Screenwriter Services

I offer a variety of professional services to independent filmmakers and authors, primarily in the areas of screenwriting and consulting. I enjoy working with other creatives to bring out the best in a project; hire me and you’ll benefit from decades of experience.  

SCREENWRITING & SCREENPLAY SERVICES

I'm available to write, ghostwrite, rewrite, edit, format, or analyze feature-length screenplays for clients. I have a strong grasp of screenplay structure, theme, character, dialogue and pacing. I'll deliver a professional and engaging screenplay in a timely manner. I prefer to work in Final Draft, considered the industry standard, but will work with other programs as well. I'll provide a work-for-hire contract and am willing to sign a Nondisclosure Agreement if you provide one.

I am not a member of the Writers Guild of America, and I charge nonunion rates which are substantially more affordable. Once we sign a contract you are obligated to meet all payment deadlines; if you cancel a project after I’ve commenced work my “kill fee” is 50% of whatever balance remains. I won’t waste your time if you don’t waste mine.

I enjoy screenwriting for clients. It takes me eight weeks to write a complete screenplay, depending on the desired length. I don’t post flat rates here because every project is different. I specialize in the Action, Crime Drama, Horror, Science Fiction, Western and Thriller genres, but screenplay structure and the rules of conflict are the same for every genre.

My rates vary depending on whether you want a screenplay for a film under 100 minutes long or something longer. 

DISCLAIMER: I only offer my services as a writer and a consultant. I make no warranties as to whether the screenplay you hire me to write will be produced, that is 100% your responsibility.

Original Screenplay

I'm available to write feature-length screenplays, in any genre, for any budget range, based on your concept, outline or story treatment. My fee includes a first draft, a second draft, and a final polish to ensure you’re satisfied with my work.

I must be paid in advance for every word I write. I require one-third payment upfront, upon executing an agreement; one-third after completing the first act; and one-third upon completing the second act . For a longer screenplay, we can structure the payments in quarters.

The cost of the second draft and polish are built into the total price; I don't offer a discount if you decide my work doesn’t require a rewrite or polish. If your project requires an inordinate amount of research, I may require additional payment, to be determined prior to settling on a total fee.

You will retain 100% ownership of the material I write for you, but I must receive screenplay credit. If you hire additional writers, you can assign them screen credit, but I must still receive screenplay credit, in the first position. If you don’t wish to give me screenwriting credit, then hire me as a ghostwriter at a 25% higher rate. Completion time is eight-to-twelve weeks.

Screenplay Ghostwriter

I charge an additional 25% of my rate to ghostwrite a screenplay, payable in three installments. My fee includes one rewrite and one polish. I do not offer a discount if you decide my first draft does not require rewriting. You retain all rights, and I do not receive screen credit. I charge more for ghostwriting gigs because I don’t receive screen credit, and monetary payment is the only compensation I receive for my work. Completion time takes eight-to-twelve weeks.

Screenplay Rewrite

I'll rewrite your existing screenplay. Price is based on length and estimated work, and whether you intend to give me credit as a co-screenwriter, or as script consultant, or if you don’t wish to give me credit at all. I prefer to work in Final Draft, but I can utilize free screenwriting programs as well. I can turn a rewrite around faster than I can an original screenplay or a novel adaptation; I require 50% payment upfront, and 50% upon completion. I do build one round of revisions into the price. Completion time is estimated at three-to-four weeks.

Novel-to-Screenplay Adaptation

I’ve adapted several novels into screenplay form. This is not a simple matter of editing a novel into a different format: a screenplay must follow a specific structure to attract professionals and production entities, and adapting a novel to fit this structure requires a specific skill set. As both a novelist and a screenwriter, I possess those skills.

I'll adapt your novel or short story into a feature-length screenplay.  Billing is based on whether you want a screenplay for a film with a length of up to 100 minutes or something longer. An adaptation of a novel will probably run close to 120 pages; an adaptation of a short story or novella may run only 90 pages.

I require one-third payment upfront, one-third when I complete the first act, and one-third when I complete the second act. This price includes one rewrite and one polish. I do not offer a discount if you decide my first draft does not require additional work. You retain all rights, but I receive screen credit. If you wish for me to adapt your novel as a ghostwriter – receiving no credit – I charge an additional 25% of my fee. 

Screen Treatment

I don't write screenplay treatments. They require as much creativity and problem solving as a screenplay, without the fun or compensation of writing an actual script.

Screenplay Editing

I'll edit your existing screenplay, ensuring it is properly formatted. Your screenplay must be properly written and formatted to appeal to financiers, agents, producers, cast, and a director. I can’t tell you how many scripts I’ve read that appeared to have been written by people who never read one before. Editing includes proofreading and light polishing of dialogue and action descriptions. Completion time depends on how much work needs to be done, but editing requires less time than writing or rewriting. 

Screenplay Analysis

I'll critique your screenplay and provide you with detailed notes (coverage). I have done this many times, for many clients. I am thorough, and often identify weaknesses in scripts for which clients are grateful. There are many screenplay coverage services out there which employ anonymous, unemployed screenwriters. When I analyze a screenplay for a client, he/she knows exactly who I am and what my experience is.

DIRECTING

I'm available to direct feature films I believe in if my price is met and if you demonstrate your legitimacy. I will not look for funding for you, and I do not perform work on anyone else’s project without a deposit. In other words, directors direct and producers produce. I will offer you a Letter of Intent if I like your project, but I will not commit beyond that without payment.

PRODUCING

I'm a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA). I only seek funding for my own projects. I’m available to work as a Line Producer if I believe in your project and if you meet my price: it’s hard work, and I have nothing to gain by working dirt cheap on your passion project. As LP, I will create a budget for your film and organize all logistical matters, overseeing your project from pre-production through the start of post-production (and beyond, if desired). I must have the authority to run a production properly. I will not work in this capacity for people who ignore my advice, which comes from decades of experience.

CONSULTING

I'm available to work remotely as a Consulting Producer. My fee for this work varies depending on how involved in your project you wish me to become. With almost four decades of experience, I will offer you invaluable advice that will save you time, money, and heartache. I require a retainer for consulting services. I am not an accountant, but I’ve completed the preliminary and final application for the New York State Film Production Credit many times, and consulting in that regard is also a service I offer.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

I no longer work as an Assistant Director. 

CROWDFUNDING

I'm available to consult on the crowdfunding campaign for your film. This includes consulting on all facets of your campaign, from critical messaging through creating your pitch video, reward perks and graphics, and editing your campaign page. I will steer you through the launch of your campaign, or through the end of it. What I won’t do is be part of the team that actually chases money  – that’s on you. I take a flat fee, not a percentage; I do not provide contributors or contacts – I just make sure your campaign is in the best shape it can be. Running a successful campaign requires a lot of work, and if you aren’t fully committed to it, and if you don’t take my advice, you will fail to reach your goal.

For all inquiries, email: digital guerrilla cinema at gmail dot com