FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

What are your qualifications to professionally develop another writer's screenplay?  

I'm the originating producer on 1 Network television series and 3 Studio movies, plus numerous production company script development deals — ALL based on scripts I developed with first-time, unrepresented screenwriters.  These are the best credentials possible, and unique among all other screenplay consultants.  

For 25 years as a movie producer, my specialty has been working with aspiring writers, developing their screenplays, and guiding them successfully into top literary agency representation, studio deals, produced movies and television shows.

Are you promising that a literary agency will want to represent my script, a production company will decide to option it, or a movie studio will commit to producing it?

No, I cannot promise any of the above — nobody can.  Here's what I do pledge: I will help you professionally develop your screenplay using my same methods and principles that have repeatedly resulted in verifiable successes for other aspiring screenwriters at Hollywood's best literary agencies, top management-production companies, major movie studios and television networks.

How do you know if my script has room for improvement? What if it's already perfect? 

The reality is that most scripts written by amateurs would benefit from expert, professional development — including yours.  For context, every movie studio employs a fleet of Creative Executives whose main job responsibility is to “develop” (improve) agency-represented scripts, written by professionals, that they’ve already bought for hundreds of thousands sometimes millions of dollars.

What are the typical paths of a screenwriter trying to "break in" to Hollywood?

Query letters, unsolicited submissions, script contests, pitch fests, etc.  If your unsolicited script gets returned unread, if you don't win the script contest, or if your coverage comes back "pass," then you basically have 3 options: resubmit the script everywhere and hope for a different result; set aside the script and begin writing another one; try to improve your script. I recommend improving your script because it might be a few key adjustments away from where Hollywood needs it to be.

There are many script consultants claiming "expertise"... How do I know who's legitimately qualified? 

Here are two litmus tests that might help you make an informed decision:  (1) Does the consultant have any produced studio movie credits themselves?  If so, he’s proven his own abilities within the Hollywood studio system.  (Verify his credits on IMDB)   (2) Has the consultant ever developed another writer's screenplay that subsequently got represented at a top literary agency, earned a production company/studio script development deal, or was produced as a studio movie?  This reflects his ability to develop somebody else's work at the highest levels.  (Verify his testimonials on IMDB)

Why are credits on IMDB important?

Credits are how Hollywood determines whether someone has made a meaningful contribution to a movie.  Credits are extremely difficult to earn — especially at the major movie studio level, which is consistently the highest level of filmmaking with the most competitive barriers to entry.  

Many script consultants claim that they were directly/indirectly responsible for developing movies made at various production companies.  Any screenwriter can easily verify these consultant’s claims simply by checking his credits on IMDB.  If he is not credited somewhere on the movie, then he did not make a meaningful contribution to it.  Period.  

Do you recommend film schools, lectures, books, podcasts, blogs, etc?  

Yes.  The three most valuable ways a screenwriter can improve his craft are by writing scripts, reading scripts, and watching movies — all of these are free.  Beyond these, there are many other good ways to learn: film schools, seminars, books, podcasts, coverage services, and even contests. In my opinion, the best method for a writer to improve a screenplay is by getting detailed and specific notes from an accredited professional who has successfully developed other scripts within the Hollywood movie studio system.

Can you give me professional guidance if I have a treatment, outline or pitch for a movie, but no screenplay?

Yes, I can help with professional guidance any stage of the development process.

What if I want advice about various issues relating to both the creative and the business sides of Hollywood?

We can discuss a broad range of Hollywood creative and business issues including: breaking in, networking, collaboration, types of option agreements, indie vs. studio filmmaking, packaging, fundraising, producing, marketing, distribution, etc.  

What if my script is brilliant — will you help me shop it to agents, production companies, and movie studios?

Sorry, I cannot do that. I’m here strictly a consultant to help you professionally improve your script. If your script is brilliant, the truth is that you don't need me to help you shop it to Hollywood.  Simply submit your script to the Black List, Spec Scout, etc.  If it rates highly, Hollywood will be able to find it there.  However, if your script earns sub-par reviews then you might want to improve it professionally. 

What if I have a question that isn't answered on this FAQ page?

Please visit my Contact page and feel free to ask me anything.  I take the time to read each message personally, and I'll get back to you within a day or two.