My script is on Scriptshadow! Lessons and Discounts.

I’m honored to have my original screenplay “Donnington” reviewed on the fantastic site “Scriptshadow,” which is run by the indomitable duo of Carson Reeves and Roger Balfour. I’m a big fan of the site and check in daily to see what the guys have written up. It’s the best way to keep up on what’s hot in the Hollywood spec market.

As you can see, my script SHOCKINGLY did not sail through to the highest ranking of “Genius!” 😉 But that’s fine with me, as the “Worth the Read” ranking is shared by many a sold and produced script (like Shutter Island, The Kids Are All Right, The Beaver, and Goliath) on the site and I’d like to think it’s the equivalent of a “Consider” grade in a Coverage report.

Bottom line, Roger has given me a lot of things to think about as I approach the next draft of my script. This illustrates two things that I’ve been preaching for years…

  1. Writing is rewriting. Trust me, I’ve already been through many, many drafts with my script and solicited notes from trusted friends and colleagues on multiple occasions. And I’m open to doing as many drafts as it takes to bring it home (to submission-quality level).
  2. We ALL need notes. Even the hoity-toity Screenplay Consultant (me?) can’t be totally objective about his work! I wouldn’t do this job if I didn’t believe that every writer needs notes from an outside reader because it is impossible for us to truly “see” our own work.

I also have advocated for years that the most important exercise that you can do to improve your craft, second only to writing, is to do written analysis of screenplays and movies. Don’t just think about how they tick, but write notes, essays, outlines — map it out! Create Story Maps for all of your favorite films and screenplays.

As a former pro Reader like Carson and Roger, I not only respect the quality and depth of their analyses but I also see many similarities between our viewpoints and methodologies which no doubt were influenced by the unique experience of working as a major studio Story Analyst. Again, doing and receiving written analysis is an amazing tool for screenwriters.

With that said, if you happen to be looking for some help with your craft and commercial development, we can talk about what I may be able to offer you.

Here’s a little bit about my background.

The first reason I stand out from the ever-increasing pack of Script Consultants is that I have extensive experience in the movie industry as a Story Analyst with a list of past employers that includes MIRAMAX FILMS, TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX, NEW LINE CINEMA and the production company of director JONATHAN DEMME (The Silence of the Lambs, Beloved, The Manchurian Candidate).

I was an “A” List Reader. I worked for executives who developed and/or executive produced the films CHICAGO, ULEE’S GOLD, SPY KIDS, SCREAM 2 & 3, CHOCOLAT, THE GAME, VOLCANO, MIMIC, ONE FINE DAY, THE WEDDING SINGER and many others. I was given top-priority material, including the original spec draft of THE SIXTH SENSE and the source novel of THE DARK FIELDS (now a major movie starring Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro).

Secondly, I have been focusing on screenwriting as a career for over 14 years (as a Screenwriter, Reader, Coach and Teacher) and I have helped to guide over 450 screenwriters since 1997. As you can see from my extensive website which lists all of my credentials, services and contains many blog posts, I am serious about the craft and business of screenwriting.

  • I would like to extend to my fellow Scriptshadowers some DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS that had previously only been offered to Inktip members…

$100 off an 8-Week Private Online Screenwriting Course!

$50 off my Story Maps private class!

$45 off a Full Screenplay Consultation
or
$25 off Fastback Screenplay Notes!

To make it in this incredibly competitive business, your script can’t just be good, it must be great. So let’s make your script GREAT!

Sincerely,

Daniel Calvisi

To book your Consultation or ask a question… Email or call me.

Dan photo on YouTube

Where are you at in the screenwriting process?

To book your Consultation or ask a question… Email or call me.

  • To sign up for my Screenwriting Newsletter to get bi-monthly updates on new articles, interviews, tips, discounts and special offers…use the form on the left column HERE.
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *