-deprecating truth: I'm way better at solving other people's story issues than I am at seeing the issues with my own script. Perhaps, there's a little bit of that in all of us. Parents rarely understand exactly how delinquent their children are...
So what do you do when you discover you have a real talent for fixing script issues? I started a website for my script reader services to help as many people as I can get their foot in the Hollywood door. Even if you're already here, there is nothing more valuable than having a very creative friend who you can bounce ideas off of.
What I offer
Coverage sucks and I hate it. You have to be cruel and particular to be really good at writing coverage. No one in Hollywood wants to stick their neck out on something they like just in case it actually gets made into a movie and the movie bombs. So there is a very real reason to find fault.
So let's sidestep the whole coverage thing and just talk about how to make your script great!
You email me your script in .PDF format (I can do others, just ask), I print it up and write all over it. Some of my thoughts are "as read" and hopefully you address those issues at some point in the course of your screenplay. I then read it again and add more notes including the things I love (this is really important so you don't take great things out of your script).
I email my notes to you and then I mail your printed script back to you and we set up a time to talk on the phone. In our phone consult, I outline any issues I have and any ideas that could make your script tighter and more of a page turner. If necessary, we'll talk again with more notes. During this time, I usually send quick emails with new ideas that have popped into my head.
This is a very in-depth process and you get every penny's worth. I'm not interested in simply being a script reader, I want to help you make something amazing.
Why? Because, like you, I'm a writer. The simple act of creatively thinking about someone else's story, gives you great ideas about your own stories. Beyond that, as a writer, there's no real interaction with other people in your industry. I love talking to people about their ideas!
How much does this script reading service cost?
You get all of what you read above for only $100! Other services charge you $70 just for coverage! In the end, I firmly believe that no matter which script reader you choose, this is something that absolutely must be done.
My teacher in screenwriting school said, "You should write a great script or a bad script, but never write a good script because you'll be endlessly suffering to fix issues you might not even see."
How can you fix something you can't see? You need another set of eyes that understands story structure, character arc, screenplay formatting and the elements of great stories as well as a keen eye to finding problems with your story. Whether you're paying $70 for coverage, $100 for my creative consultation, or you've splurged for the guru treatment, this step is crucial. Never send in an untested screenplay. If a script reader gives your script a pass, no big deal. But these guys have the capability to pass on you as a writer.
The phrase, "You'll never work in this town again" holds a real meaning if you get blacklisted for sending in a crap script. However if you send in a great script with quality writing and ideas, your film might not get bought, but they might put you on another assignment for some big bucks.
What I don't offer
Unfortunately, even if you've written the best screenplay ever, I cannot help you get an agent. I can't slip your script on the desk of some studio executive. I don't hang out with Brad Pitt or some other star that I can plop your script in their lap. I can't tell you how marketable your idea is (unless I actually know if this is something studios are shopping around for).
I'm only here to help with your story. But having said that, an amazing script speaks for itself. If you've written one of those "got to be made into a movie" screenplays, chances are that the hype built up around it will get your screenplay in the hands of a studio or producer's script reader.
Knowing that your script is ready is like knowing which lottery ticket to buy...
First impressions are everything. Make your first impression immaculate. Hire me as your script reader!
I'm Ready! Now what?
Simply click on the Pay Now button below and you will be sent to PayPal. After you pay, you will be sent back here to a fill-in form that gives me all of the stuff I need to know about your script. This includes your title and loglines or brief description. The is also a place to upload your script so I can get to work on in right away.
This entire process usually takes about a week. Of course, I can do it sooner, but I like to spend a little time with your story and really pick it apart. So if you're ready, click the link below and let's get started!