Craig Elliott Hanna: Screenwriter and filmmake…

I have really enjoyed expanding my network on Stage 32, but in doing so I've noticed how many people call themselves "Script Consultants." As someone who has run one of the more successful script consulting companies around for the last 5 years, and has worked in the industry over 11 years, here are...

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Hi Craig. I'm RB, co-founder and CEO of Stage 32. I know first-hand the challenges all creatives face finding work and attracting attention to their projects. That's why we created Stage 32. Our members run the gamut from film students to award winners. The community is now 50,000+ members strong spanning 175+ countries. This is a network for you, built by you. Like most things in life, the more you participate, the greater the rewards. We ask all new members to help us spread the word through other social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. We also ask that you help strengthen the...

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Victoria Wiltshire

3
3 people like this
11 years ago

Working on a TV pilot which although sometimes borders on madness, has been a necessary solo process. Speaking of collaborations however, mine have mainly been in the songwriting field...some inspirin...

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Kimberly Perdue-Sims

2
2 people like this
- Gwen Conklin
- A.M. Day
11 years ago

For me it depends on the project. I'm working on expanding my second book into a "brand" and it definitely requires the collaboration of others. :)

Amate Brian

11 years ago

It depends.There are scripts I will need somebody to assist me

Doug Conant

11 years ago

Danny, I have to argue/add to certain points in your post, for the benefit of less industry-experienced writers on here. First, I'll say that I came across your business some time ago and I've had you on my radar. Second, nothing qualifies a script consultant except for the actual success of their consulting. Unfortunately, the quest to find a good/legit script consultant is far more complex than you let on. The fact that a consultant has worked "in the industry" for a certain period and even worked directly with writers and developed and sold projects can often be a smoke screen. The industry is relatively large and diverse when it comes to the unique experiences people working within it have. And there's a reason why the majority of the movies in the megaplexes are mediocre or worse: just because someone has worked in the industry, in any capacity, and has achieved some degree of financial success, does not mean that they even have a clue about what their jobs are. All of you honest folks who have been inside know what I'm talking about, and I know you do too, Danny (I don't know you, so I certainly do not mean to suggest that I'm lumping you into that group). There are more BS artists out there than true craftspeople. I can't tell you how many times I've witnessed a creative exec-turned-story consultant just talk their way through a notes meeting, regurgitating "rules" that don't apply to the situation (but sound good to even more creatively-inept execs/producers). One gentle-lady, clearly caught off guard, proceeded to argue that the concept of setups and payoffs was getting "stale" in "today's blockbusters." Yeah, Iron Man 3 really screwed the pooch with that stale, old setups and payoffs gag. She was making a ton of money per week and was brought in by the development director (a friend). She has worked many years in the industry and ushered a few projects which were made and released. None of them were good and they faded away fast. So, my point, finally, is that it is often more important to ask the prospective consultant what projects and what people they have worked on/with and whether or not you feel, as the writer, that their specific experience applies to your script. A consultant whose shining achievement was guiding the writers on Wrong Turn 3 may not be ideal for your Frank Pierson-esque character drama. You must ask if they don't say upfront. And not all consultants have experience working with the needs of directors and producers. Working on a script that will be submitted to directors or has already been optioned is often very different from writing a script to get through "common" readers at agencies (especially agencies), studios, and production companies. Knowing that a consultant has worked in the "industry," with "writers," and has seen their projects "made," can only tell you about their financial or subjective personal success. The only real measure for knowing the quality of their consulting work is to know what they've done and who they've done it with. I do applaud you, Danny, for giving a detailed run-down of your experience in the bio on your website. That's a lot more than many consultants out there. With that, good day, sir!

Danny Manus

Doug I don't wholly disagree. and yes there are other things that go into it and other questions to ask to get deeper into each consultant. But despite what types of films or people someone might have...

I was indeed looking deeper into the question, and I should've mentioned first off that I absolutely agree that some professional experience is better than nothing! All the best, Danny.