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What can Ted do for me?
STORY CONFERENCE/DISCUSSION
As a basic service, I will read your draft thoroughly and then schedule a 30 minute conference call with you. This can be done via Skype or iChat, on the telephone, or in person if you are in the NYC area. I will give you my take, lay out what I see as the script’s greatest strengths and weaknesses, we will break down structure and story together, and discuss your vision of the movie you want to see on the screen. In addition, you will be free to ask me any questions you like about next steps, next drafts, etc.
Fee: $300STORY NOTES
After thoroughly reading your draft (reading it at least twice is standard) I will write an overall assessment of your screenplay, concentrating on story, structure, pacing, your characters and dialogue, and the ways in which you use the visual element that film provides. Is it a movie? Can I see it on the screen? And if not, how do we (you and I) get it there?
The Notes consist of roughly 10 double-spaced pages of my analysis, with thoughts and suggestions about where to go next, as well as specific page notes. Once you have had time to read and process my notes, we will schedule a 60-minute Skype/telephone conference to answer any questions you might have.
Fee: $750SUBSEQUENT DRAFTS
For writers who wish to continue working with me beyond the initial draft, I offer two levels of service:
I will read the new draft and mark up the copy, writing in the margins as I go along, then send you back a xerox copy so you can see my notes. We will follow that up with a 30 min. story conference via Skype, iChat or phone.
Fee: $400I will read through the draft and write either a full new set of notes or extensive specific page notes. We will follow that up with a 30 min. story conference, working to get the script right and ready to be submitted to filmmakers.
Fee: $500OUTLINE/ARTICLE CRITIQUE
I’m happy to critique your story while it’s still in outline form. Essentially, you will present me with a story that intrigues you, that you think would make a great movie. During a 30-minute Skype/telephone conference, I will tell you what I see in the story, if I agree it has potential as a theatrical film/TV movie/TV series, etc. and make recommendations on the next steps to take.
One- to three-page pitch: $200.
Six- to 12-page outline: $300.WRITING SERVICES
NEW STORY OUTLINE
If in the course of writing story notes I determine that the story needs a major overhaul, I can provide you with a treatment / outline for what I believe would be a more focused, entertaining and marketable take on what you have already written. I can discuss the ideas I have in general terms with you before this step is agreed to.
Fee: $1,500POLISH
If, after review of your script and consultation, you want me to do a polish on your draft myself, I am available to do so. A polish can be vital for scripts which have already undergone several drafts but still need improvements. Essentially, if you feel like you have taken your draft as far as you can but still feel it needs a punch up, I will first discuss what I intend to change/fix/improve, and then do so in a timely manner (usually 3 to 4 weeks).
Fee: NegotiableFULL REWRITE
This service is paramount for scripts that have a solid concept but need extensive scene, plot and character development. If we agree that in some respects the story is absolutely working but you feel you cannot take it there alone, I am available to write the next draft for you. Credits and time frame for delivery to be decided by mutual agreement.
Fee: Negotiable*I am a proud member of the WGAw and the guild’s Schedule of Minimums is available here. Please feel free to discuss these with me.
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