As a leading UK Script Consultant I get asked from time to time what is it that at script consultant actually does?
Well there are a number of services that I provide as a leading script consultant, and it depends who you are, as to what you want to hire me for.
Script rewrites and fixes
I spend most of my professional time fixing and rewriting scripts for a fee – a lot of producers in the UK and across the world hire me to do this for them. These can be complete rewrites from scratch, or smaller technical rewrites to cover changes or tweaks.
Technical changes can be things like fixing dialogue, changing or rewriting characters, or offering storyline options when the plot needs tweaking or changing.
I even get hired sometimes to fix a scene or two – sometimes this happens during the actual shoot. As mad as it sounds I have sometimes dictated dialogue to a director down the phone to relate to the actors in the middle of a scene! Its madness to get to the point on set, and then realise something major is wrong – but I have helped people out in this predicament.
Script writer for hire
Of course, I’m also constantly in work as a script writer for hire – where producers commission me directly for original work – at any one time throughout the year I may have three or four original script commissions in progress – but some of these are ‘buy-outs’ and have been made but with the director (or someone else) credited as writer.
I also work as a player turned coach – helping new writers with my script report service.
Script report and coverage service
Script reports or script coverage is a useful service where I, as a pro script writer will read your script, and give you page by page notes, help and advice. These reports can be really useful in helping new script writers get feedback and build vital skills.
The reports that I provide are the most in-depth of the market, so I’m told. My reports are often up to 20 pages wrong – giving the writer, detailed page by page notes, hints and tips.
Unlike a lot of these anonymous script reader services – you will know exactly who is reading your script and what level of experience they have, as writer, within the industry.
Click here to for my script coverage fees and charges.
So, my work as a script consultant is varied and interesting, and thanks to the internet I never know what’s coming down the pipeline…
If you’d like to enquire about my script consultant service – please email me on – matcoop23@yahoo.co.uk
Matthew Cooper has been a script writer for hire and UK script consultant for over 20 years. He’s written for most of the UK soaps, including writing award-winning episodes of Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs and has been BAFTA shortlisted and Royal Television Society nominated as a script writer.
His directorial debut, the rubber reality horror thriller ‘Markham’ was released in 2020, his second feature film as director ‘At The Mountains Of Madness’ hit the screen in 2021. You can find out more about Matthew’s work as a director here.
You can find some of his broadcast credits on the IMDb.