Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Script Consultant?

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Script Consultant?
By Derek Rydall
Founder, ScriptwriterCentral.com

WHAT EXACTLY IS A SCRIPT CONSULTANT?
There are many types of script consultants with many techniques and specialties, but the following covers the basic job description:

SCRIPT CONSULTANT: Someone who analyzes and offers varying depths of feedback on screenplays at all stages (concept, query, pitch, outline, treatment, completed script, and even finished film), as well as evaluating books and stage plays for adaptation to the big or small screen. Services can also include ‘script coverage,’ ‘coaching,’ ‘teaching,’ and ‘script doctoring’ (rewriting and polishing scripts).

A script consultant works for writers, directors, producers, studio executives, and just about anyone else who has a story and a need to develop it. Script consultant fees vary, depending on the person, their resume, or their whim. Some charge by the hour, others by the project. Some even partner up and assist in the marketing. Some script consultants focus more on typos and grammatical errors than story and structure. Others utilize ancient tools and techniques, mythological maps and sacred mandalas. Some script consultants are ex-agents or studio executives, and will focus more on the commercial elements of the material. Others are psychologists or therapists and will diagnose the writer as well as what’s written! Sometimes, their feedback is so brilliant you’ll want them to write the script. Other times, it’s like taking a trip to hell – development hell. But mostly, script consultants are hardworking, intelligent, thoughtful, creative, disciplined, caring professionals that will give you a fresh perspective on your material, and offer guidance to take it to the next level.
Every major field has consultants that help diagnose problems and create innovative solutions. The entertainment industry is no different. Script consultants, therefore, deserve the same level of respect given to consultants in all fields. But they also deserve the same level of scrutiny to determine if they are qualified and the right fit for the client.
This is the profession you are about to embark on.
Which kind of script consultant will you be?

WHY WE NEED SCRIPT CONSULTANTS
If you were developing a business that would require an investment of tens of millions of dollars and have a possible return of hundreds of millions, would you invest a few hundred or even a few thousand to make sure your business plan was the very best it could be? If you were designing a building that would cost millions to build and could yield future contracts worth millions more, would you invest in having the blueprints evaluated to make sure that building would stand? If your answer to these questions is ‘yes’(and I sure hope it is), is it unreasonable to expect a writer, who has created a blueprint or business proposal (the script) for a multimillion dollar enterprise (the movie) to invest some money in making sure it’s as good as possible?
I don’t think so.

And I put my money where my mouth is by hiring script consultants myself.
Writers need to invest in themselves and their business – which is the script. Every successful company hires consultants to diagnose problems, create solutions, and gain a competitive edge. Screenwriters (and all who broker scripts) need to look at their business in the same fashion. Hiring a script consultant is an excellent way to give their script that extra advantage in a highly competitive marketplace.
That’s what you’re here to do.

And that’s the attitude you need to project to your potential prospects.
As a script consultant, you’re offering an incredibly important service that not only helps the writer create a better, more marketable script, but ultimately increases the potential of better movies being made – movies that have a more powerful impact on the global audience. In other words, the work you do can ultimately affect millions.
Yes, I’m a major optimist. But what I’m saying still has validity. It isn’t going to happen tomorrow. It may not even happen in our lifetime. But every quality note you give that inspires a writer, producer, executive, or director, and improves the project, is a seed being planted that, over time, growing together with all the other seeds, will reap a harvest of better, richer entertainment.

So be bold.

Know the value of your work and of yourself.
And when the opportunity presents itself, accept it – and the check -- with quiet confidence, knowing that you’re adding massive value to your client’s life, the entertainment community – and potential audiences around the world.

YOUR MARKET
The obvious prospects for your business are screenwriters (aspiring and professional) across the planet. Next would be the novelists and playwrights who want feedback on their material, or need it analyzed for its potential to be adapted to the screen. Then there’s everyone else in Hollywood with a script -- from talent and literary agencies (who need script ‘coverage’), to executives, producers, actors, directors, grips, drivers, make-up artists, caterers, and their second cousins.

But it doesn’t end there.

Not by a long shot.

There are the thousands of professionals in other fields (doctors, lawyers, investment bankers, entrepreneurs) who have scripts, books, or ideas they want developed into polished screenplays – and have the money to pay for it. What’s more – and this is a big one -- most of these people aren’t jaded, cynical, or paranoid.
Everyone has at least one great story in them. At any moment, your neighbor could decide their life is worthy of the big screen and seek help in turning it into the next Great American Screenplay.

Bottom line: Everyone is a potential client.

FIFTEEN REASONS TO BECOME A SCRIPT CONSULTANT
Just in case you’re not totally convinced about the prospects of becoming a script consultant, here are a few more reasons to whet your appetite:

1. A love of stories. I’ve listed this as the number-one reason because I honestly don’t see how you could do this work without a love of stories – or at least movies. This is what it’s all about. If you don’t get that tingling feeling in the pit of your stomach every time the lights go down in the theatre – and I’m not talking about the popcorn, sour gummy worms, and diet Mr. Pibbs creating nuclear fusion in your gut -- you might want to reconsider your career path.

2. Creative Collaboration. For me, this was a major reason for becoming a script consultant. What I crave most is the creative interplay with like-minded individuals. It’s the process that really turns me on. If you’re a writer, this gives you the opportunity to be part of the process whether or not your scripts are selling. Another reason this is crucial is that if you don’t like, or have the skills, to collaborate, you’re going to have a tough time in show business. Filmmaking is a collaborative medium. A screenplay is just a blueprint. It takes a whole crew of dedicated individuals to build that house.
I’ve made some lasting friendships doing this work. And I’ve learned a lot about life through my interactions with so many different people. If you like people and enjoy interacting with them, this will add richness to your life. If you don’t like people, however, you might want to consider a job in the fine art of embalming. Those clients rarely talk back.

3. The magic. Let’s face it, there’s just something magical about ‘the movies.’ If you’re already a part of the industry, you know what I’m talking about. If you’re not, this is an excellent way to participate in the process, to have a creative hand in what may become the future stories that shape our industry and culture.

4. Arrogance. In other words, you think you can do it better. Be honest, you’ve said it many times, “God, I could write a better movie than that piece of *&^%$!” And you know what, you might’ve been right. Of course, you can’t judge a script by the movie. The script might have been brilliant or at least really good. The fact is, there are so many elements that go into the process of making a movie -- pleasing an actor or director, fulfilling a preexisting deal with them, getting a movie in the can for a certain release date, or just too many cooks in the kitchen. By the time the script reaches the big or little screen, instead of bearing the screenwriter’s unique fingerprint, it looks more like the result of a bunch of children fingerpainting.

5. Telling others what to do. Admit it, you’re better at telling others what they need to change then you are at telling yourself. It’s always easier to see what’s wrong with someone else, isn’t it? The same seems to be true with screenplays.

6. Using your expertise. If you have a unique perspective or field of knowledge that could be useful in screenplay development, this could be an excellent way to put your wisdom to work. Categories like medicine, military, martial arts, and magic – just to name some of the M’s – have become genres in and of themselves. If you have a specialty, and a solid understanding of screenwriting, you could create a potentially profitable niche – and help create better, more innovative stories in these areas. Or if you just hate seeing movies in your area of expertise portrayed inaccurately, this could be your chance to finally change that!

7. Cash flow. If you’re an aspiring writer (or aspiring anything), you probably often find yourself with ‘more month at the end of the money.’ Trying to work on your projects and pay your bills at the same time is particularly challenging -- and if you have a family, it’s exponentially more difficult. You work a full time job so you can pay the bills and squeeze in some time to write your script, book, play, or shoot your short film (to keep from shooting yourself). Often you’re too tired to do it, or just plain uninspired after serving lattes to people all day long. And you look back after months – or years of this – to discover that you haven’t really accomplished all that much and are still living on Mac & Cheese. Don’t get depressed. Becoming a script consultant is a way to pay your bills (and much more), and be involved in work that inspires and expands you at the same time.

8. Greed. Not about money, but about movies. If you’re like me, you want to see really good movies (TV shows, plays). I hunger for them. I’m greedy for them. This is your way to have some control over the quality of movies that get made in the future.

9. Education. This is a great way to hone your skills and become a master writer, reader, story analyst, filmmaker, or just moviegoer – and get paid along the way! It’s important to stay a student of your life and work. All truly successful people know that life is about constant growth. If you’re not growing, you’re dying. Adopt what Tony Robbins (world-famous motivational speaker) calls CANEI – Constant and Never Ending Improvement!

10. Credentials. As a writer, being a script consultant can give you more exposure in the business, especially if you break into the studio system and work on bigger projects. But having any experience on your resume can give you more credibility for the next project, that book you’re trying to sell, or a seminar you want to teach.

11. A love of writers. I really enjoy hanging out with writers – and most other creative people in the arts and entertainment fields. I love talking about philosophy, world affairs, and brainstorming story ideas that connect it all. It feeds my soul. If you enjoy this kind of creative intercourse, then being a script consultant should be a good fit.

12. Flexibility in your career. If you’re working a 9 to 5 job (or 7 to 7 with traffic), you’re already painfully aware of the yearning for more flexibility. You already know the stress of trying to make a living and still have a life worth living. You already know the sense of loss of having to do all your chores on the weekend and never really getting a rest.
I’ve been fortunate not to work a ‘regular job’ for almost two decades (although I’m still haunted by the ghosts of day-job’s past). Being a script consultant has afforded me a lifestyle beyond what I had ever imagined, not just in terms of income, but in terms of freedom. I make up my schedule. If I want to go on a field trip with my kids, I can do that. If I want to take a vacation during the week, I take one. I’m my own boss. My dress code consists of whatever I happen to go to sleep in the night before. Most days my hairstyle is modeled after Einstein. Rush hour is the walk from my bedroom to my home office – which can be quite precarious, I admit. And my office is totally mobile (read: laptop at Starbucks). That’s flexibility, baby!

13. To add excitement and variety to your life. Doing the same job day after day can become worse than tedious, it can be downright soul-crushing. One of the greatest things about being a script consultant is that you get to work on different projects about different subjects all the time. And if you end up script doctoring (writing or rewriting scripts), you get to do research and learn about things you’d never normally take the time to investigate. If it wasn’t for this work, I wouldn’t know about early American bandits, ancient Atlantean customs, the sacred ruins of Angkor, the secret corruption of the social service system, and how many chromosomes a sperm has – and that was just on one project!

14. Tax advantages. If you already own a business, you know about this one. If you don’t, boy do you need to. Did you know you could save potentially thousands of dollars a year by having your own business? Things you already pay for, such as phones, cars, gas, computers, meals, trips -- you name it -- can all be partially or completely written off as business expenses. Check with an accountant to make sure everything you’re doing is ethical and according to current tax codes – but don’t delay in taking advantage of this!

15. For the fun of it. Being creative, helping others do the same, working on scripts and playing in all the different worlds they offer – is just plain fun! If you don’t think so, you might want to consider a career in the plumbing arts (no offense to plumbers).

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Contemplate the following statements, then write True or False beside each one. This is no Myers-Briggs personality test, so don’t take it too seriously. Nonetheless, it should serve to give you some insight into what ‘type’ of script consultant/script doctor you would be.

____ 1. I have a strong, yet thoughtful point of view.
____ 2. I am comfortable leading the conversation.
____ 3. I believe collaboration can improve the material.
____ 4. I am able to give and take criticism of my work without taking it personally.
____ 5. I believe in myself and am not quick to change my stance based on other’s
opinions.
____ 6. I have a good command of the English language and can have an intelligent
conversation with just about anyone.
____ 7. I am not afraid to defend what I believe.
____ 8. I seek win-win agreements over win-lose or lose-lose.
____ 9. I know my boundaries and honor them.
____ 10. I know my value and ask for what I need (including the right price for my
services.)
____ 11. I have a good analytical mind, able to dissect things and get to their core.
____ 12. I am interested in what makes people tick, and what life is really about.
____ 13. I believe others have a right to their opinions – even when I disagree.
____ 14. I often go with my gut, and I’m often right.
____ 15. I have a good understanding of storytelling in general, and screenwriting in
particular.

These statements deal with certain core values, attitudes, and aptitudes a good script consultant usually has. Add up all the times you answered ‘True,’ then compare them with the guidelines below. There are no right or wrong answers, but how you responded will give you some idea of where you fall on the scale.

12 or more True’s.
You are probably flexible, yet have a strong sense-of self that isn’t easily trampled on. You possess the outer skills as well as the gut-instinct to make solid judgements. And while being a collaborator, you aren’t afraid to have a strong point of view. You should make a good script consultant (if you have or develop the other fundamental skills), but be careful not to be too strong. While it’s true that the client is paying you for your expert opinion, they ultimately have the final word and must be honored – at least if you want to keep working.

8 to 11 True’s.
You probably have a pretty strong point of view and a healthy dose of head and heart intelligence. But you might find yourself struggling when push comes to shove. Maybe you’re a little stubborn, or maybe you’re not willful enough. Make sure you clearly communicate your needs and practices in a professional manner up front, honor your boundaries, be bold in your point of view, and remain flexible – and you’ll do great.

7 or less True’s
You probably tend to be more sensitive. That will serve you as an artist and overall human being, but if you want an enduring business as a script consultant, you might want to beef up your boldness and bone up on your communication skills. Don’t worry though, your passion and commitment should compensate for any ‘seeming’ lack of other traits.

THE CHALLENGES OF SCRIPT CONSULTING
While there are many reasons to become a script consultant, there are also a few challenges you might face along the way.

• Being Your Own Boss. I know this was also one of the ‘pros’. But the truth is, there’s more security (or at least the perception of security) in a regular job. There’s a weekly paycheck, a place to go every day, a routine to allow you to go on auto-pilot, free coffee (usually), someone else keeping you in line, and a host of other possible ‘perks.’ Being your own boss, running your own business, can be a challenge of Sisyphean proportions. It’s up to you to be a self-starter, to put together a plan (which we’ll talk about in Part III), and to implement it – without someone else looking over your shoulder all the time, telling you what to do. In other words, if there are problems or screw-ups, you can’t pass the buck to anyone else – the entire burden of responsibility rests upon your shoulders. Still up for the task? Read on…

• Dealing With People. I know I already said you need to love people. But the fact is some people are really hard to love. Remember when I mentioned my run-in with the mob? Well, I once had a client with a friend in that aforementioned group. He was a tough guy to please. And by tough, I mean impossible. And when he was ultimately, and expectedly, unsatisfied with my work, he demanded I redo it or he would have one of his ‘boys’ pay me a visit to collect. (Collect what exactly, I wasn’t sure. Nor was I eager to find out.)
I’m a lover, not a fighter. But I have a family and I was, and still am, quite fond of all my limbs. So I faced my fears, calmly but firmly chastised him for using cheap threats, and told him that if he wanted to resolve this in a mature and professional manner, I would be more than happy to accommodate him. If he didn’t, however, I would not type another word on his behalf. Obviously, I wasn’t fitted with size 10 cement shoes. And I can confidently confess that I no longer have to cringe when I start my car. He got the message and we resolved it. In fact, he became a long-term client who learned to respect my boundaries.

I had another client who would only pay me in cash, which isn’t so bad on the surface, except that he would only deliver it through drive-by drop-offs in strange locations. I knew I was in trouble when I found myself wrapping the script pages in unmarked butcher paper.
Bottom line: It takes all kinds. And if you’re at this long enough, you’ll probably meet them all. Remember, this is show biz, folks. Just be ready to communicate your boundaries clearly, and stick to them. And you’ll do just fine.

• Quitting Your Day Job. My advice – don’t. At least not until you have a growing business and some cushion in the bank (at least six months is preferred). It takes time to develop a presence in the marketplace, and credibility as a trusted and capable script consultant who delivers the goods. So give yourself the time, and relieve yourself of the unnecessary stress.

On the other hand, you need to believe in yourself and your vision, have the courage of your convictions, and be willing -- if the opportunity presents itself -- to take a ‘leap of faith’ even when the outer conditions don’t seem to warrant it. This requires real inner strength. Something that needs to be developed. Until then, it’s a good idea to apply your practical skills. Keep your day job – if you have one – and build your script consultant business on the side.

So that’s the list. Short, but potent.
If you feel the need to go a little deeper, take an honest inventory of yourself and your situation, write out your fears and fantasies, and create your own list of ‘pros’ and ‘cons.’ Then give yourself the time to let it all soak in before you jump in.

BEGIN A LUCRATIVE CAREER AS A SCRIPT CONSULTANT TODAY!

The Script Consultant Institute
www.scriptwritercentral.com

“As a screenwriter, Derek Rydall has sold, optioned, or been hired on assignment for over 20 film and TV projects. He has developed projects for the producer of Ghost, RKO, U/A, Miramax, Saturn (Nick Cage), and many indie producers, as well as worked as a staff writer for Fox, Disney, and Deepak Chopra. As a story consultant/script doctor, Derek has helped writers, producers, actors, and directors turn books into screenplays, secure millions in financing, make six-figure script deals, get hired to exec produce, direct, star in their movies, obtain major distribution, and win awards. And as an author, Derek's book, I Could've Written a Better Movie than That!: How to Make Six Figures as a Script Consultant-- Even if You're Not a Screenwriter, is due out October by Michael Wiese Publishing. For more info, you can check out his site, www.scriptwritercentral.com, email derek@scriptwritercentral.com or call (661) 296-4991.”