I just got to LA a few months ago and I’m navigating the screenwriting world. I’ve penned a few screenplays that have been well-received by managers, producers, and professors at my college. While I haven’t landed an agent or manager yet, I’m pushing forward. I’m currently working on a new script, a challenging but ultimately rewarding process that I believe is a significant step in my career. It has commercial potential and feels like the right direction for me.
A fellow writer suggested I consider using a “Script Doctor” to help refine my script after I’ve completed the initial draft. I’ve tried workshops for my other scripts, but haven’t found them particularly effective. I’m considering investing in one-on-one feedback from a professional script doctor to get detailed notes and guidance for revisions. Of course, I plan to do the rewrites myself, but having an expert perspective seems valuable. My friend highly recommends this script doctor, claiming they wouldn’t send anything out without her review. I’m intrigued and thinking about giving it a try. Do you have any advice about working with a script doctor?
–Silla Desade Los Angeles
The term “script doctor” can have different meanings within the film industry, so it’s important to clarify the distinction between the type of script doctor you’re considering and the industry definition often discussed in publications like Variety.
Within the industry, a script doctor typically refers to an experienced, established screenwriter with a proven track record of film credits. They are brought onto a project, often shortly before production, to perform rewrites aimed at resolving specific, persistent issues. Essentially, they are hired to provide targeted fixes. While some might see their work as essential problem-solving, others might argue that it can sometimes dilute the original creative vision of the project. A well-known example of a respected script doctor is Steve Zaillian. In fact, with my own experience in quickly addressing script problems under tight deadlines, I could arguably be considered a script doctor myself. However, it’s worth noting that “script doctor” isn’t a formal job title you’ll find on a business card. It’s a specialized task within the broader field of screenwriting, not a standalone profession.
Often, the work of an industry script doctor is described as “surgical,” a fitting analogy for the moniker. The focus is usually not on rewriting the entire script, but rather on precisely targeting and fixing specific sections that are underperforming or causing problems.
The “script doctor” your writer friend is recommending might be a different type of professional altogether. In some cases, this could be someone more akin to a literary editor. Their role would be to meticulously review your text, offering suggestions and assistance to “clean it up” and refine it before it’s presented to agents or producers. If this is the case, it can be incredibly beneficial. Even skilled writers can benefit from a fresh pair of eyes to catch errors and improve clarity. Having a sharp reader to proofread your work is always a valuable asset.
However, if the person your friend is suggesting is intended to substantially rewrite your script, it raises questions about your long-term goals as a screenwriter. Screenwriting is fundamentally about mastering the craft of writing itself, not just producing a rough first draft and then relying on someone else to elevate it to a professional standard. If you recognize weaknesses in specific areas of your writing, such as dialogue or plot construction, the solution isn’t outsourcing rewrites. Instead, consider seeking a writing partner who complements your skills and can collaborate with you to strengthen those areas together.
