Script Consulting
I’ve helped hundreds of writers elevate their screenplays, TV scripts and stage plays, whether they’ve given me a completed draft or just a synopsis or logline.
Invariably, the problem with most scripts
and concepts lies in character.
If you read and watch works of Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Nabokov, Mann, Roth, Hitchcock, Tarantino, and Kauffman, it becomes clear what makes good drama -- unforgettably original characters going hell bent to attain their goals.
Can you imagine the plot of MACBETH without Lady Macbeth’s need for power to drive it?
Would INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS have had the almost unbearable level of tension without the warmly sadistic, obsessively detail-oriented drive of Colonel Hans Landa to capture every Jew in Europe?
LOLITA’s plot is driven by the monstrous character of a man obsessed with possessing a pre-teenage girl. Without that character, you’ve got a Disney film starring Brian Keith and Hayley Mills.
Characters drive the plot,
based on their obsessions and desires.
Plot points don’t just “happen.” Somebody wants something badly enough to try to take it away from someone else, and you’ve got a plot, and that’s what I focus on in my consultations. Once the characters are nailed, I look at structure, dialogue, formatting, spelling and punctuation.
With some clients, I go beyond analyzing their scripts to helping them write their next draft.
Here are my most popular levels of consultation:
Bronze:
I read the script critically and provide the writer with a full page of critical observations about the work’s strengths and weaknesses, and give it a “pass”, “consider” or “recommend” rating, similar to that provided by studios.
I analyze the concept, genre, structure, and execution when looking at the work’s overall potential.
Screenplay (up to 120 pages)
$395 USD
60 minute pilot (up to 60 pages)
$295 USD
30 minute pilot (up to 30 pages)
$200 USD
Silver:
I read the script several times and in addition to the Bronze deliverable, I provide the writer with 2 pages of actionable suggestions for improvement in character and plot.
Screenplay (up to 120 pages)
$495 USD
60 minute pilot (up to 60 pages)
$350 USD
30 minute pilot (up to 30 pages)
$275 USD
Gold:
I read the screenplay several more times, and in addition to the Bronze and Silver deliverables, I provide 4-6 pages of actionable suggestions for improvement, plus the rewriting of 1-2 scenes, to demonstrate what producers are looking for.
I also provide a logline and synopsis, perfect for pitching the work.
Screenplay (up to 120 pages)
$695 USD
60 minute pilot (up to 60 pages)
$495 USD
30 minute pilot (up to 30 pages)
$300 USD
Check out testimonials from writers I’ve worked with:
“Richard's professionalism is unmatched; he consistently delivers revised and edited work with remarkable punctuality, often exceeding the expectations of our business agreement. His dedication extends far beyond the technical aspects of screenwriting; he has been a true champion of my story, offering both creative insight and steady support.”
Risa August,
Author of "The Road Unpaved"
“In addition to his writing skills, Richard is a pleasure to work with. He is a team player who values open communication and feedback and is always willing to make adjustments to his work to ensure that the project meets or exceeds expectations. He is a talented and dedicated writer who has the ability to bring any story to life on the screen.”
Malka Bender, Producer and Director
“We brought Richard into the writing process after we had taken the script as far as we thought we could. Richard helped in particular by suggesting more conflict be worked into the dialogue. His opinion about exposition and unnecessary dialogue was right on the money.”
Marlin Darrah,
Director and Producer of "The Amazon Queen"
“Richard Lasser has been serving as a screenwriting mentor at Recording Radio Film Connection’s Film Institute for the past five years. Our students have been quite satisfied with the quality of Richard’s work and how he’s helped them advance their screenwriting careers.”
Elliot Camps,
Recording Radio Film Connection
Check out the testimonials from writers I’ve worked with:
“Richard Lasser has been serving as a screenwriting mentor at Recording Radio Film Connection’s Film Institute for the past five years. Our students have been quite satisfied with the quality of Richard’s work and how he’s helped them advance their screenwriting careers.”
“In addition to his writing skills, Richard is a pleasure to work with. He is a team player who values open communication and feedback and is always willing to make adjustments to his work to ensure that the project meets or exceeds expectations. He is a talented and dedicated writer who has the ability to bring any story to life on the screen.”
“Richard’s professionalism is unmatched; he consistently delivers revised and edited work with remarkable punctuality, often exceeding the expectations of our business agreement. His dedication extends far beyond the technical aspects of screenwriting; he has been a true champion of my story, offering both creative insight and steady support.”
“We brought Richard into the writing process after we had taken the script as far as we thought we could. Richard helped in particular by suggesting more conflict be worked into the dialogue. His opinion about exposition and unnecessary dialogue was right on the money.”