Sandy Eiges is a working Hollywood screenwriter and "script doctor,"
and was the winner of the 1998 K.A.S.A. Screenwriting Award for her black
comedy SAVING FAITH, subsequently purchased by Kingman Films International.
Her script for REMEDY was produced by Lyra films, and released in 2004 (http://imdb.com/title/tt0375008/).
She has also adapted young adult novels for the screen and done numerous
rewrites for various producers.
Sandy has provided script assessment services and development notes to
studios and production companies worldwide, and has assessed projects submitted
for film financing for the New Zealand Film Commission. Other clients include:
Twentieth Century Fox, Turner Original Movies, Samuel Goldwyn Films, and
Lifetime, among others. She has also served as judge of dramatic writing
of movies and mini-series, and writing for children, for the CableAce Awards.
She has written an E-book on screenwriting, available on her screenwriting
websites; writes a subscription newsletter on "screenwriting tips,"
available at http://storyandscriptdevelopment.com,
and moderates a free advice forum on issues pertaining to screenwriting,
at http://script-consultant.com.
Sandy has extensive experience working with screenwriters, novelists, producers
and directors, focusing on effective rewriting, and using her understanding
of the deeper elements of storytelling, from both a filmic and a Jungian,
mythology-based perspective. She teaches screenwriting at Otis College of
Art & Design, using the "hero's journey" approach to storytelling.
She also offers an ongoing workshop on rewriting, for screenwriters, novelists
and playwrights.
As a script consultant she:
· analyzes and evaluates your script or manuscript
· identifies and solves story problems
· provides effective suggestions for re-structuring
· helps you develop more compelling characters
· guides you in adapting a book, play or story to film
Sandy's personal statement: If you really care about your story, you will
do everything you need to do as a writer to make sure your story has a central
idea, and make that idea sparkle and shine. As a writer of anything but
a journal, or maybe letters to your mother (who will love you no matter
what you write), you are always writing for yourself and your audience.
The trick is to capture your passion for your story, and your central idea,
in a way that speaks to other people - that is the hard work of writing
for any writer. For a screenwriter it's even more difficult, since screen
stories are told in a kind of verbal and visual shorthand that is a language
unto itself. I take a look at story structure, story line, character development,
dialogue, theme, and of course, the premise. I try to get a feel for the
overall "shape" of the script, and what I think the writer is
going for; and then I try to mirror that back to them, with what the broad
strokes of each act should achieve. I then give the writer detailed notes,
both on the above issues as well as on specific pages and scenes, with suggestions
for the rewrite.
Consultation Services:
SCRIPT OR MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION
A 10-15 page analysis of the screenplay, up to 125 pages, or of a manuscript
up to 300 pages, including: identifying and analyzing story problems, story
logic, character development and structural concerns. Includes general notes,
page, scene and sequence notes, and a story conference.
Fee: $650 for screenplays/$750 for manuscripts
GENERAL SCRIPT NOTES
A 5-7 page analysis of the second or further drafts of the screenplay,
including: identifying and analyzing story problems, story logic, character
development and structural concerns. Includes general notes, rewrite guidelines
and a story conference.
Fee: $300
SYNOPSIS, TREATMENT OR OUTLINE NOTES
A 3-5 page analysis of a synopsis or treatment for a screenplay or an outline
for a novel, not to exceed 15 double-spaced pages. This includes identifying
story problems, character development and structural concerns, and a phone
conference.
Fee: $250
STORY DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION - NEW!
A 50-minute phone consultation on a screenplay idea, or a screenplay in
progress, including identification of problem areas, as listed above, and
suggested solutions for further development. Please phone or email ahead
for an appointment.
Fee: $75
Suggested Studies:
Learning the shape of mythological stories will help any writer in terms
of understanding the structure and rhythms of storytelling. Screenwriters
would do well to explore the legends and mythology of various cultures to
deepen their understanding of what makes for a good story; and to discover
a rich mine of stories which can be adapted to the modern day. In my opinion,
almost every kind of story that can be told can be found in Homer's The
Iliad and The Odyssey.
In terms of mythic structure for screenwriters, I recommend reading Chris
Vogler's "The Writer's Journey," which applies Joseph Campbell's
theories about mythical structure to the art of storytelling for film. Also
useful here would be any material dealing with archetypes and archetypal
material. Character archetypes can give us a clearer, more specific glimpse
into our characters, and therefore into ourselves, by pointing us in the
direction of the pattern of attributes that kind of character may possess.
But each character must be specific to him or herself, with a history, character
traits, quirks, flaws and dialogue uniquely his own. The writer should address
a number of questions about the character, before writing the script. In
my book, HOLLYWOOD SCRIPT WRITING: HOW TO BIRTH YOUR IDEA INTO A BANKABLE
SCREENPLAY I provide exercises specifically designed to create richly defined
characters, with archetypal qualities.
And remember, all of this reading is meant to inspire you to create your
own specific and compelling stories and characters, characters who will
leap off the page and into our hearts, as we watch them bring resolution
to those patterns and life issues they struggle with on our behalf - as
we sit in the dark, watching their stories as they flicker across the modern
campfire of the movie screen. Questions or comments? Please Visit my website
at www.StoryAndScriptDevelopment.com!
References:
Tom Quinn, Director of Acquisitions, Samuel Goldwyn Films:
"Sandy Eiges... has a firm grounding in film and literature, and a
solid narrative and visual sense...She is very highly regarded at our company,
and has championed projects which have since gone on to become feature films."
Cathy Wischner-Sola, Vice President of Original Programming , TNT:
"I hired Ms. Eiges as a freelance story analyst and was very impressed
with her work. She has a remarkable gift of language, a keen ability to
synopsize and analyze, as well as a discerning eye for material. For our
challenging development and slate of movies, I utilized [her] talents on
our most prestigious projects. Her literary knowledge and unique insights
were a great asset to our department. For example, she contributed to our
highly successful A Christmas Carol from her first coverage on the Charles
Dickens' short story through detailed script notes throughout the development
process. ...Ms. Eiges possesses the utmost professionalism, grace, passion,
intelligence and imagination. I...recommend her ...without qualification."
Chris Vogler, author of "The Writers Journey," former Director
of Development for Fox 2000:
"I have known Sandy for almost ten years and it has been one of my
most valued professional relationships...she is a first-rate analyst of
story...an effective critic and collaborator, who has helped many other
writers come closer to their dreams. I often refer clients to her with confidence
that she will give an insightful, truly helpful, and totally professional
analysis. She knows story from the inside out, starting with a keen observation
of human nature."
Eric Sentell, screenwriter:
"Sandy's expert analysis and direction lifted me to heights I've attempted
to reach for over a decade. Her in depth and brilliant evaluation helped
me strengthen my plot and develop my characters beyond my expectations."
