Script consultant

Definition

A script consultant is a professional who provides feedback and guidance to screenwriters, helping them improve their scripts through analysis and constructive criticism. This role involves assessing story structure, character development, dialogue, and overall pacing to enhance the screenplay's potential for success in the film industry. By offering insights and expertise, a script consultant plays a vital role in the finalizing and presenting stages of a screenplay.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Script consultants often have extensive experience in the film industry, including background as writers, producers, or directors, which gives them valuable insights into what makes a screenplay successful.
2. Their feedback can range from broad structural advice to specific line edits, depending on the needs of the screenwriter and the stage of development of the script.
3. The use of script consultants can increase a screenplay's chances of getting produced by ensuring it meets industry standards and resonates with audiences.
4. Many screenwriters utilize script consultants as part of their process before submitting their work to agents or studios, making sure their script is polished and compelling.
5. Some script consultants specialize in particular genres or types of stories, allowing them to provide tailored advice that aligns with industry expectations for those categories.

Review Questions

• What are some key benefits of hiring a script consultant during the screenplay development process?
  • Hiring a script consultant can provide several key benefits to screenwriters. They offer expert feedback on story structure and character development, helping writers identify areas for improvement that they may have overlooked. Additionally, their experience in the industry can guide writers in making choices that align with market trends, increasing the likelihood of their script being well-received by producers and audiences.
• How do script consultants differ from script doctors in their approach to screenplay revisions?
  • Script consultants typically provide general feedback and suggestions on how to improve a screenplay without rewriting it themselves. Their role focuses on analysis and guiding the writer through revisions. In contrast, script doctors are often brought in specifically to rewrite parts of the script, addressing particular problems directly by injecting new content or modifying existing material to enhance its effectiveness.
• Evaluate how the collaboration between a screenwriter and a script consultant can impact the final presentation of a completed screenplay.
  • The collaboration between a screenwriter and a script consultant significantly impacts the final presentation of a completed screenplay. By integrating insights from the consultant, the screenwriter can refine their narrative structure, enhance character arcs, and ensure effective pacing. This partnership fosters an environment where ideas can be openly discussed and explored, ultimately leading to a more polished script that not only meets industry standards but also has a greater chance of resonating with its intended audience when presented.

Related terms

script doctor: A script doctor is a writer hired to revise or rewrite portions of a screenplay, often to resolve specific issues or enhance its appeal.

coverage: Coverage is a written evaluation of a screenplay that summarizes the plot, assesses its strengths and weaknesses, and provides recommendations for improvement.

development notes: Development notes are detailed comments and suggestions provided by industry professionals aimed at guiding the writer through revisions and enhancing the screenplay.