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. |
