Dominic did this for me last year. His notes were so helpful and insightful. I'd recommend him in a heartbeat. My script then reached the semi finals in several comps.
I got my audio notes from Dominic a few weeks back and I have to say it was the best deep dive into my writing I've gotten so far. He took time to dissect his own interpretation, explaining why he made the suggestions he made and gave the critiques he gave. The audio aspect is so cool -- getting to hear him mull over thoughts on something I wrote was a great insight since we typically never get to hear someone think about our script out loud. Great stuff all around.
Dominic's audio notes are terrific! He's actively engaged with your work. He's talking to you about your script while he reads it. Things come up, off the top of his head that, if he were writing everything down, probably would never have made it to the page. It's the next best thing to being on the phone with him. Dominic's honest. I mention that because he's a produced writer, so his opinions have value. If you're thin skinned this may not be for you. But, if you're looking for feedback that can actually make your screenplay better, make it more attractive to producers, directors, and actors, I suggest you contact Dominic right away because he's a busy script fella.
In the past I've found Dominic's videos extremely helpful and so jumped at the opportunity to have him provide notes on the 1st 10 pages of 1 of my scripts. I was particularly interested in comparing it to the notes I got from Script Shark back in 2015. I know as writers we are supposed to avoid cliches, but it was like chalk and cheese. Although this was a 10 page trial, the audio notes were so precise and instantly highlighted the pros and cons of the elements not just of the pages but of the scene, virtually line by line. No more "your characters need work", this is real in-depth analysis and extremely personalised to each script. Needless to say I plan to work with Dominic in future on this and other scripts as I feel this is the type of coverage I need if I'm going to take my writing to the next level.
I've been on both sides of the system. I write screenplays and I have used a screenwriting consulting service. And I was also a script reader for a British company for six months a few years ago. And from this experience almost everything that Dominic says seems quite true. The coverage I received of a script I wrote (an action adventure surrounding a pile of lost gold in a desert) was basically a re-hash of my script with some notes about plot, characters, dialogue, and marketability. How much did I pay? About 400 Canadian dollars. Waste of time and money. I have also had experience with studio readers. Two scripts I wrote made it through the golden gates to a studio and then died at the reader's desks. Who were they? I have no idea. How qualified were they to judge my script? Who knows. And the feedback I got was just two pages, with one page an outline of the plot and the second page a check list of the good, bad, and ugly of my scripts, graded on excellent, very good, good, and poor. So those two scripts went nowhere. Were they good or bad? Unsure, because I received no constructive criticism. Now I also worked as a script reader. It was very flaky to begin with. A British company hired me over the Internet based on an ad I answered. I was given a sample of what they wanted and then thrown in the deep end with my first script. Now I had been writing scripts for 20 years at this point so had some ideas of what was good and bad. But I had no experience as a reader. The scripts they sent me were supposedly ones that made it far in contests or had some power behind them. Out of about 15 I read I recommended only one for production. The rest were a lot of bad, some good, a few very good, but not excellent. But again, it shows how some of these people work, using a consulting novice like me to judge what to go forward with. And my fear was the same thing had happened to me with the two scripts that made it to the studio.
Dominic gave me notes that told me precisely what was right and what wasn't in the most honest way possible. If you want the truth and no fluff, it's worth it. I plan on using his services again. It will give me a benchmark for my progress as a screenwriter.
Just had my notes back from Dominic and they were fantastic. Having them in audio instead of written added a much needed extra layer of context that I feel is missing with most other services, and occasionally breaking for hilarious anecdotes kept the whole experience fun too. Henry
Is there a part 2 to this video? It ended rather abruptly!? Fantastic advice though! Currently hunting for script consultants and this was incredibly helpful.
Your bugbear with script notes is so painfully accurate, particularly the "shallow" nature of the notes in many cases. I'll typically find a single useful point in any script coverage I get, which I suppose is better than none at all but hey, "even a broken clock is right twice a day." Thanks for pointing this out! With your script coverage service, are you happy to look at pilot scripts for TV shows as well? Or only feature length screenplays?
I had Dominic do the review of the first 10 pages of one of my first feature screenplays I had written. Dominic's audio notes were not only helpful in improving my ideas of presentation in that particular screenplay but helped to open my eyes to what is going to be looked at as an "unknown" aspiring to sell or option my work. He holds nothing back and provides a very fair and thorough description of what he sees and where improvements are crucial. I would recommend him to anyone who is serious about having a hard objective look at their work to see how "ready" it is for the industry. Matter of fact I plan on making some of his suggested improvements and using the service again.
@@Scriptfella I love them! I got some answers that I've been looking for for years. My favorite thing is the lack of BS and the straight talk in your videos. Very refreshing.
I agree with what he's saying. I was trying to get this deep dive by finding a few people who are better than me (contest winners, or pro writers) to write 1 script together. Figuring everyone will get into that moment to moment critique if we're all working on the same story. It would be easier to do. But, I've had trouble finding people. Once, I got a group going pretty well, but when good, imo, ideas started to be shared, people ducked out. Like they wanted to write up the idea themselves. Don't know what to do about that happening.
Got my audio notes from Dominic just last week, they are by far the best, most professional notes on my writing I've had. Went on to have my movie taken up by a short film director! Would absolutely recommend to anyone scrolling through the comments! 😃
For those of you who are looking for insightful and extremely pertinent notes with no ‘filler’ go for Dominic’s offer and book a taster. After a one-week turnaround, I received mine and found the use of audio particularly helpful. It really compliments the thoughts and analysis of the reader, creating a solid through-line of actionable data, with a tangible sense of clarity. I’d have no qualms about going to Dominic for full coverage, he’s worth it!
The purpose and value of a synopsis as part of the feedback is that it demonstrates to the writer that the reader actually read and understood the script. With a synopsis you get that initial boost of trust you’re in good hands that can help you relax and open up to some hard truths that are about to come your way.
FYI many readers in both the coverage world and the industry at large are now using AI to create synopses of scripts. A synopsis is no longer a guarantee that the reader has actually read your script.
I can't recommend Dominic's offer enough. Go for it, my fellow (aspiring) screenwriters. The audio notes are those of a reader has read your pages. Actually read it. Dominic is honest and forward. Very honest. However, at the same time an incredible motivator that loves his craft and wants you to succeed. The audio notes are basically you joining Dominic and his thoughts as they come. It is incredibly spontaneous, and that, in turn, makes it genuine, and genuine feedback is hard to come by. I can honestly say I've grown as a writer, and my script has massively improved. Those improvements have lead to an actual screenwriting gig. It doesn't get any better than that.
Channel very underestimated. Dominic's advice are very valuable. I am finalizing a script and I will send it to him. I was very interested, both in this one and in all the other videos.
@@Scriptfella I'm a brazilian novelist. I've 8 books, published by big editors ins Brazil and 7 countries in Europe (including by Harper-Collins). I'm finalizing with a friend (cinema graduated) an animation, and, as soon as I translate to english, I'll contact you. Thanx.
Hi Dom, I agree with pretty much everything on this video. I'm a script consultant (and a professional script writer with BAFTA and RTS nominations to my name). I worry, a lot, about the plethora of 'script consultants' (especially in the UK) who have no real experience in the industry as a script writer or a script editor. Checking the IMDb is always the first step to choosing a consultant. I also offer realistic advice on making a living in the industry in the UK, which again, is something that these consultants cannot offer, and is vital when starting out as a writer. Being realistic about the business, how it works, and what agents want, and the jobs/money available can often be the advice that helps starting-out writers decide if they want to be a 'pro' or not.
I actually Got Dominic to do this for me this year. I feel very fortunate as he is a very busy man. His audio notes are invaluable and insightful. I definately recommend it.
Danny M - what I love about audio notes - in a 1.30-2 hour podcast to my clients I can include a granular level of detail in my notes which would take SEVERAL DAYS to write up in a 20 page document.. It allows me to be more efficient with my client's time and keep the consulting fee v reasonable given the volume of notes delivered.
If you have absolutely no network and no one to give you feedback, go for it. OR If you were like me, had ZERO connections whatsoever and your script is the absolute best you can possibly make it, send it to something like the trackingboard or a contest that offers feedback. Just my 2 cents :D Also, good to see ZO also reviewed one of your scripts
Hi Sam - If you'd like me to assess your work and provide you with audio notes, please shoot me an email on scriptfella@gmail.com and let's have a chat. I currently charge £200 for an audio notes "podcast" on your first ten pages. See this video: HOW TO WIN A SCREENWRITING CONTEST ua-cam.com/video/oFO5Fu-o3cQ/v-deo.html As well as looking at your logline, concept, plot and characters, I deep dive your writing style, assess your use of verbs, adjectives, sentence constructions, and identify your strengths, weaknesses and any suboptimal writing habits. In essence, I create a 30 minute audio course for you, using your first ten pages as the set text. If you'd like to commission me to create an audio notes podcast, email your first ten pages and logline to scriptfella@gmail.com and I'll send you a Paypal request. I look forward to reading you. Dominic
Vicki Sixx welcome aboard. Absolutely, my audio notes taster deal for £20 is running over lockdown. Per the vid, email scriptfella@gmail.com very best D
Dominic did this for me last year. His notes were so helpful and insightful. I'd recommend him in a heartbeat. My script then reached the semi finals in several comps.
Thanks Dan, splendid to hear your news.
I got my audio notes from Dominic a few weeks back and I have to say it was the best deep dive into my writing I've gotten so far. He took time to dissect his own interpretation, explaining why he made the suggestions he made and gave the critiques he gave. The audio aspect is so cool -- getting to hear him mull over thoughts on something I wrote was a great insight since we typically never get to hear someone think about our script out loud. Great stuff all around.
Benny, it was an absolute pleasure reading the first ten pages of your highly original Christmas movie. Please do stay in touch.
Dominic's audio notes are terrific! He's actively engaged with your work. He's talking to you about your script while he reads it. Things come up, off the top of his head that, if he were writing everything down, probably would never have made it to the page. It's the next best thing to being on the phone with him. Dominic's honest. I mention that because he's a produced writer, so his opinions have value. If you're thin skinned this may not be for you. But, if you're looking for feedback that can actually make your screenplay better, make it more attractive to producers, directors, and actors, I suggest you contact Dominic right away because he's a busy script fella.
In the past I've found Dominic's videos extremely helpful and so jumped at the opportunity to have him provide notes on the 1st 10 pages of 1 of my scripts. I was particularly interested in comparing it to the notes I got from Script Shark back in 2015. I know as writers we are supposed to avoid cliches, but it was like chalk and cheese. Although this was a 10 page trial, the audio notes were so precise and instantly highlighted the pros and cons of the elements not just of the pages but of the scene, virtually line by line. No more "your characters need work", this is real in-depth analysis and extremely personalised to each script. Needless to say I plan to work with Dominic in future on this and other scripts as I feel this is the type of coverage I need if I'm going to take my writing to the next level.
I've been on both sides of the system. I write screenplays and I have used a screenwriting consulting service. And I was also a script reader for a British company for six months a few years ago. And from this experience almost everything that Dominic says seems quite true.
The coverage I received of a script I wrote (an action adventure surrounding a pile of lost gold in a desert) was basically a re-hash of my script with some notes about plot, characters, dialogue, and marketability. How much did I pay? About 400 Canadian dollars. Waste of time and money.
I have also had experience with studio readers. Two scripts I wrote made it through the golden gates to a studio and then died at the reader's desks. Who were they? I have no idea. How qualified were they to judge my script? Who knows. And the feedback I got was just two pages, with one page an outline of the plot and the second page a check list of the good, bad, and ugly of my scripts, graded on excellent, very good, good, and poor. So those two scripts went nowhere. Were they good or bad? Unsure, because I received no constructive criticism.
Now I also worked as a script reader. It was very flaky to begin with. A British company hired me over the Internet based on an ad I answered. I was given a sample of what they wanted and then thrown in the deep end with my first script. Now I had been writing scripts for 20 years at this point so had some ideas of what was good and bad. But I had no experience as a reader. The scripts they sent me were supposedly ones that made it far in contests or had some power behind them. Out of about 15 I read I recommended only one for production. The rest were a lot of bad, some good, a few very good, but not excellent. But again, it shows how some of these people work, using a consulting novice like me to judge what to go forward with. And my fear was the same thing had happened to me with the two scripts that made it to the studio.
Dominic gave me notes that told me precisely what was right and what wasn't in the most honest way possible. If you want the truth and no fluff, it's worth it.
I plan on using his services again. It will give me a benchmark for my progress as a screenwriter.
Just had my notes back from Dominic and they were fantastic. Having them in audio instead of written added a much needed extra layer of context that I feel is missing with most other services, and occasionally breaking for hilarious anecdotes kept the whole experience fun too.
Henry
Is there a part 2 to this video? It ended rather abruptly!?
Fantastic advice though! Currently hunting for script consultants and this was incredibly helpful.
Hi Andy suggest to check out this vid - ua-cam.com/video/oFO5Fu-o3cQ/v-deo.html
And maybe also drop in on my new website... www.scriptfella.com/consulting-overview
Your bugbear with script notes is so painfully accurate, particularly the "shallow" nature of the notes in many cases. I'll typically find a single useful point in any script coverage I get, which I suppose is better than none at all but hey, "even a broken clock is right twice a day." Thanks for pointing this out!
With your script coverage service, are you happy to look at pilot scripts for TV shows as well? Or only feature length screenplays?
Hi Scriptease - I'm happy to review pilots and features.
I had Dominic do the review of the first 10 pages of one of my first feature screenplays I had written.
Dominic's audio notes were not only helpful in improving my ideas of presentation in that particular screenplay but helped to open my eyes to what is going to be looked at as an "unknown" aspiring to sell or option my work. He holds nothing back and provides a very fair and thorough description of what he sees and where improvements are crucial.
I would recommend him to anyone who is serious about having a hard objective look at their work to see how "ready" it is for the industry. Matter of fact I plan on making some of his suggested improvements and using the service again.
Just discovered this channel. I gotta binge-watch the rest of the videos now. Super helpful stuff!
Welcome aboard , Richard. Hope you enjoy the vids.
@@Scriptfella I love them! I got some answers that I've been looking for for years. My favorite thing is the lack of BS and the straight talk in your videos. Very refreshing.
Informative, helpful, and insightful, as usual. Keep ’em comin’!
Clint Robertson will do!
I agree with what he's saying. I was trying to get this deep dive by finding a few people who are better than me (contest winners, or pro writers) to write 1 script together. Figuring everyone will get into that moment to moment critique if we're all working on the same story. It would be easier to do. But, I've had trouble finding people. Once, I got a group going pretty well, but when good, imo, ideas started to be shared, people ducked out. Like they wanted to write up the idea themselves. Don't know what to do about that happening.
Got my audio notes from Dominic just last week, they are by far the best, most professional notes on my writing I've had. Went on to have my movie taken up by a short film director! Would absolutely recommend to anyone scrolling through the comments! 😃
Thank you for sending this link. I have liked and subscribed.
Welcome to SCRIPTFELLA, Baz.
For those of you who are looking for insightful and extremely pertinent notes with no ‘filler’ go for Dominic’s offer and book a taster. After a one-week turnaround, I received mine and found the use of audio particularly helpful. It really compliments the thoughts and analysis of the reader, creating a solid through-line of actionable data, with a tangible sense of clarity. I’d have no qualms about going to Dominic for full coverage, he’s worth it!
The purpose and value of a synopsis as part of the feedback is that it demonstrates to the writer that the reader actually read and understood the script. With a synopsis you get that initial boost of trust you’re in good hands that can help you relax and open up to some hard truths that are about to come your way.
FYI many readers in both the coverage world and the industry at large are now using AI to create synopses of scripts. A synopsis is no longer a guarantee that the reader has actually read your script.
I can't recommend Dominic's offer enough. Go for it, my fellow (aspiring) screenwriters. The audio notes are those of a reader has read your pages. Actually read it. Dominic is honest and forward. Very honest. However, at the same time an incredible motivator that loves his craft and wants you to succeed. The audio notes are basically you joining Dominic and his thoughts as they come. It is incredibly spontaneous, and that, in turn, makes it genuine, and genuine feedback is hard to come by. I can honestly say I've grown as a writer, and my script has massively improved. Those improvements have lead to an actual screenwriting gig. It doesn't get any better than that.
Thanks for the shoutout Seppe, and congrats on your first sale.
Channel very underestimated. Dominic's advice are very valuable. I am finalizing a script and I will send it to him. I was very interested, both in this one and in all the other videos.
Cheers Mauricio, look forward to reading your first ten pages.
@@Scriptfella I'm a brazilian novelist. I've 8 books, published by big editors ins Brazil and 7 countries in Europe (including by Harper-Collins). I'm finalizing with a friend (cinema graduated) an animation, and, as soon as I translate to english, I'll contact you. Thanx.
Hi Dom,
I agree with pretty much everything on this video. I'm a script consultant (and a professional script writer with BAFTA and RTS nominations to my name).
I worry, a lot, about the plethora of 'script consultants' (especially in the UK) who have no real experience in the industry as a script writer or a script editor. Checking the IMDb is always the first step to choosing a consultant.
I also offer realistic advice on making a living in the industry in the UK, which again, is something that these consultants cannot offer, and is vital when starting out as a writer. Being realistic about the business, how it works, and what agents want, and the jobs/money available can often be the advice that helps starting-out writers decide if they want to be a 'pro' or not.
Thanks for spamming your own services asshole.
Once again, your insights are spot on! Thank you!
Judy, as a writer and lover of language, I think you might enjoy this free class - www.scriptfella.com/mistakes-masterclass
@@Scriptfella Thank you! Clicking the link now.
I actually Got Dominic to do this for me this year. I feel very fortunate as he is a very busy man. His audio notes are invaluable and insightful. I definately recommend it.
Thanks for the shoutout, Tony. Hope your project is going well. D
@@Scriptfella It's getting there thank you.
I got audio notes on my first 10 pages and they were great. Useful and honest.
Genius idea: audio notes versus written notes
Danny M - what I love about audio notes - in a 1.30-2 hour podcast to my clients I can include a granular level of detail in my notes which would take SEVERAL DAYS to write up in a 20 page document.. It allows me to be more efficient with my client's time and keep the consulting fee v reasonable given the volume of notes delivered.
What’s your take on script consultants and script coverage services ?
If you have absolutely no network and no one to give you feedback, go for it. OR If you were like me, had ZERO connections whatsoever and your script is the absolute best you can possibly make it, send it to something like the trackingboard or a contest that offers feedback. Just my 2 cents :D
Also, good to see ZO also reviewed one of your scripts
lishkoburger12 hi - I agree tracking board run a really solid competition - and have connected 100s of writers with reps and producers.
This channel is so underrated
hey guys how do I send my script to Dominic?
Hi Sam - If you'd like me to assess your work and provide you with audio notes, please shoot me an email on scriptfella@gmail.com and let's have a chat. I currently charge £200 for an audio notes "podcast" on your first ten pages.
See this video:
HOW TO WIN A SCREENWRITING CONTEST
ua-cam.com/video/oFO5Fu-o3cQ/v-deo.html
As well as looking at your logline, concept, plot and characters, I deep dive your writing style, assess your use of verbs, adjectives, sentence constructions, and identify your strengths, weaknesses and any suboptimal writing habits. In essence, I create a 30 minute audio course for you, using your first ten pages as the set text. If you'd like to commission me to create an audio notes podcast, email your first ten pages and logline to scriptfella@gmail.com and I'll send you a Paypal request.
I look forward to reading you.
Dominic
I’m sending an email now to take you up on your offer. Cheers!
Look forward to reading your pages Boomer.
This video is probably why Tyler Mowery wanted to interview you and not because of your "expertise" hahaha
Fantastic! You have a new subscriber! And wanna read my script? ;)
Vicki Sixx welcome aboard. Absolutely, my audio notes taster deal for £20 is running over lockdown. Per the vid, email scriptfella@gmail.com very best D