“Writer Adrian Reynolds is known to some as ‘The Oracle’—put a script in front of him and you will see why: his knowledge and insight about the craft is second to none.”— Britfilms.tv, July 2009.

scripts

I’ve been involved in script and story development for over a decade, initially as a script-reader for Nottingham Playhouse, and then with screenplays as a natural extension of my training activities (I was selected by my regional screen agency to deliver the UK Film Council’s ‘Introduction to Screenwriting’ course). 

It’s something I really enjoy, and I prefer to do it 1:1.  Sure, I can and do write script reports—but things really start to move when the two of us are together, ideally in person and if not over the phone.

As part of EM Media’s DV Shorts process, I did 1:1 sessions with applicants who wanted one.  Those who chose to do so had their chances of being shortlisted tripled—and I had no influence in the shortlisting process.

I went on to do script development for the Three Minute Warnings shorts made by Britfilms. Executive Producer Phil Nodding had this to say about the films I’d worked on: “Much tighter all round – especially the stories/scripts.”.

Check out the films over here – I was involved in 5 of the 6 projects, the exception being Shaun Mechen’s Baby on Board, which for reasons you’ll see didn’t need any script editing.

2007 Sitcom Trials entrant Griff Phillips on a script report I did for his sitcom ‘Art for Art’s Sake’, which after rewrites based on my notes reached the semi-finals: “Awesome! I’m pretty sure I could pay 100 quid for a script report and not get something as helpful as that. I will read several times and digest.”

Brighton’s Chip Smith, who writes this acerbic blog, comments:

“By the time the (Red Planet 2008) deadline loomed, it was ready for a good kicking courtesy of Adrian Reynolds. To be fair, Adrian offered up more in the way of what he terms ‘coaching’ than a strict reader’s report which again, suited me just fine. A couple of Adrian’s suggestions really resonated, and I’ve used his sage words as fuel to inform a second draft, essentially a page one rewrite…I think a combination of coaching and kicking works pretty well for me, i.e., ‘This is shite, but here’s how you make it better.’ Your script report was excellent, as it happens.”

novels

I am equally comfortable assessing novels as I am scripts.

Journalist and aspiring children’s author Caroline Green says

“I have used Adrian’s script doctoring services on a number of occasions and found his input to be invaluable. His technical skill, coupled with a real understanding of what makes a story sing, have always helped me to move my writing forward. I would highly recommend him.”

prices

I charge £35 for a report on a script up to 20 pages long, and £100 for a feature film report. Your script report will focus on what’s relevant to your writing and story, not merely tick the boxes of an industry template photocopied from a weekend workshop: this is thorough and detailed individually tailored feedback.

A one-hour consultation—in person or by phone—costs £35. It would be wise to book both a report and a consultation, to ensure a response based on your needs and desires rather than my perceptions of you and your work alone.

Please note that these rates apply to entry level writers: if you’ve got a substantial commission, or you’re representing a production company, a tailored rate will be negotiated.

contact

Contact adrian at youdothatvoodoo dot com to indicate your interest.

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