Hello All, Recently I paid to have script coverage for a TV drama pilot. It got a very good rating and was recommended for series. The script needs to be streamlined and the EP/show runner/writer who reviewed it wants to mentor me to get the script in shape for network/cable. This person has an extensive background in the industry and is hired regularly by studios for this. A part of me wants to continue working with them, but they want to charge and it's not cheap. Is this the norm? Any feedback is welcome. Thank you.
Filmmaking / Directing : Dana Sullivan by Dana Sullivan
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Who is them, the coverage company, the Showrunner or both? Sounds fishy. Why can't you work with the EP/Showrunner on your pilot, partner with him to "walk you in"? Have the Showrunner 'invest' his time in your talent. Flip the leverage to your side
Some new writers hire script consultants, and others do not. It's neither "the norm" nor abnormal. There are many, many posts in Stage 32 about the value (or non-value) of script consultants. For example, I'm a non-writing producer who performs volunteer mentoring (for CineStory.org) and contracted consulting work on the side. This is NOT an ad for my services; I'm simply saying that script consulting exists and is not "abnormal." Stage 32 offers consulting services, so that should tell you that it's not abnormal. Here are a few epic threads that are relevant to your topic which both have my comments. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Script-consultant-or-script... https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/The-argument-Film-Festivals... Just be sure to kick the tires before you enter into a consulting contract.
Thanks for your responses. That's what I was hoping for, Dan, that the Showrunner would "invest" their time in the project although I know their time has value. Regina, thank you for your information, I'll check it out. I just don't want to be taken and pay for something I know has value on its own. Again, thanks for taking time to respond, I appreciate the feedback!
Regina, reading many of your insights, you seem to know what you're talking about. I'm unsure how to move forward. I'll keep doing research and make a decision. Thanks again for steering me to the discussion...
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Dana, maybe spend $40 or so and try to become a Finalist in a big contest. If you succeed, you may not need (paid) development support.
That's a thought. I know I do need some direction with it...just not sure yet about the means. Thanks, Regina!
Thanks, Jeff. I've heard that before. Still trying to decide what to do...
the Hollywood urban legend story is Mickey Fisher. I think he either placed or won Tracking Board TV pilot Contest, got signed by Brooklyn Weaver and a CBS production deal 8-months later.
Never heard of the writer paying for development unless it is a service... as in the whole point is that they get paid upfront to help, leaving little incentive for a later sale. Successful development stories I've read up on involved a legally attached producer working to develop the script so that they both get paid in the end. Dan's right, when Mickey Fisher worked on developing Extant he never described monies exchanging hands. http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2014/07/interview-mickey-fisher.html Parts 3 & 4
Wesley, sorry about that - I meant a writer paying for development support/help in the form of hiring a script/story/market consultant, or paying for script coverage, script notes, etc.
Paying for a class (e.g. S32, UCLA Extension, AFI, etc.) is also paying for development support/help/lessons.
Good points. Would I hire a consulting service/firm to get the pilot in industry standard shape (because I know it needs to be tweaked), or a service with connections and could get it to the right audience, and would the two go hand in hand?
The two may or may not go hand-in-hand. It depends on the entity you hire. I would be careful of those who over-promise. Just my 2 cents.
If the script is already at the top of the amateur heap - you can prove it is by winning a prestigious contest - then you most likely don't need to hire anyone. You're already there. If you're not already there, then you may or may not benefit from consulting, classes, coverage, etc.
Thank you, Regina. Your comments are welcome and appreciated. Still trying to decide what to do. You can be sure I am looking into different options - please note that no promises were made...