Basic screenplay structure analysis differs from standard coverage in that coverage tends to be a more superficial process, while story structure analysis is an attempt to get at the deep structure and problems of a script. Screenplay structure is what it implies: the structure of your story. The metaphor of a house works well here. When building a house, before you can put in the plumbing, electrical, and hang the dry wall, you have to put up a frame. The dry wall, electrical, etc., can be thought of as the tone, atmosphere, characterizations, dialogue quality, and so on, of your story. The frame of the house equates to the structure of your story.
Our perspective is this: first get up the frame—then worry about the dry wall. If the frame is weak, nobody is going to care if your plumbing is copper or plastic. What they'll care about is whether the house is going to fall down on them. Many story consultants jump onto dialogue, tone, atmosphere, etc., right out of the gate when giving notes to writers. We say—first get the frame right. Then worry about the windows.
What you get: [click each bullet for details]
- Premise Line
- Basic Structure Elements
- Problems Matrix
- Summary Conclusion
- 30 Minute Phone Consultation
- 5 Emails Follow-ups (after phone consult)
View a sample basic analysis of a well known movie you may have seen.
Our Story Approach: [click to read about the method to our madness.]
For Production Companies / Talent-Literary Agencies:
If you are a production company or agency looking to outsource some or all of your develoment requirements, contract story analysis services and discounted rates are available. For more information please visit our Outsourced Services page. We have a separate Customer Services Agreement (CSA) for production companies or agencies interested in volume orders and/or on-going services. The CSA covers all submission release issues as well as special arrangements for outsourced or long-term reading/story services. Please contact us directly for details.