GET SPECIFIC STORY NOTES, GET ANSWERS, AND IMPROVE YOUR STORY.
What others are saying...
Marta Sprout
award-winning author of Island of Bones
Jacob shows you HOW to write in such a way that producers will be eager to film your script and actors will jump at the chance to play the roles of your characters. A script consultation with Jacob Michael is a career changing event for any screenwriter.
Mason Cardiff
Downcold Productions
I was a little nervous about handing my script over, but Jacob was really respectful about my work and it was very obvious that he put in a lot of time and thought on how to tweak the script for the better. And Jacob was spot on with his suggestions!
Pat O'Brien
Aspiring Screenwriter
Other services may tell you what you are doing right or wrong, but they never tell you WHY. Jacob does that in spades. It was also clear that he really read my script with understanding. He knew the story, which helped in correcting but also in understanding what I was trying to do, even when I did not articulate it in the script.
A Script Consultation Is for You If...
Your Story's Not Working...
and you don't know how to fix it.
You Have Questions...
and script coverage can't provide the answers.
You Want a Conversation...
with a person and not a written report.
All Story Consultations Include:
Extensive Analysis of Your Story
I read through your entire script in one sitting, and then make big picture notes. I also revisit sections for specific issues.
Margin Notes in Your Script
When reading your script, I make margin notes on the first several pages. I share these notes with you after our conversation.
An Online Call
It's a conversation all about improving your story. My notes, your questions... we discuss things that are and are not working.
Revision Strategy
We talk about possible ways to solve the problematic areas of your story, which gives you a direction for your next revision.
Recording of Our Call
After our conversation, I'll share with you the recorded video... that way, you don't have to worry about taking notes. Just engage.
Story Consultation IS...
A personalized conversation about your completed story and story structure, keeping in mind what you are hoping to accomplish in the telling.
Candid, honest feedback about what is and isn't working in your story after a thorough analysis of it.
Strategic planning for attacking a revision to move your script closer to being "industry ready."
Story Consultation Is NOT...
A writing collaboration. I won't write or rewrite your script. However, any ideas or suggestions I have that you like are yours to use as you wish.
An editing service. The concern is big picture primarily, although scenes and dialogue are definitely addressed if necessary. I won't line edit your script.
A manager or agent vetting service. I do everything I can to help you improve your story, but I cannot promise industry success in a fickle industry, and any story consultant who promises otherwise should make you run away.
Yes, and no. Anyone can reserve a spot, but if your script is industry ready, I'll refund your money and encourage you to start submitting it. On the other side, if your script is full of errors in formatting and grammar and the story is confusing, I'll also refund your money and encourage you to get your script up to par. But if I can help you (because you are in between those two extremes), I do.
What is the turnaround time from when I reserve my spot to when we can have a conversation?
My goal is within 2-4 weeks, but that depends on scheduling and a few other factors. Once you reserve your spot, you'll be able to submit your script and then choose a time from the available options.
What times do you schedule consultation calls?
It depends on my schedule. Usually on Sunday and occasionally on Tuesday late afternoons / evenings (my time). I'm located in the Los Angeles area, so I work on the Pacific Time Zone. BUT... my schedule varies from week to week and day to day. If the available times don't work for your schedule or time zone, send me an email, and we can usually work something out.
What forms of payment do you accept?
All major credit cards and PayPal are accepted as long as your country of origin supports those payments.
Do you offer refunds?
If you submit your script and it is either already comparable to industry standards (in other words, you don't need my help) OR it is severely under-developed, I will send an email explaining the scenario, and then refund 100% of your money. If we have not yet had our online conversation and you request a refund, you will be refunded 50% of the total price as I will more than likely have already begun working through your script or finished it.
How do I access the recording of our conversation?
I upload the file and then I'll send you a link. The online link will be active for 6 months for you to watch and rewatch as much as you like. If you want a copy of the file for your records, let me know, and I will get it to you.
If I have more questions, who do I contact?
You can contact the course instructor (their email is below their bio), or you can email: [email protected]
About Jacob
Owner of Big Red Stripe, Storyteller
Jacob Michael
Since earning an MFA in Screenwriting from USC's School of Cinematic Arts in 2009, Jacob has worked in Hollywood as a screenwriter and video editor. He also spent several years teaching writing, screenwriting, storytelling, editing, and filmmaking at Pepperdine University. He has helped shape hundreds of stories, and his students have had work screened at and placed in film festivals in the US and internationally. Jacob's passions include spending time with his family, playing golf and soccer, telling stories, and helping others tell the best stories they possibly can. If you're new to writing, there's nothing he wants more than to help you succeed.
