ANSWERS:


Can I just take the cheapest service?

You can take any service(s), in any order. However, my crown jewels are STAGE ONE (based on synopsis) and STAGE TWO (based on step outline). The first one assesses the major issues. The second deals with them, in detail. Therefore I will recommend you take the initial diagnosis (STAGE ONE) before any other service and reward you with a loyalty discount if you do.

Is this a Hollywood formula thing?

I believe the 'Hollywood formula' is a myth. There's just good and bad writing, both of story and scripts. My structural approach does not force any formula onto your work, it just looks at what has worked successfully and what hasn't. On the other hand, there seems to be a consensus in the industry that successful stories have a protagonist whose journey contains three (or more) acts.

I'm afraid I will lose the heart of my story.

My first concern is always to find out which story you want to tell. Secondly: what would be the best structure to get that story across. I would like to quote one of my clients, writer Andy Otes: "Even after having had the script (5th draft) edited by my agent and the AWG service, you have been the first to really understand what I'm on about here."

I have never bothered reading any screenwriting books. Is this a problem?

There is no need to know any particular screenwriting theory but if you happen to be hooked on McKee, Vogler or others, Karel will speak your language.

However if you want your script to be made, you will need to establish a language in order to discuss story and script issues with your future producer, director and even financiers.

If necessary, part of the time during the Quantum Leap session will be dedicated to this. For a full initiation however, it is recommended to apply for Full Draft Assistance. In the great scheme of things this is probably the best investment for any budding screenwriter.

I have my own opinions, how do I know we will get along?

Good point. The relationship with your story consultant/script editor should be one of trust. You may first check my views on screenwriting on my blog. Go to The Story Dept., a mildly opinionated blog about screen story.

On the other hand, the Initial Story Diagnosis is a low risk entry into my approach to script development. It may test the waters for any further collaboration.

I want all help I can get all the way to first draft. What will it cost?

The industry standard for this is $5,000 and depending on our strategy it may provide you with assistance for up to six months.

Depending on your specific requirements, we may negotiate a cost that is more suitable to your exact needs.

An alternative arrangement would be a fixed number of sessions at their actual cost, delivered over an agreed time frame.

I have a great idea but I am not a writer. Can you help?

The full draft assistance provides support from a rough storyline all the way up to a first draft, provided sessions are taken within a six months period (unless an exception is negotiated).

Some of my clients have written their very first screenplay after learning the basic principles of screenwriting, including the terminology required to discuss their stories.



What is a synopsis? And a step outline?

The Australian Film Commission has published a useful document explaining what a synopsis is and what it aspires to achieve. A copy can be found among the links on my blog: The Story Dept.

A step outline lists all the scenes for a movie, summarised to one sentence. You may build this from an existing screenplay or write it from scratch as a preparation for your next draft.

Recently I found a post on the bulletin board of the AWG discussing the format of a step outline. Scroll down to the second message to find a few scenes from The Sixth Sense in step outline format. I wouldn't use the slug line, but number the scenes instead.