What is a Script
Doctor?
A "Script Doctor" in
Hollywood vernacular, is a screenwriter with exceptional
talent that is brought in, often times without credit,
to "punch up" a script before shooting. Since movie making
is a fluid medium, it is possible to shoot much more
material than is actually need to complete a project, so
this additional material added to a script by the uncredited
writer can easily be taken or left out of the final cut.
What are the differences between
"Script Doctors", "Screenplay
Consultants" and "Script
Analysts"?
A Screenplay Consultant is usually a person --sometimes a writer, sometimes not
-- who is paid to give written or oral feedback on a script. Unlike Script Doctors,
Consultants and Analysts will point out problems to a script, pose possible solutions,
but they are not going to dig in and do the writing.
What are the advantages of using
a
Script Doctor?
A Script Doctor is great if you are producing your own material but are maybe
not the best writer in the world. Screenwriting takes years of practice to master.
And while you may have a knack for directing or producing, shooting and editing
is way too much work to be doing with a sub par script. Better material means
more eyeball, better talent and a better opportunity for everyone on your projects
to move up the industry ladder.
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