There's nothing more useful
to a writer than a good critic. Without the constructive advice of
people with well-functioning "crap detectors," (as Hemingway put it) writers
have to depend on their own judgement. That's as it should be, but
after weeks, maybe months of working on a project, it's hard to get the
distance needed to be objective. When you've just written something
as complex as a screenplay, objectivity may be in short supply. Your
"crap detector" is only restored to its original functioning after a period
of time. In other words, you can do it yourself if you're prepared to put
the script in the closet for a month or two in between rewrites.
That's why screenwriters
often work with partners, or hire script consultants to critique their
work. Because the critic (hopefully) has no expectations or biases,
she can take an informed and objective look at your script and help you
perfect it. When it comes to my own work I'm relentless, and I put
that same objectivity, instinct, experience, and knowledge to work when
I consult with other writers on their projects. I am totally honest,
but I will look for the good points as well as the bad, and I will also
offer suggestions on what can be done to make the story better than it
is. If you need help with a script please contact me by
email.