FAQS:

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU?
Many of the story analysts working independently do not have the experience that I do. Of the ones who do have extensive experience at production companies, studios and at agencies, I don't know of any who are award-winning screenwriters in their own right.

I bring my experience as an award-winning professional screenwriter, published author and as well as the wisdom accumulated at William Morris Agency and Sony Pictures Entertainment to every client's work.

I enjoy the collaborative process of working with other writers and having the opportunity to teach all that I've learned from my creative journey. My knowledge of the craft, enthusiasm for film, sense of humor and eleven years in the industry inspire my active script consultations. I will look for your strengths as a writer and help you build on those strengths while infusing your work with fresh ideas that help set you on the path to a fulfilling writing career.

Please visit my BIO page to learn more and visit my CLIENTS page to see what professionals and burgeoning writers have to say about my services.

WHAT IS THIS COVERAGE YOU SPEAK OF?
The coverage I provide in my services consists of:

A LOGLINE: a short description of the main character's quest and the task they are forced to confront.

SYNOPSIS: a thorough chronological summary of your story's events.

MY COMMENTS: My professional appraisal of your piece done in the confidential manner which I would do if still employed at an agency or studio. I don't mince words or try and butter you up. I will tell it like it is. Honesty is a scarce commodity in Hollywood.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS: Whether or not this has commercial appeal and what can be done to rectify it if not.

HOW WILL YOUR COVERAGE HELP ME?
The dirty little secret in Hollywood is that no one reads your screenplay. Producers, studio suits, directors and talent agents generally don't have the time or brain capacity to read all the scripts that pour into their office. That's why they hire script readers and story analysts to write coverage, which covers the script by reviewing the highlights of the plot, the characteristics of the acting roles and giving a critique of the scripts strengths and weaknesses. If you've submitted your work to studios or agencies before, and haven't heard back or gotten the runaround, chances are you received bad coverage. My standard coverage gives you a glimpse behind the closed doors of Hollywood by showing you what the confidential coverage of your screenplay will read like. It is very difficult to get honest criticism in Hollywood since everyone wants to play it safe, not knowing who might turn out to be the next big thing a couple years down the road. As a result, it is a rarity that you can get unfiltered feedback on your work.

I give that to my clients. It is the exact same coverage I would write at William Morris. It's what prompted an old colleague of mine recently to chastise me for giving away all the secrets. Coverage is notoriously brutal behind closed doors. Yet, I try to be as frank and pointed as possible while also being constructive, to give you a clear idea of what agents and executives will be saying and thinking about you before they welcome you in their office with a grin and handshake.

DO I NEED AN AGENT?
Agents can be a great ally in selling your material once you have a stellar product. However, they are only interested in your script if they can sell it.  And they are notoriously finicky and judgmental. Your best bet is to have as compelling and professional of a screenplay as possible before you attempt to garner interest. Unfortunately, the reality of this business is that most screenplays are in dire need of re-writing and you only get one chance to impress with your submissions to agents and production companies. What I offer is a look into the future.  I'll tell you what they are going to think of your project before they see it. I'm in a unique position to do this, because for years I was the guy that made those quality-control decisions on literary material. I'm confident that you'll find my comments judicious and illuminating.

SO WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET YOUR SCRIPT SOLD IN HOLLYWOOD?
First, you need a professional looking script. You need to grab the reader's attention on the first couple pages and assure them that they are in for an entertaining two hours. You need to craft a compelling opening with intriguing characters that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Second, you need to write in a genre that Hollywood is currently buying or write a helluva character study that has a clever hook leaving readers unable to put it down. Please consult my WORKSHOPS page for Secrets of a Viable Speculation Screenplay and the Top Five Biggest Blunders in the Spec Script Game.

WHAT IS INDUSTRY STANDARD?
Nothing angers the Hollywood gatekeepers as much as a wrongly formatted script. Make sure your baby comes written in Courier 12, is not loaded with giant chunks of description and comes in between 100 and 120 pages. See the following link for more tips on staying classy.

I also highly recommend writing with script formatting software: Please visit my STORE for deals on the latest screenwriting software from industry standards Movie Magic and Final Draft.