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Consulting Services

Where You Come to Discover What’s Buried Beneath Your Script’s Story™

The Script Archeologist™ Script Consulting Services will provide you with a comprehensive overview of your script, helping you to zero in on the areas that need work. You'll benefit from several specific solutions, providing you with effective suggestions & guidelines for re-structuring.

We'll help you craft your own solution, and avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Helping you develop more compelling characters is very important. It is always part of what we do to thoroughly research the client’s subject matter.

SPECIAL VALUE SERVICE OFFER from The Script Archeologist™

Get a FREE 1st Page Analysis of your script today!

The first page of your script is the one of the most important pages you'll ever write. From that first page -- even that first line -- the reader knows if they're reading a professional script or an amateur one. From that first page, many of the chronic problems of the script will be evident and can be analyzed.

Master that first page, and you are on your way to creating a masterful script.

That's why we, at Script Archeologist are offering you a FREE 1st Page Analysis of your script. But only for a limited time...

MORE ABOUT THIS GREAT OFFER NOW!

In addition to this exceptional RISK-FREE Offer, we extend to you our

AFFORDABLE ANALYSIS OF
THE 1ST 10 PAGES OF YOUR SCRIPT
WITH MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS GREAT OFFER NOW!

 

             

As an added value service & benefit to our clients we perform and intensive study of background material so as to give qualified as well as quantitative analysis. This feature of our service is never charged to our client as it is simply a practice that is not only necessary but beneficial to all involved. Gaining an extensive familiarity with the gaming industry, script development for games, and background research on your products & business history is an ongoing process that we are involved in.

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The Script Archeologist provides comprehensive page by page analysis, focusing on:

Key Components (Coverage and Analysis):

Basic breakdown:
Title, Page Count, Genre, Locations, Time Period, Budget. These areas determine how much the material will cost to produce and its marketability.

Logline: The pitch. This sentence or two should sum up the basic story components of Who it is about, What their goal is and What the conflict is, enough to capture the attention of a reader and make him/her want to know more.

VISION:
We provide you with services that offer analysis of varying levels, evaluating your work, while offering specific and effective solutions to assisting you in the delivery of concept and story resources for building of your unique and successful scripts. We offer you that and more!

SYNOPSIS:
• This is the summation of the plot's key areas written in prose versus script style and in present tense. We help you get the best shot at a great first impression.
• One to three paragraphs summing up the plot's key areas supplying you with analysis to determine whether or not the story is something fresh and original with marketable themes.

CONCEPT/ORIGINALITY:
• Are the plot and storyline something fresh and a new take on an established idea?
• Is the main concept (ideally
High Concept) compelling enough to attract a star?

PLOT AND PREMISE:
• What are the characters striving for and are they failing or achieving their goals?
• Is the story a series of
Value Changes with a rising line of action and importance?
• Is there an arc that can be dramatized and with enough dramatic tension?
Is there a dramatic value change over each scene, page, act and over the entire story?

IS IT VISUAL?
• The 1st Rule of Storytelling is Show Don't Tell (especially with games) - and this is just as true for film & novels as for games!

DIALOGUE:
• Does it help to advance the plot and describe character?
• Is the dialogue crisp with each character having a distinct voice?
• Does the dialogue
emotionally move the reader?
• Is it unrealistic or too matter of fact?
• Does each character, have memorable lines, mannerisms, quirks or eccentricities that characters will be remembered for and actors will seek to play?

CHARACTERIZATION:
• Is the main character in pursuit of specific and compelling internal/external goals?
• Is the protagonist's goal something that a majority of people can relate to?
• Are they indistinguishable from one another in their motivations, actions, goals?
• Does the main character have a
character arc?

THE STAKES & CHALLENGES:
• What are the Stakes? Are they high enough?
• Is there
enough conflict?
• Is your villain focused enough to truly challenge the protagonist?
• Do your villain & hero balance each other physically or mentally enough?

STRUCTURE AND PACING:
• Does the first 5-15 pages hook the reader into the story?
• Does the
first 10-20 pages introduce the main character, the antagonist and conflict of the story?
• Is there dramatic tension?
• Are the structure elements out of place or occur without enough setup?
• Does each
setup have a payoff?
• Narrative - Too much? Non-visual? Too sparse? Too flowery?
• If it is not a screenplay, how well can it be adapted into the structure for feature film?
• Does the story Value Changes build from beginning to end at an exciting pace?
Are the dramatic elements used skillfully and do they enhance the story?

FORMATTING & GRAMMATICAL ISSUES:
• Do not use any other font/typeset (No exceptions): Courier/Courier New font, 12 point.
• Covers - White card stock covers
• Bindings - Two brass brads in the top and bottom holes of three-hole punched paper.
• Does it help to advance the plot and describe character?
• Bolding/Underlining - Spec scripts do not require any
• Has the writer spell checked the material?
• Capitalization - Typically, capitalization of words is only necessary in slug lines and for character names when introducing them.
• Is the material in the proper script format?


A studio coverage report consists of:

A LOGLINE (a short summation your story)
A SYNOPSIS, which details the events of your story from beginning to end
An ANALYSIS where the reader describes the positives (what worked), where it needs to be stepped up (what didn't work). The final grade of: Recommend, Consider or Pass is given.

The Script Archeologist coverage report consists of:

This analysis is broken down into several areas:
Story Evolution - A short synopsis of your story with comments on the story structure
First Impressions - Where we survey what works, what doesn't and why using the Problem-Reason-Solution method originally developed by Derek Rydall
Development Brainstorming - Where we excavate the valuable pieces of the story and show how your screenplay can be improved (structure, dialogue, pacing etc.)
Analyst Advice - What you should do next.

"TREASURE LEVEL" - One of three evaluations based on whether it meets the criteria of valued treasure or one that needs to be buried: "Fool's Gold" (Stop. Your script is in need of serious rework and would be better off left buried.)"Hidden Story Find" (Your script needs a rewrite but is on the right path to discovery.)"Buried Treasure" (Your script meets the criteria of a treasure that may need work but has a promise.)

 

Material read by one major studio or producer tends to get passed on to others with any negative feedback spreading like a ripple on a pond. Your work can soon be dead & buried all over town. Don't give them a chance to say "no", present them with your best possible work, the first time.

As with all our client's work, your coverage report is private, with no-one else ever seeing it. It is mailed directly to you. Our turnaround time for coverage is 7-10 business days.


ORDERING & PAYMENT DETAILS:

PAYPAL ACCOUNT PAYMENT:

If you are a PayPal member and are purchasing through your PayPal account, you will automatically be forwarded to our CONFIRMATION page upon completion of your payment process. Be sure to have your Purchase Receipt Number ready. It will be used as confirmation of your service registration.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENT:

If you are purchasing with your Credit Card, in Order to Complete Your Sign Up, and Insure You Receive Your Service, You Must Click on the 'Return to Merchant Button' (bottom left) in PayPal once you have completed payment. You will be directed to your CONFIRMATION page where you must fill out the Registration form to verify your purchase. Be sure to have your Purchase Receipt Number ready. It will be used as confirmation of your service registration.


 

 

PACKAGES AND RATES

BASIC Analysis Service Packages:

Story Concept Analysis Price: $50.00
Includes 1/2 hour phone consultation and brainstorming session. Basic idea around the theme or premise. A High Concept script is one with a commercial hook, with mass appeal or blockbuster potential.

 

Synopsis Analysis Price: $50.00
Includes analysis and 1/2 hour phone consultation. Includes main characters, action & what they are doing to affect the action.

 

Logline Analysis Price: $25.00
Your story filtered down to one to three short sentences, preferably just one. The ideal logline makes us want to read the script. All loglines have a point of view.

 

Script Coverage Price: $100.00

 

Basic analysis, coverage report, and either a RECOMMEND, CONSIDER, or PASS grade (just like the studios do). ($2.00/page on scripts exceeding 125 pages)

Our clients will receive a 3-4 page industry standard report ("coverage") consisting of logline, short synopsis and commentary analyzing the material's marketability components. It is what most agents, executives and producers review when deciding which projects are worth their time and will eventually be "green lighted".

It can be used to reveal their material's strengths and weaknesses, so that any areas needing improvement can be spoken to before submitting the material to potential buyers. A sample coverage template is available for your review to see the structure of a report and what components are evaluated.

NOTE: if you have a preset format you would like your coverage report to reflect, please inquire. The rates are the same whether you use our template or yours (maximum 3 pages). Clients can also receive upon request, along with a coverage report, their material returned with handwritten notes on it ("Coverage with Margin Notes").

 

Script Coverage 2nd Read Price: $75.00
Having the same script covered again? Better to have someone familiar with the previous draft.

 

Story/Development Conference: $60.00 per hour
Add to Cart and Change Quantity to purchase more than one hour.

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ADVANCED Analysis Service Packages:

A detailed critique of their material covering the same key components of a coverage report with the material analyzed in much greater detail. An analysis report gives notes directly on the script, 2 to 20 pages, a story meeting (over the phone or in person), story coaching (hands on work with the client over a period of time offering various levels of notes) plus all that is included in a script coverage report. It also consists of the following basics: Overview, Detailed Script Notes and page-by-page notes. A sample analysis report is available.

Clients can also receive upon request, along with a coverage report, their material returned with handwritten notes on it ("Coverage with Margin Notes")

NOTE: Evaluations are based with respect to the material's ability to be adapted into a feature film or television show. Coverage and Analysis Reports to evaluate a material's merit only as a stage play, short story, or novel check out our Novel & Manuscript Services.

 

Executive Script Analysis Price: $450.00

10-15 pages of detailed feedback, suggestions, and page-by-page notes, addressing all the script elements. ($2.00/page on scripts exceeding 125 pages)

• A one hour phone consultation (or two half hours).
14 days to bounce around new ideas via email.

Return Clients: take 10% off!

What you get:
1. We will read your draft 3-4 times.

2. Handwritten draft notes on your script — specific notes and markings on format, grammar, dialogue, pacing, description, tone/emotion, structure, etc. Crucial line editing. Clear examples of how best to capture and hold the Reader’s attention by creating the necessary emotion (Value Change) in each scene. We use the Problem-Reason-Solution analysis method. Includes 3-5 pgs. of “story excavation” outlining the major critical issues in your script.

3. Full Story Paradigm Comparison — A breakdown of your story using the most relevant paradigm. 3-5 pages of the most crucial notes to locate ANY fundamental problem in your structure, SHOWING you not only where your story is not working but also where it is working...and why. Again using the Problem-Reason-Solution analysis method.

4. Story Evolution In-Depth notes — I cover these vital areas in regards to your screenplay and detail them as to what is working and what needs improvement. PREMISE,THEME, PLOT, SETUP, CHARACTERIZATION, MOTIVATIONS, STRUCTURE (THE HERO’S JOURNEY / THE CHARACTER ARC), etc.

5. 1 hour follow-up meeting — by phone or in person. This discussion can help to 'uncover the secrets beneath your story'. As we brainstorm together solutions for your script's specific issues, it can be of great benefit if the writer comes to the meeting with new ideas for the rewrite based on my notes.

6. BONUS: The Script Archeologist consultant will provide a 1 page summary of the Value Changes in your script. This will touch on where the story begins to break down and how a full Dramatic Value Change Analysis can benefit your script.

Requirements: Completed feature-length screenplay (90-130 pages), in standard screenplay format in COURIER FONT, 12 POINT SIZE, with 1" margins on top and bottom and page numbers.

 

In-Depth Script Analysis Price: $300.00

6+ single spaced pages of detailed feedback, suggestions, and page-by-page notes, addressing all the script elements. ($2.00/page on scripts exceeding 125 pages)

• A one hour phone consultation (or two half hours).
• 14 days to bounce around new ideas via email.

Return Clients: take 10% off!

What you get:
1. We will read your draft 2-3 times.

2. Handwritten draft notes on your script — specific notes and markings on format, grammar, dialogue, pacing, description, tone/emotion, structure, etc. Crucial line editing. Clear examples of how best to capture and hold the Reader’s attention by creating the necessary emotion (Value Change) in each scene. We use the Problem-Reason-Solution analysis method. Includes 3-5 pgs. of “story excavation” unearthing the major critical issues in your script.

3. Story Evolution In-Depth notes — I cover these vital areas in regards to your screenplay and detail them as to what is working and what needs improvement. PREMISE,THEME, PLOT, SETUP, CHARACTERIZATION, MOTIVATIONS, STRUCTURE (THE HERO’S JOURNEY / THE CHARACTER ARC), etc.

4. 14 days of email follow-up to 'uncover the secrets beneath your story'. As we brainstorm together solutions for your script's specific issues, it can be of great benefit if the writer utilizes and new ideas for the rewrite based on my notes.

5. Add a 1 HOUR FOLLOW-UP CALL for $60.00. Add to Cart and Change Quantity to purchase more than one hour.

Requirements: Completed feature-length screenplay (90-130 pages), in standard screenplay format in COURIER FONT, 12 POINT SIZE, with 1" margins on top and bottom and page numbers.

Note: If not using a screenwriting software program to format your script, base the length of your script with 1" margins on top and bottom of the document and the dialogue set in a 3.5"-4" wide block. Other margins may distort the true length of the draft. Rates increase $2.00/page on scripts exceeding 125 pages.

Turnaround Timelines:

Analysis
· Story Concept Analysis: 1 week
· Story Synopsis Analysis:
1 week
· Logline Analysis:
1 week
· Script Coverage :
1-2 weeks
· Script Coverage (2nd read):
1-2 weeks
· Executive Script Analysis:
2-3 weeks
· In-Depth Script Analysis:
2-3 weeks

Rush service
·
RUSH Coverage: add $40 (1-2 days)
·
RUSH Analysis: add $150 (1 week)


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Script Doctoring - contact us for a quote regarding all the following

· Logline: $50
· Synopsis: $250 and up
· Treatment: $500 and up
· Story/Idea Development: see other services
· Outline: $500 and up
· Polish: $1,000 and up
· Rewrite complete script: $5,000.00 and up
 

The Script Archeologist team is available to write marketable loglines (1-2 sentences), synopsis (3 paragraphs), outlines, and treatments (3-5 pages) based on original work, or as part of our Story Excavation Research service. Unprotected story ideas are brainstorm into marketable and copyrightable material. Customers can also receive rewrites, adaptations, and initial manuscript drafts from treatments, notes, or outlines. Services include receiving only an electronic copy of the completed material in Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, or MS Word/Rich Text format. Hard copies can be mailed upon request. Fees for these services are affordable priced.

Service requests to receive an electronic copy of the completed material must include a copy of the original material in electronic form with the order. The services above do not include typesetting. Our Screenplay Formatting Service are available requested and paid for with the order. Script to be rewritten or polished must include an electronic file of that script with the order. Service options for hardcopy material submitted by mail include the following: coverage; analysis; formatting (spelling, punctuation, and formatting error correction (red ink)); writing loglines, synopsis, treatments, and outlines.

The Script Archeologist has a talented crew who can transform material for dialogue and/or narrative improvements (polish). Our clients can have their material typed and formatted into proper screenplay, teleplay, stage play, or manuscript format. Polishes do not generally include adding or deleting scenes or characters, plot changes, or messing with the structure of the script; it is only to "juice up" what is already on the page and sometimes developing scenes without major modifications to plot. Polishes also include fixing spelling, punctuation, grammatical, and formatting errors. Clients only wanting these errors corrected can choose between having the consultant correct the errors on the digital copy of the material (original electronic file) or on the hard copy (red ink notes on the script pages).

IMPORTANT: All ownership and copyright claims to the work belong to the client at all times. The Script Archeologist never shares the material with a 3rd party, unless it is with the client's written consent.

PROCESS STEPS: All Script Doctoring services follow a simple process. At each stage, the completed material to that point is emailed to you for review & feedback. The client will sign off in writing at each of the stages. Further doctoring of stages previously signed off on will constitute charging of additional fees unless agreed upon by both parties in writing. Consultations are available upon request, but will be limited so as to not negative affect the turnaround timeline.


• Brainstorm to develop the most marketable story/plot/character elements from your notes, thoughts, or submitted material. This stage will include utilizing Story Research Excavation techniques as part of the process.

IMPORTANT: This is the only service that we will accept submissions of materials other than a script. Submission requirements continue to include a SASE for return of materials as well as any associated fees for services rendered.


• Create a logline and synopsis/treatment. Formulate the storyline into a correct 3 Act (beginning, middle, and end) structure.

• Write Act 1 (1st 25-30 pages)

• Write Act 2 (approximate. the next 50-60 pages)

• Write Act 3 (the last 25-30 pages)

• Polish services and turn in a completed script draft.

Note: Material in 4 Act or non-traditional structure will have a similar creation process similar to the above steps. Please inquire.

 

Turnaround Timelines:

Script Doctoring
· Logline:
1 week
· Synopsis:
1-2 weeks
· Treatment:
2-3 weeks
· Story/Idea Development:
2-3 weeks
· Outline:
4-5 weeks
· Polish:
1-2 months
· Complete rewrite script:
2-3 months
· Book adaptations:
2-3 months

Rush service
·
RUSH Script Doctoring: Case by Case basis


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Screenplay Formatting Service

 

Basic level of Screenplay Formatting Service: $150.00
Advanced level of Screenplay Formatting Service: $300.00

It is only read for formatting and grammatical errors. No comments are made on the script content. Submissions accepted only in proper screenplay format: Final Draft, Screenwriter 2000 etc. Determination of the cost level will be made once I have reviewed the submission's first few pages. This initial review will help me determine the amount of work involved.

We suggest your purchasing of one of the many screenwriting software programs, which will properly format your screenplay as you write or type it. Please visit our LINKS page for a selection of software programs. If you have a screenplay already written but are not satisfied with it and you wish to use our SCRIPT DOCTORING SERVICE, proper formatting of the script is included in that service. For a full listing of our screenwriting services review our FEES & SERVICES OVERVIEW page.

Material can typed as written for $3/page (all words will be typed as legibly as they appear on the page). If the material needs to be properly formatted and check for spelling or grammatical errors, that additional service option needs to be added to the order.

Turnaround Timelines:

Screenplay Formatting
· Basic formatting: 1-2 weeks
· Advanced formatting:
1-2 weeks

Rush service
· RUSH Screenplay Formatting: Case by Case basis


Page Count Restrictions
Submissions that go over these page counts must include an extra $2/page over the limit. These limits are to discourage excessively long scripts which typically are much more difficult to pitch from the start without proven track records from their authors.


· Film, documentary, stage material = 120 pages
· TV dramas = 90 pages
· TV sitcoms = 45 pages
· Short film scripts = 25 pages
· Novels and manuscripts = 300 pages
· Treatments, Outlines, Notes = 20pp


ORDERING & PAYMENT DETAILS:

PAYPAL ACCOUNT PAYMENT:

If you are a PayPal member and are purchasing through your PayPal account, you will automatically be forwarded to our CONFIRMATION page upon completion of your payment process. Be sure to have your Purchase Receipt Number ready. It will be used as confirmation of your service registration.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENT:

If you are purchasing with your Credit Card, in Order to Complete Your Sign Up, and Insure You Receive Your Service, You Must Click on the 'Return to Merchant Button' (bottom left) in PayPal once you have completed payment. You will be directed to your CONFIRMATION page where you must fill out the Registration form to verify your purchase. Be sure to have your Purchase Receipt Number ready. It will be used as confirmation of your service registration.


 

  QUICK LINKS  
 

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For more information on all our services, be sure to view our services on the various pages in our site. For consultations contact us. The Script Archeologist team looks forward to hearing from you to answer all your questions and to provide you with the highest quality services.

 

A complete listing of all our Services and their associated Fees. The consulting fees paid by credit card via PAYPAL or MONEY ORDER (pre-received & received bank clearance). UNCOVER MORE!
 
 

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Discover What's Buried Beneath Your Script's Story ...

 
   
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