Screenwriting : Screen writing by Erik Smalls

Erik you should get as much feedback as you can because some will be good some will be bad. One thing is each piece of feedback will see different things. But if they all see something similar, that is a point to focus on. Also look at the cause not the symptoms. People call this looking at the note under the note. One thing that may seem negative, sorry in advance. A great story may not be a movie. A movie is a particular beast. Think of all the times you hear people say "the book was so much better". That is because the story isn't a story that makes a movie. So if you are struggling to get a good script from your story, it may not be a movie.

Thanks Craig I got feedback from one Screenwriter, Melissa Pilgrim. I choose Melissa because I have been working with her a long time. She is the first proof reader of all the books I’ve written and she has a few screen plays optioned. Writing a film was my fiance’ April Yvette Thompson’s idea. She read the autobiography and thought it would make a great film so I promised her I would write the screenplay. Because she has been in the business for so long I trusted her judgment. She is a Tony award winning actress. April was impressed. I have Melissa and Aprils notes and feedback, but I agree I should get as much feedback as I can. Melissa and April thinks it’s good. That’s not nearly enough feedback. I need more, I’m not convinced. Besides, April is too close to me so I don’t really count her feedback. I am trying not to get involved with April's team.

Congrats on finishing your script! if you are looking for a pro consultant to help, id be happy to. I run No BullScript, was a former exec, and am also a writer. And ive worked with a lot of S32 writers! feel free to message me amd im happy to chat or answer any questions.

I wouldn't recommend these online script 'consultants' -- try for paid coverage first because it's much cheaper than getting a 'consultant.' If you want, I could recommend some good coverage services ...

Thivanka youre exactly wrong. Writers dont need coverage. They need Notes. Coverage doesnt help tell you HOW to fix whats broken.. Remember - Coverage is written so that no one else has to read your script. Notes are given so that everyone will want to.

Not really, there are plenty of coverage services that'll pinpoint what's not working in your script. 'Consultants' will charge a shit ton of money for 'notes', while cheaper services will tell you what's not working so you can fix them. P.S - No offense, didn't realize you were consultant yourself. I was talking from prior experience with other 'consultants' ...

Hi Erik, Congrats on your first screenplay! I offer a coaching service, which is different than coverage or consultant. See Samuel Patrick Jone's post "I'm so frustrated" for his feedback on my services. I'd be glad to help you too.

@ Thivanka, I think what Danny is saying is that the term 'coverage' is properly applied to a report produced on a script by a reader for a Studio, Agent etc... it is specifically about the script/writer and wether it is worth looking at further in terms of development. As a term it is often mis-used and confused with 'notes', which are more usually written to help the screenwriter improve their script. My view is that there is a plethora of notes services out there, some better than others, some more expensive than others, research a few, check out their credentials, see what testimonials they have, have they written/sold anything themselves, etc... BUT don't assume that cheaper is better as it probably isn't.

Thivanka. Before you start spending money on coverage (and i think coverage is great because I use it) I would send it out to some friends first. get some basic feedback on it. Hopefully you have a few friends who share your desire in screenplay writing. The reason I say this is because I tend to think consultants are for scripts that have been fleshed out and beaten up a bit with a few drafts. Those are the scripts that are best served in the hands of a consultant. If a consultant has to read/consult a first or even second or third draft, they are more than likely going to really see how unfocused the story is. That means you will get a ton of feedback on something you should already have most of the work done on. Pound out the small stuff...get at least 3-4 drafts down first. Then when a consultant gets it, he/she can do what they do best. Take a good piece of work and help you hone it into something great.

Stacey, im sorry, but since i dont see much info in your profile other than that you got into screenwriting later in life, I'm wondering what your experience and background is? Dont take this negatively, just curious...Since you're charging for notes?

Danny, as I said in the last thread you confronted me in, I have studied screenwriting for over 10 years, have spent over $5,000 on professional schooling and I can help people. If the person doesn't think I helped, I refund the money - do you? Also, I don't do what you do. I coach new screenwriters with rookie mistakes so that when they are ready to send for coverage or notes, the consultant can focus on more important aspects than on the nose dialogue and exposition.

Hey Erik! Great name. Solid spelling. We at Stage 32 actually provide some great coverage/notes and consulting. The cool thing is you get to pick the executive that reviews your material. They'll even hop on the phone to talk about it with you! Check it out here: https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/consulting