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SCRIPT-TONIC: The medicine your script needs to succeed!
www.script-tonic.com info@script-tonic.com
Andrew Zinnes
For many years I toiled in development reading 10-15 scripts a week for
such producers and companies as Norman Lear, Donald De Line @ Paramount,
Artisan and the USA Network. Frequently, I would get the ones written by
unrepresented or young writers who were clever and ballsy enough to make
a phone call and get their stuff submitted. However, for the most part,
these scripts needed more work and were passed on almost immediately by
my superiors. Quite frankly it broke my heart to see all that hard work
go down so quickly.
There is one truth typically as far as scripts are concerned: you only
have one shot with each project - unless you add something extraneous to
it like cast or a good producer. Due to this, you need to make sure your
script is the BEST IT CAN BE FOR THAT ONE SHOT. And as someone who was there
day in and day out, I can help point you in the right direction with SCRIPT-TONIC.
Since development, I have become a writer/producer myself and know how
tight money can be. Further, I know that the bulk of you using this service
are in the same boat as myself. Due to this I don't charge outrageous fees
for coverage and notes. It's hard to write that next draft when the electricity
is turned off!
So that is the philosophy behind SCRIPT-TONIC.
Please give it a try and hopefully we will get your script "coming to a
theater near you!"
SCRIPT-TONIC SERVICES & FEES
Coverage Tonic
SCRIPT-TONIC coverage gives you the chance to get an insider's view of your
project without blowing your one shot with the decision makers. Coverage
consists of a details page, a paragraph synopsis section (you know your
script inside and out - you don't need me to repeat it to you, unless you
really do, see below) and a comment section consisting of a general critique
of your story and characters while offering some suggestions for fixes.
3-4 pages average. Coverage Tonic: Price - $115. Coverage Tonic with full
synopsis is also available. Price - $140.
Story Notes Tonic
This is a highly detailed breakdown of your script's characters, story,
structure, pacing, tone and style. Tons of constructive suggestions and
options for making your script flow and read better. THIS IS THE ONE THAT
WILL AFFECT YOUR SCRIPT THE MOST. 5-8 pages average. Price - $250.
Treatment Tonic
If the treatment isn't right, you are going to have problems writing your
screenplay. Treatment Tonic helps you patch holes in your story and character
development. 1-2 pages average. Price - $100.
Logline Tonic
Need help in making your pitch quicker, faster and to the point? Logline
Tonic will help you get that producer or agent to say, 'Yes, I want to read
that!' 1 page. Price - $50.
We offer discounts for re-submissions and multiple drafts. Telephone consultation
and more in depth doctoring throughout the process are available, too. Please
contact us for more information on those prices.
HOW IT WORKS
Go to www.script-tonic.com, and
then enter the Script-Tonic Store and add the services you want to your
cart. We can accept almost any currency! Once you have received a receipt
from PayPal, please e-mail your script, treatment or logline to info@script-tonic.com.
Once we have your script, treatment or logline and your payment, we will
get to work. It typically takes us between 3-5 business days to finish.
Only during heavy periods will it take longer and we will contact you if
the wait will go beyond the norm.
Upon finishing, we will e-mail your Tonic to you. We welcome any questions,
positive feedback or constructive criticism you may have so that we may
service you better in the future. You can e-mail us directly at info@script-tonic.com.
REVIEWS:
The best book on filmmaking - with several amazing chapters on writing
is:
THE GUERILLA FILM MAKERS HANDBOOK by Genevieve Jolliffe and Chris Jones.
Ok, I edited this book, but it really is the most comprehensive book on
the whole filmmaking process. It contains over 150 interviews with industry
experts (writer, actor, DP, agent, caterer, film festival coordinator, etc.
who give you the inside scoop on how their craft works. In addition, there
are several case studies with working writers and directors who like us,
struggled for years with their projects and preserved to see their movie
come to life. It truly is a fantastic resource. Check it out on Amazon or
at Borders/Barnes & Noble and the like!
Other great books:
Writing Screenplays That Sell by Michael Hauge - really good starter
book.
Story by Robert McKee - legendary and crammed with just about everything.
The Writer Got Screwed (but didn't have to) by Brooke A. Wharton
- entertainment lawyer author
The Screenwriter's Workbook by Syd Field - I used this one at American
University Film School in DC.
Adventures In The Screen Trade (both editions) by William Goldman
- anyone who writes THE PRINCESS BRIDE deserves to be listened to.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
- what it is like to be a writer, kind of a support group kind of thing.
WATCH MOVIES, THEN GET A COPY OF THE SCREENPLAY! That is the best way to
find inspiration and to learn how to write a film. Drew's Script o'rama
is the website that comes to mind in this regard.
I don't know much about seminars and workshops outside of the LA area.
However, consider contacting one of the six Independent Feature Projects
(IFP) around the country and they can help you out.
BIGGEST TIP: READ YOUR SCRIPT OUT LOUD!!!! BECAUSE THAT'S HOW IT IS
MEANT TO BE PRESENTED!!!! YOU WILL LEARN VOLUMES!!!!
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