Mar 26, 2017
Lemme guess. You want a better screenplay, right?
Well, here's what I'll do. I'll read it and write an in-depth analysis and evaluation of your screenplay. I'll find those specific reasons why your script doesn't work (assuming, of course, your script doesn't work). I'll cover everything pertinent regarding the mechanics, formatting and story content. I'll provide you with script/page notes and offer specific suggestions to improve your story. We can discuss it on the phone, if you like, and I'll help you with a one-page synopsis and the all-important agent query letter. And I'll do all of this in a very professional and (you'll appreciate this) compassionate manner. Everything we discuss will be kept strictly confidential and you will retain sole ownership of the material at all times. And I will perform the services we agree upon in a timely manner; usually a 5-7 day turnaround. NOT 5 WEEKS!
My philosophy is, keep it simple, Jack. Some folk go into theory and 9 to 24 Act structure, myth creation and thematic whatzit. Makes me dizzy. I simply show you why your story works or fails. I already know you have too many words and not enough story. Your script is packed with story stoppers and deadwood -- I will seek out and destroy them. We'll discuss in length your structure, pacing, characterization and the all-important dialogue. Earl Hamner, my mentor and creator of "The Waltons" and "Falcon Crest,” told me that after a character speaks 16 words, the audience stops listening.
So now you're convinced. You're willing to peel off some skins and hand your baby over to a pro.
But which pro? Who am I?
Paul W. Cooper has been awarded 3 Emmys (5 nominations), the Humanitas Prize (2 nominations) and the Writers Guild Award with 4 nominations. The Western Writers of America honored me with their Spur Award and my feature film won Best Picture at a number of prestigious film festivals. Current projects include a movie for Showtime, produced and directed by Salma Hayek winning 5 Emmy nominations and the Writers Guild Award. My Hallmark Channel movie is the 3rd highest rated Hallmark Channel film of all time and spawned two sequels. The Disney Channel bought and produced one of my scripts and The Animal Planet produced another. I wrote and directed the interactive video game, CHESS WARS: A MEDIEVAL FANTASY, which won Best New Game honors. I have over 60 produced credits, 35 years as a working Hollywood writer and 15 as a script consultant. I was ranked among the top 6 (out of 163) consultants in the business by Creative Screenwriting Magazine. Did I mention I taught Writing for Film and Television at Pepperdine University?
CAUTION: Do your homework before settling on a script consultant. Ask them for their credits. Find out just how many scripts they've actually written (and sold). Most of these professionals are readers, not writers. Some will charge you $350 up to $850 and more. Seems kind of steep to me. Some will charge you $90 for script coverage. Coverage is useless for developing your script. Don't waste your money.
I will charge you $195. That’s fair. And take a look at my Imdb page: http://www.imdb.me/paulw.cooper. I don’t see any other consultants recommending you to look at their Imdb.
Send me your script and let’s make a movie.
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