SERVICES:
SCRIPTS:
1. I work with scriptwriters from concept development to completed scripts.
We usually start with whether or not the idea is big enough to support a film
and define genre. I utilize classical three act structure, analysis of plot
line, character arc, dialogue, rising tension and suspense etc.
2. I analyze completed scripts with notes for pre-market tweaking and development.
3. I work with many scriptwriters and novelists for whom English is a second
language. I translate the script into American English by streamlining narrative
and making dialogue realistic as well as the above services. (My background
education is Honor Classical with an emphasis on Greek and Latin, which taught
me a lot about language structures. Consequently I have facility in moving
from foreign language structure into English structure.)
4. I am currently developing my coach skills in the field of adaptations of
novels and stories.
5. Scriptwriters can come to Durango, Colorado for an intensive of several
days to concept or rewrite a script.
6. I provide all of the above services for novelists as well as scriptwriters.
SCREENWRITERS:
Although the product is very important, so is the development of the writer.
When decisions are solely market driven, they sometimes overshadow the importance
of the process the writer is involved in as writer. As a coach, I am very
concerned with Screenwriter Soul and the full, professional expression of
a writer's creativity.
This includes identifying and working on areas where the scriptwriter needs
to grow and honoring his/her personal, psychological process as well as
the product.
Charges: I charge $75 an hour across the boards for reading and talking
time with clients. A typical script analysis require two to three hours
reading time and an hour on the telephone. Clients get overview as well
as specific notes with the text. I use Final Draft and can interact directly
on the script and leave text notes if sent electronically. I work with national
and international clients.
RESULTS: My script clients have their scripts with prominent producers
and actors at this time. Others have placed well in national competitions
and, as a result, are getting representation.
CREDENTIALS: I have a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the
University of Iowa Writer's Workshop. I also studied filmmaking as an adjunct
course while getting my Masters. I attend National Screenwriter's conferences
yearly and take every opportunity to continuously improve my coach and writing
skills through study.
I have placed in the semi-finals of the Chesterfield Writer's Film Project
2001 and 2002.
I have read and analyzed several hundred scripts both spec scripts and
shooting scripts for produced movies.
I have taught writing at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and San
Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico.
Scribners and Bantam have published me in the USA and Victor Gollancz in
England.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WRITERS:
I personally depend on the structural basics from Syd Field and Robert
McKee. I recommend all of their books and videotapes.
William Goldman's ADVENTURES IN THE SCREEN TRADE is frequently quoted by
almost everybody in the industry. The book contains great information.
Max Adams' THE SCREENWRITER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE is a terrific guide for anyone
who is getting his/her feet wet and a good read.
David Trottier's THE SCREENWRITERS BIBLE has a lot of pertinent information
that is useful.
The Elements of Style for Screenwriters, by Paul Argentini, is a good basis
for proper script format.
My greatest teacher has been films themselves and their scripts. I read
scripts continuously and analyze them for structure, plot and character
arc, dialogue and narrative style. I recommend that you watch several films
a week and analyze them. Another great technique is to select movies that
really appeal to you, read their scripts and analyze them scene by scene
both in the script and movie then devour their essence. I also recommend
finding out everything you can about the genre of the script you are writing.
Good writing.
Michael Thunder
MICHAEL THUNDER MFA,
WRITERS' COACH
906 CHELSEY LANE
DURANGO, COLORADO 81301-3408
970-385-5884
WEB PAGE: manuscriptdevelopment.com
EMAIL: Thunder@thunderforwriters.com
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