Do I need a Script Consultant? A Guide for Film and TV Screenwriters

So you’ve landed on my website. That must mean that you’ve thought about engaging the help of a good script editor to help you with your script. So the question is – Do I really need a script consultant?

Now that’s a deeply personal question that only you can answer. It’s tempting to keep your passion project under lock and key – guarding it from constructive criticism. However, once your script is greenlit, it’s a completely collaborative process. From notes from producers, directors and commissioners. So sometimes, the smartest move you can make is bringing in an expert beforehand to help shape your vision.

So in this guide, we’ll explore what script consultants and editors do, when to hire one, and how to get the most out of working with them.

Who are we?

A script consultant is a professional who provides objective, expert feedback on your screenplay. We evaluate the story structure, themes, character arcs, dialogue and pacing of your script. Unlike friends or family who offer broad notes, a script consultant is there to ‘sense check’ your idea and help to make your script compete in a competitive market. Your loved ones might say, “It’s great!” but a script consultant will say, “Here’s what works, and here’s how to fix what doesn’t.”

We are part story doctor, part coach. In film school, I was always told to look at the ‘bigger picture’ so that we can help bring your script closer to its full potential.You may have heard of a script consultant and a script editor. But what’s the difference?

A script consultant focuses on the big-picture storytelling (so theme, structure, tone, and overall cohesion) whereas a script editor works more closely with writers to revise script drafts. We often dig a little deeper into the scene-by-scene changes, pacing, and give notes on polishing your characters. I offer both services, so it’s all about determining what your needs are.

Why should you hire a Script Consultant?

Well you may want someone to give you a fresh objective perspective on your script. Sometimes when you’ve read and revised your script countless times, you may not spot some things that may not be working in the script. A consultant brings unbiased, trained eyes to your script that you may not have noticed. We also have the industry knowledge and market awareness. A good consultant comes from backgrounds in development, production, or screenwriting. So they know what execs, and script competition judges are looking for.

I’ve read for the BBC, BFI, Channel 4 and more, so my insights should help you to understand what other producers are looking for. Script consultants should offer actionable, constructive feedback that is specific, and solution focused. Hiring a script consultant isn’t just about fixing one screenplay, you can often see it as an investment in your long-term growth.

Not every script requires a fresh pair of eyes over it. But it can help when you are submitting your script to a producer, script competition or an agent. Sometimes you may have sent your script to multiple people and got vague or conflicting feedback – so you need an impartial voice to see if what you’ve written needs a bit of work. It’s always good to get people to read your script, but sometimes take advice with a pinch of salt. Script consultants are also good when you need some advice before a meeting, or you feel you’ve hit a creative roadblock or you are pivoting to a new format such as shorts to features or features to TV.

But remember, not all script consultants are made equal. Finding the right match for your voice, goals, and genre is essential. Look for a consultant that has professional screenwriting experience, a background in development or past clients who’ve gone on to success.  A good sign is checking out their testimonials or IMDb credits. Maybe they specialise in a specific genre, like horror or sci-fi, whilst others focus on character-driven dramas or comedy pilots. Do their strengths match with your project?

And most importantly, make the most of the collaboration. Be clear on your goals. What type of help do you need? I tend to book in an initial Zoom call to work this out, so my notes are tailored to your aims. Be open to feedback, because a consultant’s job isn’t to flatter, it’s to help you level up.  And if you are just looking for a development report, don’t expect a full rewrite. Although we Brits don’t like talking about money, it’s important to agree on a budget and timeline. Be upfront about your expectations as rates vary widely. You could consider it as a business expense, polishing your ‘product’ is part of the writing process. If you want advice on your pitch deck, then don’t be afraid to ask in our development meeting.

Is hiring a script consultant worth It?

If you’re serious about screenwriting as a career, and not just a hobby, then yes, a script consultant is worth the investment. The feedback could turn a ‘good’ script into a winner. Even experienced writers use editors to tighten their work.

Your script is more than just a story; it’s your calling card. And a script consultant can help ensure that your first impression is unforgettable. So if you feel stuck or are preparing for submission or meeting, now is the time to get advice. The right script consultant should help you grow as a writer. So don’t wait until rejection to find out what’s not working. Hire a professional script consultant to take your script to the next level.

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