Consultation - Development

[finalact4]

Hello Everyone,
I'm hoping this is the best place to start. I am interested in paying for story consultation and/or development notes. I have a high concept crime, action thriller that is ready for a comprehensive analysis.

I have used a few services from well known script analysts in the industry and screenwriters in the past for other projects. I had one analyst say the script was ready and I knew it needed to be tighter. I was able to cut nine pages on my own after another writer provided feedback.

In another instance I received a response from a consultation that basically said, I didn't get to discuss the ending because that would have been a couple of more pages... not a good way to earn repeat business. Though the feedback was very good, it was simply 'short' of expectations.

If I could afford Hague or Vogler or Truby, I'd do it as my natural writing style tends toward the myth structure in general. I am not afraid of criticism, the harsher and more critical the better as long as it's about elevating the material.

Another aspect that I've noticed about paid services is that they provide story synopsis -- I know what my story is about and do not wish to spend money for someone to spit it out back at me. Yes, I understand that there is value in realizing if someone doesn't get your story. If it's a problem, I own it.

So what I'm really looking for is story notes, story consultation, story development. This concept has franchise potential and I don't want to blow any opportunities before the door is even opened.

I'm not looking for someone who wants to pump out his 8-12 page write up and move on. I'm looking for someone who cares about helping a writer make their story the very best it can be. A collaborator. That might mean I need to send it to more than one. And if I can pay it forward I will.

And please know that I mean no offense to anyone. I'm simply a writer trying to find the most meaningful feedback. I fully know that I am not the end, but the beginning of this story. I know that there are many skilled and talented people who can elevate this story to its highest potential... what more could a writer want?

If anyone has suggestions or recommendations, please feel free to contact me.
Much gratitude,
FA4

[JoeBanks]

Originally Posted by finalact4

I know that there are many skilled and talented people who can elevate this story to its highest potential... what more could a writer want?

Ultimately, you have to be the one skilled and talented enough to elevate your story to its highest potential. And, if you want to be a professional writer, you have to do it alone (or at least with a writing partner).

If you want to collaborate, try and find a partner. Anything else is throwing money at the problem when you have to be the one to diagnose and solve it.

[finalact4]

Originally Posted by JoeBanks

Ultimately, you have to be the one skilled and talented enough to elevate your story to its highest potential. And, if you want to be a professional writer, you have to do it alone (or at least with a writing partner).

If you want to collaborate, try and find a partner. Anything else is throwing money at the problem when you have to be the one to diagnose and solve it.

I'm not looking for a partner. I'm looking for consultation. I don't lack confidence in my ability nor am I arrogant enough to believe my story can't be improved . I can execute.

You're entitled to your opinion, of course, but it's my opinion that there are many ways to improve story and no one in the industry makes a film on their own. That's a simple fact.

You may not believe in feedback and consultation. I do.

Sometimes as writers we find that we can become too close to the material to see problems. Taking a step back, and away for a period of time is often recommended as a way to give both distance and perspective. I'm at that point this week -- I'm stepping away, starting a new project and will return to this one with a fresh perspective.

Thanks for your comments, they are appreciated, even if I don't agree with them.

FA4

[Done Deal Pro]

I don't use consultants but a decent number of folks here do or know about them. You can start by looking up in this thread. There are two stickies at the top about users here that provide help: EvilRbt and ExtHollywoodDay. There is also ScriptGal and I believe a couple of others you can work with. (Please pardon me if I didn't mention you.)

You might find yourself well served by one of them and at an affordable/reasonable price. Plus, I'm sure a few other folks will chime in over the next day or so.

[finalact4]

Thanks, Will, a very good thread. Scriptgal looks like a very good prospect.
FA4

[jtwg50]

I recommend our beloved Screenplay Mechanic (Andrew), known here as EvilRbt.
I have used him through multiple drafts of all my scripts going back several years and his notes and general guidance steered me to getting signed by a very good agent last year. He is brutal but brilliant.
He is the best -- period. There are various old threads and posts here that confirm that view.
I'm also a believer in multiple consultants, so if you have the money, I'd suggest you use EvilRbt (key -- he's an agented, sold and produced writer, and also now a successful producer) and ScriptGal.
Good luck.

[finalact4]

jtwg50, thanks for the comments. I am leaning toward having both look at the script. I really liked ScriptGal's website and her sample notes look good, too.
thanks,
FA4