I’d love to tell you what I do, but first -
A Bit About Consulting:
I realize that there are plenty of script consultants out there, ready and willing to take your hard earned cash. I’ve checked out quite a few of them, and some of them seem to be the real deal – quality human beings who can no doubt make a huge, positive impact on your script, your writing, and maybe even your career.
But please beware – there are a lot of charlatans out there claiming silky smooth Hollywood pedigrees, ties and tricks that simply do not exist in the real world. As with any product, if a script consultant sounds too good to be true, s/he probably is.
Personally, I hate dishonesty, and I hate to waste people’s time and/or money. Life’s too short, and instant karma will surely get me. So, with Beat By Beat, my intention is to be extremely honest with you, concerning what I really can do – and what I really can’t.
What I Cannot Do:
I cannot get you an agent or a production deal. I do not promise to pass your script on to friends in the “industry.” I will not pour your story into a One Size Fits All machine designed to make your script look and sound like every other script on the planet. (Is proper formatting important? Of course it is – that’s why God invented Final Draft. Are cookie-cutter characters and predictable story arcs important? Only if you’re writing a very funny satire.)
What I CAN Do:
I help writers get to the heart of their work. That’s my specialty. Part surgeon, part therapist, part supernanny, I excel at helping creative people cut through the flesh of their script and peel back the layers of muscle and blood and tissue and bone to get to the heart of the material, to get to the heart of the characters, to get to the heart of the magic reason why this story, that story – your story – MUST be told.
That is my strength. And that, in a nutshell, is my method. Does it lead to madness? Sometimes. (Deep tissue creative mental massage is not for everyone.) But, for those who are seriously dedicated to the idea of going that extra mile and creating something unique and extraordinary, it can – and it does - work wonders.
The most important thing that all of my successful clients share is a passion for the excellence of the work itself, along with a mature understanding of writing, rewriting, critique and collaboration. Beyond that, a fundamental working knowledge of the production process is a huge plus. Know your audience and know your medium.
Who Can Benefit The Most From What I Have To Offer:
BEGINNERS
So, you wanna write a script? As an experienced writing teacher, I have the tools - and loving patience - to help new writers blossom and grow. With Beginners Luck, I generously equip serious minded students of all ages with the exercises, insight, deadlines and goals to keep you, and your work, on the write track.
GIFTED PROCRASTINATORS
You know who you are. Once you get going you have the skill and talent to create entertainment nirvana – it’s the getting going, (or staying going), that’s the hard part. Self-imposed goals and deadlines work great for some writers, but not for all. Beat By Beat’s Accountability Package is a great resource for holding your talented fingertips to the creative fire.
PROFICIENT PROS
You can crank ‘em out, no problem. In fact, you’re probably sitting on a stack of scripts right now. Now all you need is a pair of Fresh Eyes to dive into that stack and bring clarity back, so you can return to the work you do so well and fill those next draft(s) with layers, moments, action and magic that will make your characters pop and your stories truly shine.
FUNNY PEOPLE
Alright. I admit it. I have a soft spot for comedy. (My brain is kind of funny that way.) So I do offer a special Comedy Consulting package. But please don’t hold that against me.
DEVELOP THIS
The development process can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences we humans will ever know. (Creation is fun – no wonder they built a museum!) But it’s also easy to get lost along the way – especially when we’re working all alone.
I can’t tell you how many times this precious little ditty used to flit through my head: “If only I could find the perfect silent partner to bounce ideas off of! A trustworthy, award-winning, warm, honest person to help me develop my idea, maybe help with the outline, and then LEAVE, so I can write the script!” I searched high and low for that person – until I discovered that I was that person. I became the change I wanted to see in the world. Thanks, Gandhi!
Whether you need a little help developing your idea, or a lot, I am always ready for a good brainstorm. And fear not: your idea is YOURS. See my Silent Creative Partner package for more details. Hard work has never been so much fun!
And, with that said, let me now make something abundantly clear: I actually take this work very, very seriously. My approach to any project is filled with warmth and care, because that’s just the way I am. But be warned -
I am an extremely honest and demanding task master. I don’t believe in taking your money, buttering you up and then sending you on your way. I believe in hard work, and lifting people to their highest possible potential. If you come to me with a project, I assume it’s because you want to work hard and make your script or show the best it can possibly be. Because that’s where I’m coming from. And, hopefully, so are you.
No pressure, no diamond.
I am dedicated to helping you bring out the best in your show.
Beat By Beat Creative – Ready When You Are.
Specializing In:
story development - character development – backstory – dialogue – timing – motivation - the big picture – brainstorming
NOW SERVING:
screenplays
treatments
outlines
log lines
plays
teleplays
one person shows
stand-up routines
speaking engagements
students of all ages