I’ve been involved in script and story development for several years, initially as a script reader for Nottingham Playhouse, and then with screenplays as a natural outgrowth of my training activities (I was selected by my regional screen agency to deliver the UK Film Council’s ‘Introduction to Screenwriting’ course, which I have run three times now). It’s something I really enjoy, and I prefer to do it on a 1:1 basis. Sure, I can and do write script reports - but things really start to move when the two of you are together. And if we can’t arrange that in person, let’s do it by phone: it makes all the difference.

 

As part of EM Media’s DV Shorts process in 2005, I did 1:1 sessions for an hour with applicants who wanted one. Those who chose to do so had their chances of being shortlisted tripled - and I had no influence whatsoever 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 at http://www.britfilms.tv/index.php?id=4&channel=3 - 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.

 

I have continued to be involved in script development since. I contributed to one of filmmaker Ben Pollard’s projects, and he said: “With a few incisive questions and one genius suggestion, Adrian gave me a whole new insight into my story.”

 

2007 Sitcom Trials entrant Griff Phillips had this to say about 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.”

 

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.”

 

I charge £30 for a report on a script up to 20 pages long, and £90 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 £30. In most situations, 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 adrian at youdothatvoodoo dot com to indicate your interest.