What is a script doctor?
A script doctor is a highly skilled consultant who is called upon to “fix” a problem script. Often they take a generalist approach to solving structural problems, but may be employed in a more specialist role to fix dialogue, character, acts, or even story. Script doctors are never credited, and their involvement in a production is often denied.
What will I be doing?
- working with producers and directors to ‘fix’ a problem script
- rewriting scripts to reversion them for a particular medium and audience
- rewriting other writers’ scripts (usually after the script has been “locked”), and sometimes without original writers’ knowledge
- tightening structure, dialogue or pacing
- revising “failing” scripts in mid-production.
What skills do I need?
- an excellent knowledge of narrative structure, character development, and dialogue devices
- confidence in own ability to deliver what an audience will want
- self-direction and the ability to work to extremely tight deadlines
- strong industry knowledge
- good networking skills
- a commanding personality.
