Feature film development

ScriptWorks can assist your feature film project with

Reader reports
Script consultations
Script editing
Script doctoring
Slate advice
Overall slate management
Cutting room consultation

Choose from above or scroll through to select what works for you, then call Karin Altmann to discuss your project. Send us a one page synopsis. We will tell you within three business days if we are able to assist and, for this, there is no fee.

If we all agree to proceed we will ask you to send us your screenplay and accompanying material.

Prices are current for all work commenced before December 31, 2010. Prices are quoted in Australian dollars. Australian clients need to add GST. Clients from countries other than Australia are charged at current exchange rates (at time of invoicing) with tax-free pricing when applicable. All fees are payable in advance except where otherwise negotiated.

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Feature film reader reports – $1000 | TOP

ScriptWorks Feature Film Reader Reports detail both the potential and the problems of your screenplay and its story.

We look at the style of the picture as well as the commercial strategies you are contemplating. Where there is potential we acknowledge and identify it. Where there are problems we outline them - and offer suggestions for solutions.

You provide the script and a brief paragraph or two on the style, the budget and the intended audience for the picture.

We provide you with a report covering

analysis of concept, story and genre, characterization and the flow of the narrative
management of point of view, rhythm, dialogue, structure and theme
the style and commercial strategies
most importantly, whether the project keeps, or breaks, its promise to the audience.

Turnaround on Reader Reports is three weeks, unless you request a particular reader. Then timing is negotiable, subject to their schedule.

Feature film script consultation – $600 | TOP

When you are in the process of developing a script it sometimes helps just to talk to someone with experience in what you are facing.

You provide the script so far and a brief paragraph on the style and intended audience for the project. If you wish, let us know your chief areas of concern.

ScriptWorks feature film script consultations can range across

strategic issues (eg. should I keep going with this?)
‘big picture’ questions about the concept
craft issues regarding the execution
possible partners you might consider
development strategies you could employ.

You decide what you want to talk about; we listen and advise.

We read the material and you get a two-hour consultation: in person (with coffee), or by phone or Skype.

Additional consultation time is charged at $100 per hour.

Feature film script editing – from $7,000 | TOP

ScriptWorks script editing can accelerate and focus the development of a screenplay. It saves the writer time and the producer money.

With a combination of written notes and discussions (face to face, by telephone or Skype) we take the writer through the whole process. A ScriptWorks edit takes the project through re-structuring and (at least) two passes to get to the new full draft – with notes and comments at each stage and at the end.

Some people need more notes, others prefer more discussion – the balance between the strategies is determined between the writer and their editor.

Our goal is to get as close to a production-ready draft as possible

working to clarify the concept
ensuring that the story is strong and the characterization is credible and compelling
monitoring the flow of the narrative and the management of narrative point of view as well as the overall execution of plot and sub-plots
keeping an experienced eye on the cinematic rhythm of the film as well as ensuring that the dialogue ‘plays’ and is in character, that the structure is sound and that the theme is clear and well integrated.

Most importantly, we ensure the script works, keeping its promise to the audience.

We do not espouse Hollywood cookie-cutter paradigms, but, for instance;

if it is a thriller, we do insist that there is a threat, and
if it is a rom-com we require romance AND laughs.

Pricing provides for full management of the development of a single draft. Should the project go into production, an additional deferred $3,000 fee is due on the first day of principal photography.

Feature film script doctoring – fees by negotiation | TOP

You are in development or your film is financed, but all hell is breaking loose. There is something not right with the script.

It could need a fast edit or a punch-up draft or even a total re-write.

We read the script and the associated material (financing, marketing and casting strategies), talk with you about the project, advise on what the script might need and, if required we do it.

This is especially useful when the writer is unavailable or has run out of steam, or if you are working with a writer-director who needs a fresh approach to the script.

We match you with the best person, or people, in the ScriptWorks team to get the best out of the project at this crucial stage.

Professional protocols are observed.

Feature film slate advice – $750 | TOP

Choosing the right project is the crucial first step – and often the hardest – for producers, distributors, executive producers and sales agents.

ScriptWorks can help you decide.

You provide the script, a one-page synopsis and a brief paragraph on the style of the film and the intended audience for the picture.

We provide a succinct report and our advice: Recommend, Consider or Pass.

The ScriptWorks report covers.

the concept, the story and the craft (including structure, character, theme, dialogue and style)
the market potential of the project, and
whether it keeps, or breaks, its promise to the audience.

If you are working with an outline or treatment, rather than a script, contact us for an adjusted rate.

Slate advice can also work purely on the basis of consultation at the base rate of $100 per hour.

Rates are negotiable for multiple projects.

Feature film overall slate management – fees by negotiation | TOP

While funding bodies are increasingly prepared to fund a comprehensive production slate – managing the development may not be your key skill.

The ScriptWorks team can help you

choose your projects
put together the right creative team
track the projects, and
manage the creative development of the projects in which you have invested.

Fees are retainer-based, negotiated on a per project basis.

Feature film cutting room consultation on story and structure – $500 | TOP

We all know that the last draft of a screenplay is ‘written’ in the cutting room.

Sometimes a project just needs a fixer or a fresh and canny eye on the story and the storytelling.

The ScriptWorks fee covers viewing the feature film plus up to two hours consultation in the edit suite. Additional $100 per hour thereafter.

With ScriptWorks specialists based in London, New York, Melbourne and Sydney, we can come to you - or we can work via DVD and a phone or Skype consult.