Script Consulting
Rated “Cream of the Crop” in Creative Screenwriting’s
“The Best Script Analysts and Consultants“!
Email Erik at erik@flyingwrestler.com
Having faced it myself, I can relate to the struggle of trying to figure out how to move your script and writing career forward. I’ve been fortunate to have agents, producers and peers along the way, who were able to help me see what my work needed, and who helped me get it there. And I’ve come to realize the value of objective, professional-level feedback as a key resource.
Unless we’re lucky enough to have someone who does this for a living who is also invested in us, and willing and able to help us, we writers are faced with having to pay such a person for their time in order to get really substantive guidance. This is where the sometimes controversial idea of “script consulting” comes in.
Some find the notion of someone taking money in order to provide feedback to be objectionable – and the more money they ask for, the more objectionable it might seem. They suspect that these “script consultants” are really just bilking writers out of their hard-earned funds – perhaps filling them with false hope, and a promise that only they know the “secrets” that will help them defy the odds and become professional, produced writers. And if these people don’t have experience succeeding at this themselves (or helping others to do so, through legitimate jobs in the business), their claims and rates might seem all the more suspect.
There probably are “script consultants” out there who are to be avoided. But I also believe that, by and large, the work these people do can be helpful and valuable. Of course, I don’t have personal experience with most of them, but I believe the need for feedback from someone who has studied and devoted themselves to this craft, preferably for a living, is essential to writers moving forward with their efforts.
So in addition to working on my own writing projects, I now also offer such help – as a fellow writer who’s been through the process (and still goes through it) – and whose intention is to go beyond analysis and critiquing to provide teaching, mentoring and coaching so that the work improves.
When I give feedback to a writer on their idea, outline, or script, I always start with the basic concept – with the story challenge(s) that they are trying to get an audience emotionally invested in. I find Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat books to be a great help with this — and especially his thoughts on “genre” (as well as his “beat sheet” for basic story structure). I have more details on what I look for in a story on my evaluation criteria page.
I always recommend that writers get feedback on these basic story choices first if possible, rather than waiting until they have a finished script – and I offer a free half-hour call with no obligation to anyone with a story or series idea, whether they’ve written the script yet or not (I will even read a one-pager on it in advance). I also give input on loglines, pitches, outlines, etc., in addition to reading finished scripts.
My rates page gives more details, and enables you to set up a booking.
Or you can e-mail me at erik@flyingwrestler.com to discuss what you’re working on, and how I might be able to help.
“Erik’s expertise has helped me improve my pitching, my screenwriting and my TV writing. He really knows story (it’s obviously second nature to him), but is also able to step back and articulate big conceptual ideas in a practical way, which makes him a wonderful teacher. Over the course of the last year I have met with many television executives, and Erik’s coaching has helped me walk in with confidence. Working with him is like attending the film school I wish I had when I went to film school!” – AMY TAYLOR, represented by Original Artists and Quattro Media
“I would not have made it this far without Erik’s very direct and constructive criticism. At a time when it’s difficult to get a break, it’s great to be able to receive feedback from a top pro. I’ve worked with dozens of consultants, and his script notes are the best I’ve ever received. Amazing that such a talented writer does consulting. He’s reasonably priced and a nice guy. I will be using his services again in the future!” – STEPHEN HOOVER, 2010 Grand Prize Winner, “Table Read My Screenplay”; 2009 Gold Prize Winner, PAGE International (Thriller/Horror Category)
“I’ve worked with half a dozen evaluators before finding someone of Erik Bork’s caliber. Thanks in part to his invaluable insights, my screenplay placed highly enough in Script Savvy’s contest that they are now recommending it to producers. Erik has an exquisitely attuned sense of truth and is willing to give critical, hard-to-hear feedback so important in helping me hone my scripts. His points are always about the screenplay and not his ego. Perhaps most importantly, Erik listens. His intention is to work with me as an ally and I trust that completely.” – JEFF COTTON, Script optioned by Emmy-nominated and Peabody-winning producer.
Hey Erik,
Thank you so much for your encouraging emails and the opportunity to meet you at The Great American Pitchfest. Your seminar was very practical and educating both from a creative and business perspective. Okay, back to the year 2071 I go.
Thanks for Saving my Cat,
Jesse Wine
It was wonderful to meet you Eric! It is always wonderful to meet a fellow buckeye who is doing extremely well in this business. I look forward to working with you in the future. Be well and continue to prosper.
Best Wishes,
Leisa Elliott
I first met Erik at a San Diego Filmmakers meeting. With so many people offering similar services I was lucky to have had the chance to hear Erik speak and get to know him. I felt very good about choosing Erik and was not disappointed.
We met over a Skype session and I knew I had chosen wisely, as he accurately summed up my treatment, pointed out the strengths and weaknesses, and delivered professional, constructive and helpful criticism that helped me move my project forward. It was good time and money well spent.
In a town where it is difficult to separate what is truth from fiction Erik Bork is the real deal. His credits and accomplishments are well known. Erik brings his experience to you in a frank and friendly manner. My time with him improved my vision of my work and re-focused the screenplay, strengthening the concept. Always respectful, Erik sought ways to sharpen not just the project at hand but also my craft. His practical suggestions during our session brought positive results to all my writing projects.
Thank you Erik!
Jeff Michaels
I have consulted with many script analysts, but Erik is the best! Not only does he have a very wide ranging expertise, but he is gentle, kind, full of creative ideas, and takes an active interest beyond the call of duty in the client’s work. My screenplay, The Journey, will be much, much better because of his comments. I plan to consult him again after I complete the second draft. There is no better way to spend your screenplay development money than to get a consultation with Erik! Also, his prices are very reasonable and competitive.—Trisha Howell, published author, actress, screenwriter
Apart from being a great writer and giving us the benefit of his expertise and experience, Erik Bork was able to enter into the world of our feature length screenplay, giving my writing partner and I thought provoking analysis and insights.
When you work with Erik you know he is truly listening and present every step of the way. A rare gift indeed.
Thanks for being there Erik!
Our nonprofit organization discovered Erik after our short film script had already been written. As I am a copywriter and had never written a script, Erik’s knowledge and constructive criticism was extremely valuable and helped us to greatly improve before shooting. The purpose of the videos was to raise funding and awareness of the humanitarian crisis in North Korea through the eyes of three refugees and one volunteer. Erik pointed out sections of the storyline that would have confused people unaware of the issue and provided suggestions for a stronger opening and closing.
The finished videos can be found at http://vimeo.com/linkglobal/videos under these titles: Joseph, Jane, Shin, Nomads. We’ll definitely be going back to Erik again!
Esther Lee
My writing partner and I have spent a lot of time this year working on spec sitcom scripts and Erik has done two things for us very well.
First, he’s helped us focus our energies on writing only the scripts that make the most sense for our goals. Before we even began using his services, we spoke to him at length about what we wanted to achieve and he’s offered to take a look at our simple outlines so we wont do any unnecessary writing.
Second, he’s focused our work on those projects. His notes have steered us away from gimmicks and helped us concentrate on character and story first. If he doesn’t agree with a direction of the story or character, he thoroughly explains why and offers up possible suggestions to illustrate his points.
Bottom line, Erik is a professional who understands character, story and structure. His notes are thorough and appropriate for our goals and specific to our project. I would highly recommend him.
Robert Gustafson
Shock. Disbelief. Just a couple of words to describe how I felt when I realized this talented pro was willing to consult at such an affordable price. Thank you!
Synergy. Connection. Words to describe what our one on one meeting was like in LA. Everything Erik explained and brainstormed just made total sense to me… from character and plot development to steps to take for a rewrite. Things fit. Eric also has a nice disposition – not a Hollywood snob.
Detailed. Efficient. These words describe the analysis he sent before our meeeting and the notes he sent via e-mail after our meeting.
He will help bring life to your script!
As my sister and I began our current writing project we prayed for the right people to cross our path on this journey to help us successfully tell our story. I met Erik at the LA Writer’s Conference. Hearing his background and impressive accomplishments along with the fact that he is very warm and approachable, I felt assured that he was one of those people. His fees and the steps to initiate the process were reasonable and clear. He promised one thing. “I try to give more value than I receive.” He absolutely fulfilled that.
I believe Erik really cares about people and he really loves what he does. It is evident in his sincerity. He is very professional, prompt to always respond and gave abundant sound advice, detailed notes and explanations mapping our direction. We gained tremendous insight, instruction, and inspiration.
Erik IS the man. I’m an author and wanna be screen writer. After penning four books I thought screen writing would be a snap. Then I tried it and discovered how challenging it really is. Without Erik’s help I would still be lost in the wilderness. His advice has been invaluable and his prices are very reasonable. I would recommend him to anyone and everyone.
To be really useful, script analysis should be like good medicine––specific to the problem, evidence-based, therapeutic and prompt. Erik Bork provides all of that and as a bonus gives the distinct impression he actually cares about your success.
Erik- Thanks for the detailed notes and recent feedback on my script. Your assistance and attention to detail is not only appreciated, but also cherished. The amount of input you gave has really made an impact on my re-writing focus and your pointers on new approaches has really changed my focus for the better.
Big Help:
I had been working on my Romantic Comedy for 2 years and it was Erik’s analysis that solved my problems. Now, the script is done and l am ready to send it out to producers.
Thanks Erik
After attending one of your seminars at the Screenwriters Expo it was apparent, after sharing stories of successes and failures, that you had insightful knowledge of the inner workings of the entertainment industry. You offered a very, in-depth, comprehensive analysis of my sitcom pilot that has given me many ideas on it’s development that I wouldn’t have considered before. Even with all of the success you’ve had, I can tell that you still enjoy working with new writers and helpling them along in the process.
Thanks Erik
Hi Erik:
I very much enjoyed your workshop at the LA Writer’s Conference. Thank you for sharing your years of experiences and beneficial expertise. I have been focusing on a much deeper look at each scene. I have posted a banner above my computer that reads: Compelling, Entertaining, Believable and Unique….often easier to read than to write but I like the end results!
I hope to get some coaching from you soon, thanks again.
Peace,
Sharmyn
Author: “40 Something & Single”
Erik, your presentations were the buzz of the conference. I’ve been attending SCWC since 2004 and now help out with staffing logistics, leaving me little time for attending sessions. However, I knew you would be there and hoped I could sit long enough to take in a workshop. I finally was able to sneak into your Sat a.m. session and was blown away by your humility, approachability, clarity and common sense. Trust me; this is not always the case in a screenwriting presenter. For some reason, in fact, those who have written the least seem to be the most authoritarian and least flexible in their approach. Your embrace, not only of differences between individual ambitions but also of wildly variant subject material, signals to me your seriousness and effectiveness as a teacher and writer. (You handled everything from religious memoir to romantic comedy, including fiction, non-fiction and script formats, and helped everyone see the necessity of emotional hooks in all.) Thank you so much for your outstanding contribution to the event, as well as giving me (as an attendee) much-valued encouragement and wisdom to help sustain me along the writing path.
Hi Erik,
Thank you for the article. It is a nice summation of your presentation. I have taken the words “Compelling, entertaining, believable and unique” to heart and literally am looking at every paragraph I write to see if it fulfills this guideline.
That is the unique thing about the concept. It is NOT a formula, rather a guideline. It is flexible and can be adapted to any writer or genre.
I really enjoyed your sessions at the conference and look forward to working with you in the near future.
Kindest Regards,
Jeff
I have read the books, paid for coverages and consultations, listened to the experts at seminars, and otherwise sought to understand this crazy business, but I can honestly say that Erik Bork’s insight and advice is outstanding, Give him a chance to help you. You won’t regret it.
Buck McLean