Dec
3
Development in One, Two, Three
Filed Under Script Development | Leave a Comment
Story Development is a process. I know that and you know that. But sometimes factors of time and budget allow you to only move forward step by step. In that case I have the following individual services for you, depending on the stage of your development.
1. STAGE ONE ($99)
- story + text analysis of the synopsis.
- written notes + 1 hour tele-conference.
Pay AUD$99
(incl. GST)
At the conceptual stage, this service helps you determine the strengths and weaknesses of your story or story idea.
At a later draft stage, this service helps you to make sure you are selling your story in the best possible way, to producers, potential investors or government agencies.
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2. STAGE TWO ($389)
– story analysis based on the step outline.
- written notes + up to 3hs consultation.
Pay AUD$389
(incl. GST)
This is the most powerful development stage, as it works on the story level, yet lays the foundations for the scenes to be (re-)written.
The step outline session can be taken after the conceptual stage, to test if you are heading the right direction with the plot, even before writing a single scene.
Once past the first draft, this stage will strip the flesh from your script and test the strength of its skeletal story.
When you take the consultancy for the first time, I will give you guidelines on how to prepare for the session.
Every professional writer will tell you you will have to go through this stage numerous times before confidently moving to the screenplay stage. Inquire about a development plan that includes a number of Stage Two session, so you can benefit from the loyalty discount.
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3. STAGE THREE ($489)
- full draft script notes, prioritising areas of major concern.
- up to one hour discussion.
Pay AUD$489
(incl. GST)
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To use a different payment method, visit the payments page.
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Aug
18
Diagnosis: Obsession
Filed Under Newsletters | Leave a Comment
Occasionally I receive requests to read a first draft and even a first draft by a first time writer. I do indeed offer story consultancy but these are requests to read – for free – with the hope of getting a producer’s attachment. With all due respect, but you’ve gotta be kidding. (Disclaimer: if you’re allergic to preaching, better skip this blog. If you disagree with anything, you are invited to comment)
First-time writers sending out a first draft should get a grip. Get out of your hole and find out how competitive this industry is. But is the writer really to blame? Our industry itself has created a perception that writing for the screen is a fun occupation, a lifestyle thing that can be easily combined with any other job. And every attempt is to be taken seriously. Believe me, the reality is different. If you consider yourself a dilettante, your chances of breaking through are minimal. If your entire life doesn’t revolves around movies , the odds are very much against you. Better get used to the idea or reconsider your future.
Like ‘aspiring practitioners’ in other industries where the stakes are high, screenwriters and filmmakers tend to love the success stories of those who’ve made it, hence the popularity of events like POPCORN TAXI etc. However, success stories are filtered, censored and jazzed-up versions of the boring, down-to-earth and painful true events they are based upon. Like their screenplay counterparts, true facts don’t sell.
The six movies to which writer Andrew Stanton contributed, have made several billions of dollars worldwide, yet he calls his growth to understanding story: “MY JOURNEY OF PAIN”
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