Script consultant

Definition

A script consultant is a professional who provides feedback and guidance on screenplays, helping writers enhance their scripts through critique, analysis, and suggestions for improvement. This role is crucial in the screenwriting process as it helps refine ideas, strengthen story structure, and improve character development, ultimately making the screenplay more appealing to producers and audiences alike.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Script consultants can work independently or as part of larger production teams, providing tailored advice based on their expertise.
2. They often specialize in specific genres or formats, allowing them to offer targeted insights that align with industry trends.
3. Many successful screenwriters have relied on script consultants at various stages of their career to refine their work and increase its marketability.
4. The relationship between a script consultant and a screenwriter is often collaborative, emphasizing open communication to enhance the writer's vision.
5. Script consultants may also assist with pitching strategies, helping writers present their scripts effectively to industry professionals.

Review Questions

• How does a script consultant contribute to the development of a screenplay?
  • A script consultant plays a key role in developing a screenplay by offering valuable feedback on story structure, character arcs, and dialogue. Their insights help writers identify strengths and weaknesses in their scripts, guiding them toward making necessary revisions. This support not only enhances the overall quality of the screenplay but also increases its chances of being accepted by producers or studios.
• Discuss the differences between a script consultant and a development executive in the screenwriting process.
  • While both script consultants and development executives provide feedback on screenplays, their roles differ in context and scope. A script consultant focuses primarily on enhancing the quality of the script through detailed analysis and suggestions, whereas a development executive is involved in overseeing the overall project from development to production. Development executives often have more authority within a production company and may influence decisions about which projects move forward based on marketability and alignment with company goals.
• Evaluate the impact of using a script consultant on the long-term career growth of a screenwriter.
  • Utilizing a script consultant can significantly impact a screenwriter's career growth by improving the quality of their work and increasing their chances of success in the industry. By receiving constructive criticism and guidance from an experienced professional, writers can hone their skills, learn industry standards, and develop scripts that resonate with audiences. This relationship not only helps in crafting better screenplays but can also lead to valuable networking opportunities and mentorship that foster long-term success in screenwriting.

Related terms

Script coverage: A document that summarizes a screenplay's plot, characters, and overall quality, often accompanied by a recommendation regarding whether to move forward with the project.

Development executive: A professional who works for production companies to find and develop scripts for film and television, often providing feedback similar to that of a script consultant.

Notes session: A meeting between a writer and a consultant or producer where feedback is given on a draft of a screenplay, focusing on areas for improvement.