You've just clicked on the most affordably priced service here --
Quality script notes and story consults from a sold WGA screenwriter, script
doctor and former reader for Brett Ratner, Jerry Bruckheimer, New Line,
Orion, Richard Donner, Wendy Finerman, Cinergi, Dreamworks, MPCA (who made
Dumb & Dumber), Team Todd (Austin Powers), New Regency and more.
See below for more on my history, reviews and the notes recipient who just
got her script filmed.
Feature film script analysis: - as detailed and thorough as services charging
twice the price - $135.
Phone consults: Hash out your story, solve roadblocks, get the lowdown
from the trenches. - $45/HR.
Over 2,000 reads as a pro reader for the notes companies. I've made good
calls as a reader. I made strong recommends on American Beauty, Ocean's
11, Antwone Fisher, Dragonfly and more. I've had film company execs with
half a billion dollars in Box Office call me at home to talk them into or
out of buying specs.
Absorbing the lessons of 1000's of spec script readings helped my own writing
immensely- to the point where I finally landed a feature spec sale, (Low
against Mid six, Uni) my guild card and some feature rewrites.
My clients have also enjoyed success. One won the Scr(I)pt Magazine "Open
Door" contest, others have placed in PGL and Nicholl with script helped
along by my notes. And oh yeah- one of my clients just got her script filmed
by an independent director. (No distribution deal in place yet. Details
to follow after they finish post and hit the film markets.)
THE FEATURE ANALYSIS SERVICE:
More bang for the buck than any service I've found. I focus on the kind
of attention that really makes your writing better and helps you over whatever
your own screenwriting hurdles are. It works for veterans, and for newer
writers.
My story notes consist of page-by-page notes taken as I'm reading, followed
by an overall analysis formed once I know the intended outcome and entire
story. Average 4x as long as standard studio script coverage. I think I'm
offering valuable insight at a reasonable rate: I've gotten as much as $160
for notes, but Inktippers can get these notes at a new low price of $135.
I've checked every other service I¹ve seen, and it's hard to find
basic coverage for a comparable price. Frankly, from what I¹m reading
my service competes with comparable $200-$500 packages from other services.
Anyone with questions or curious about samples in any given genre can E
me at ExtHollywoodDay@aol.com
THE PHONE CONSULTS: $45/hr. Any script topic you need solved. Plot points,
"Is this a good idea", name it. E me to discuss. Available with
or without a full feature read.
WHO'S USED THIS SERVICE?
Some are long time board members who thought it was time for a fresh eye,
many are lurkers who want an easy no-commitment engagement. Mostly this
has been a features service, though I can and have read clients' TV specs
and book manuscripts.
I believe this remains a high quality service because I don't overdo it.
I read a couple scripts a week on average. Sometimes 3 or 4 come at once.
There have been over 200 customers since I started mid-2002, including
a dozen two timers, and two five timers (one who had 3 different scripts
covered, one who had 5 covered)
REVIEWS:
I've recently used Bart's story analysis service and I must say I was overwhelmed
by his cogent and detailed analysis. He uprooted story problems I had no
clue on and also highlighted what worked.
I know some folks want to try the trial and error method of script writing
and that's fine. I recently sold my first script (sold not option) to an
indiepro but it helps me to get a read from pros with whom I'm not personally
acquainted. Helps me get my wares into shape because you only get ONE good
read from the people in your inner sanctum before you send the script out
to the wolves.
-It's one of the biggest secrets in Hollywood that pros use independent
story analysts. A friend of mine who co-wrote one of this summer's blockbusters
uses indie story analysts. Shh.
Bart's good and cheap (for now). And quick, I had my notes within days
of sending off my script. And folks, he's a sold writer and has no axe to
grind as frustrated wannabe scribe.
I used to work (as a lowly minion) at a movie studio. I've read lots of
scripts and coverage and Bart's work is exemplary.
DrStiggers(From the DoneDeal message board.)
I just used Bart's coverage service for my fantasy thriller, and I am thoroughly
impressed. I paid another reader, who shall remain nameless, who charged
me twice as much and didn't have anywhere near the insight that Bart has.
This nameless guy led me to believe that all I needed were a few fixes.
But after Bart read and reviewed it, I discovered it was much more than
a
bandaid fix. There were serious problems with my character's motivation,
among other issues that the other reader failed to catch.
Bart also turned the script around with lightening speed and gave page
by page feedback on what worked/ what didn't work, etc.
Unfortunately, I'd already sent my script to a few companies who had requested
it. I wish I had sent the screenplay to Bart beforehand.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this service to anyone who was looking
for attractively priced coverage by someone who clearly knows what he's
doing.
Fellows2004(DoneDeal)
I had never paid a professional to read my script before - only fellow
writers like myself.
However, I decided to give Bart a look at my project so I could get advice
from someone who's read hundreds of scripts and knows what to look for.
I'm hoping because of his critique and my next re-write, this project will
finally get off the ground.
His notes broke down structural problems which I couldn't see on my own
and helped me get on track. He was very specific about his opinions and
what he thought were both the good and bad decisions I was making in my
script. Both overall and on a page by page basis.
He was even cool enough to send me examples of past reviews he had written
so I knew what to expect. He also responded to every email I sent him with
additional questions that were raised as a result of his notes.
Very prompt, professional, and affordable service in my opinion. I'm glad
I went this route rather than blowing a ton of cash on Pimps or Sharks -
From what I've heard about those other services, Bart seems to offer much
more, for a lot less.
He was even cool enough to send me examples of past reviews he had written
so I knew what to expect. He also responded to every email I sent him with
additional questions that were raised as a result of his notes.
Very prompt, professional, and affordable service in my opinion. I'm glad
I went this route rather than blowing a ton of cash on Pimps or Sharks -
From what I've heard about those other services, Bart seems to offer much
more, for a lot less.
Take it for what it's worth. But, I'm definitely another satisfied customer.
WasupJude(donedeal)
I must admit I am pleased with the quality and quantity of the feedback
I received from Bart on my comedy. He sent me pages of detailed notes, referenced
to page numbers.
His notes are divided into two parts. The first part are the notes pointing
out issues he sees as he makes his first pass. This certainly flushes out
any problems that an audience or studio reader would encounter in ‘getting
it. The second part of the notes are his comments on completing the
read.
He covered everything, structure, plot, character, genre issues, etc.,
and pulled no punches. Some of the comments were hard to take, but after
taking a few deep breaths I realized they were right on. He picked up on
major issues missed by my instructor at the Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute,
the readers at the local screenwriting group I belong to, HOL, and ScriptPIMP.
I'd act on feedback I received from them, and the script still didn't feel
right, so I'd try somebody else. I'd wish Barts service was around
in 2000 as I would have done a lot less wheels pinning and received the
feedback and mentoring I really need. I plan to use him for another script
of mine that has been through other services including Script Shark, HOL,
and Studio
Notes.
Y2ktim (done deal)
I hired Bart to cover my supernatural thriller BLOODLINES, which had been
loved by everyone I knew who read it, and yet dinked by everyone I didn't
know who read it. (except it did get a second look at Austin and a nice
note from BJ.)
Days after I emailed Bart my script, I received 8 pages of notes -- both
an "overall" section and a page-by-page, immediate reaction to
what was being read. While I'd had a feeling at the back of my mind that
the script might be a little confusing, Bart's notes were the first time
I got a chance to see exactly how the script was perceived while it was
being read. And - GULP
- yes, it was confusing.
Which, I guess, is better than boring, but it still meant that I had a
lot of work in front of me. I spent the past week doing a major rewrite,
eliminating characters, condensing storylines, staking my babies ...
I also forwarded Bart's notes to two screenwriters who had read the script.
One of them said, "Yeah -- what he said! He nailed it!" The other
one said, "Who is this guy and how can I hire him?"
Bottom line -- if you're ready to work, and you want a clear blueprint
about what the next draft of your script needs to look like, hire Bart.
If you're a candy-ass who just wants people to tell you what a great writer
you are ... hmmm, are any of those people left on this board?
JamiDiese(DoneDeal)
A little different story here: I sent in a TV spec script for a read. Bart's
analysis was tremendous. As others have said, he provides page by page,
scene by scene notes & not only on what is "right" or "wrong"
with the script, but also re: what he understands about the story as he
proceeds, and what he feels the outcome will be.
At the end, he analyzes the story arcs and offers advice about how to "fix"
or improve the storylines. All in all, I'd give him a "10." He
even found something in the script that I hadnt noticed would be confusing
to the reader (writer=too
close to the story).
Did I agree with everything he said? No. Did I incorporate most of his
advice? You betcha!
Anastacia(DoneDeal)
I recently took the plunge and sent my first screenplay to Bart. I'm guessing
it was painful for him, and certain it was beneficial for me.
Like Jami, I knew my script was confusing. Now I know exactly where and
why. I had reached a point of seeing things that were no longer there and
was subsequently losing my reader at key moments. (Not that every moment
isn't)
Bart hit a magnitude of nails on the head. I found his comments and fresh
perspective well the money.
As I read this thread, the self-serving businesswoman in me kept moaning
- "Ah man...quit harping on him not charging enough!" Cold granted,
but I'm not in the habit of telling people with resourses my business depends
upon, that they're not charging me enough. I hope to use, and hopefully
not abuse Bart's services in the near future. So sshhh please!
Best to my fellow writers -
Pandoraisme(DoneDeal)
Re: Bart Gold's service
Received six pages of notes this morning from Bart. I mailed out my screenplay
last Wednesday from NYC and received the notes on Monday morning. Pretty
quick turnaround time considering it went across the country via snail mail.
Overall I am extremely satisfied with the coverage Bart provided. He pinpointed
the issues that I'd been struggling with on my screenplay--namely structure.
But rather than just pointing out your trouble areas, he makes suggestions
which are aimed at helping you paint your way out of the corner you've written
yourself into. Because of Bart's coverage, I will be able to
move forward with improving my screenplay.
He doesn't blow smoke up your *@#, and he also doesn't belittle your work.
Very professional and worth every cent.
Thanks Bart.
Shaneymac (donedeal)
I've searched and used every available coverage services out there: from
Writer's Digest to many others; yet, NONE ARE AS GOOD AS YOURS. Since I
began submitting to you, I have improved a lot as a writer. You're always
SUCCINCT and TO THE POINT.
For all you aspiring writers out there, using Bart is the only SHORT CUT
to the business. You'll find out exactly what you're doing wrong--and FAST.
I've never had to wait more than a week! I have used Bart's service for
[FIVE] of my scripts and I am looking forward to working with him some more
in the future.
I just wanted to stop by and say THANKS.
MR. BELMARSH (@DoneDeal)
Hi all!
I have used Bart's service on my first script, and he really gave me good
advice and told me what was wrong with my script!!! If you want to use a
scripts service that is excellent and cheap, use Bart's!!!! It dosen't get
any better than his!!
Sissi79(@DoneDeal
Hi guys,
I used Bart's service for my comedy script, at least I thought it was a
comedy until Bart read it.
Anyway, the man IS good!
He pointed out so many things I could not see. His advice is dead on. He
doesn't just tell you what's wrong with it, he also tells you what does
work and gives you ideas to help you start brainstorming for your rewrite.
Keep up the good work Bart, I look forward to using your service again
in the future.
Thanks much,
Sherri (Domhan@Donedeal)
Even though there wasn't a panacea answer [to the script's problems] you
really taught me how to see why the script was not working on the page the
way it was in my head. An invaluable lesson.
I am impressed by your powers of observation and explanation.
Jim D.- writer of a thriller submitted via Inktip.
I know... Ext says there doesn't need to be a champion. But you can count
my vote his way if there's a board vote.
I'm still somewhat new to the craft, but I have to say in my opinion Ext
is better than the guy who was teaching at my college. Or at least he put
more time and thought into reading my script than proffy did.
The poster Jami above is dead on when she says 'he hits a lot of nails
right on the head.' I learned a lot from my notes. I got a lot of good structural
thoughts on a couple ways to improve the overall arc of my script, and I
also got a lot to think about re: writing my action lines better, and cleaner,
and how to trim the fat.
I can see why you get so many good reviews, Mr. Gold.
