“Nobody knows anything.” – William Goldman
This is the first and most important principle when it comes to movies. And life in general, for that matter.
I grew up in a small Kansas town where all the people who were now, I realize, basically my age at the time. Definitely. Knew. How. The. World. Worked. One of the greatest joys of becoming an adult is to realize that they were, to a person, totally full of shit.
Film is no different.
In a business where would-be Criswells are consistently trying to use astrology, spreadsheets, MBAs, and other ludicrous fictions to determine what will or won’t be a success–and are consistently getting dunked on by fickle audiences–you have no good reason to believe a goddamn thing you hear. And that’s OK.
In the film world, I’ve had a consultant shriek about the fact that I had “unlicensed psychotherapists” practicing in one of my scripts. A script that was… drum roll… about the dangers of (unlicensed) tech people masquerading as therapists.
I’ve had a reader suggest that to make a 23-year-old female character more “likeable” I should “give her a baby.” That’ll work.
I’ve had feedback that something “doesn’t seem realistic” on precisely the same scene that multiple other readers have praised.
I’ve had feedback that “that’s not how the world works” on scripts that have done extremely well in other competitions.
So forgive me if I am allergic to prescriptive advice.
Never get suckered by someone who’s trying to tell you they have the right method or they know what to do.
That’s not the point.
Never listen to anyone who tries to tell you that his tiny, insignificant success story (“I once PA’d for a 90-year-old Robert Bresson” comes to mind)–no matter how much power they have milked out of it–gives this idiot the clout to dictate what you need to do with your script.
Remember, nobody knows anything.
Anyone who tells you they do is probably trying to hoodwink you. Or, worse, this person is on some sort of rampant ego trip. Unfortunately, ego alone can get people fairly far in this industry.
But remember, there are as many different success stories as there are people in this insanely inconsistent industry. There are good and decent people out there who are happy to see you succeed.
That’s where screenwriter coaching comes in.
It’s vital for you to find colleagues and collaborators you trust.
That’s why it’s important to speak to people to make sure they resonate with you before you take them on and begin working with them.
What is useful is discussion. Debate. A sounding board. Suggestions from someone who’s a few steps ahead of you. A peer-to-peer discussion with a bit of gentle guidance.
It’s not supposed to be a love-fest. You’re in this to improve. But it’s also not about someone lifting her leg on your script just to feel better about herself.
It’s not about someone telling you your script isn’t politically correct enough (if you’re writing true-seeming characters, they may not be).
It’s not about someone telling you your script is too politically correct (if you’re writing true-seeming characters, they may be).
What you need is a safe place to come and share your work. A place where you can air your problems, challenges, fears, concerns, and get a nice tip on structure or maybe some structure exercises to try.
Where you can learn stories about how successful people–who, let’s face it, are really the only ones we ought to be looking at–managed to get the job done.
Everyone else has all kinds of advice about what you ought to be doing with your screenplay. Or your life. I get it. That’s where screenwriter coaching comes in.
Screenwriter coaching and mentorship is about moving ahead one step at a time with someone who’s on board with your goals.
Who understands what you’re trying to do with your story and wants to develop that story to be as strong as possible. Someone you can reach out to with issues. Someone you feel comfortable with.
This is why I don’t offer traditional Script Consultations, where I read your script, point out everything I didn’t like, and then spend an hour-long Zoom with you trying to tell you how I would write it if it were my script.
Rather, I offer Screenwriter Coaching, where we never take our eyes off your goals. We can work through the script collaboratively and see what’s working and what’s not. We can develop a plan to fix these things, and to increase your skill level. We can develop a plan to further your position in the industry.
Screenwriter Coaching is about teaching you how to approach the next draft, how to improve your craft, and how to take constructive feedback–while always leaving sovereignty in your hands.
Together, we can work to develop the script that you knew you were always capable of. Your script in your voice. Development in your hands. Your screenplay. Your way.
