The Best Tools for Screenwriters

Over the next several months, we will sift through the plethora of screenwriter’s tools available out there and recommend only the best we find. We will examine many tools from books to writing software to screenplay analysts to contests to determine the best for you.

To All Fellow Screenwriters:

We fully understand how difficult it is to not only write a good screenplay, but then sell that script and close that deal. It’s the dream we strive to achieve. The good news is… it is possible to sell your screenplay!

The bad news is that it is an arduous process. Everything from learning how to write to understanding how to market your script. The questions are abundant: What software should you use? Which books are good? Should you enter a contest? Which one? Should you do a e-blast of your logline?

Software, books, contests, e-blasts, screenplay analysts...

These are all tools you can use in the process of screenwriting, but sometimes it becomes overwhelming.

What we hope to achieve is to narrow the focus for you by investigating the varieties available tools and recommending the best we find.

So come back and visit this page to check for updates, or you can sign up to our weekly e-blasts. If you have tried a screenwriting tool that you find useful or wish for us to investigate before you invest in it, please drop us an .

Script Fly Team

Best Tool #1 - Screenplay Analysis

I myself, as a writer, will never send out any screenplay -- with the intention of selling it -- without having a credible analyst or consultant read, review, and supply professional feedback on that material. Eventually, that feedback will lead to those words I yearn to hear –
“This script can be sold.”

Yeah! Then I can kick back with a margarita, but now it’s about write rewrite write rewrite …

Until you get professional feedback – not from your fun friends, loving family or a Magic Eight Ball – but from credible, industry professionals who not only understand the writer’s perspective, the writing process, a good story, and the story development process, but also understand the production process, including producers and studio concerns… whew...

AND of course, they must have the ability to analyze the script: what’s working, what’s not working, ways to improve the story, what to remove so that your screenplay doesn’t scream “beginner”, and if this is not enough to ask from an analyst…

they must be able to communicate all of this to us so that we see what they see, and they must care enough about our need for improvement. It is a tall order!

Well, I found somebody who fits the above criteria!

The feedback I am getting from his script analysis work is incredibly great. He goes the extra mile for you! He has the needed background and is currently available. But I cannot guarantee he will be always be available… he is a working producer and his schedule may change.

Also for all that work, the cost is very reasonable. You can read his bio and service breakdown (contact information below). I cannot stress enough… please don’t send your screenplay out to anyone without getting a full analysis.

All the best,
G. Vanname

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Adam Coplan –
For Script Analysis and Consultation

BIO

For over ten years, I was an executive at three of the most prolific production companies in motion pictures. I began as the story editor for Silver Pictures where I worked on the first Matrix, Conspiracy Theory, Executive Decision and Tales From the Crypt. Following Silver, I moved to Paramount as the Vice President of Scott Rudin Productions.

Rudin is one of the most prolific and successful producers working today. At Rudin, I oversaw development and worked on scores of films including The Truman Show, Wonder Boys, A Simple Plan, Sleepy Hollow, Changing Lanes, In & Out, First Wives Club, Ransom and Shaft. Both Wonder Boys and A Simple Plan were nominated for the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar.

After Rudin, I moved to Fox where I became the Vice President of Production for Davis Entertainment. At Davis, I worked on films including I, Robot, Daddy Day Care, Behind Enemy Lines and Alien v. Predator. More recently, I Co-Produced The Express, a Universal film about Ernie Davis, the first African American to win college football's Heisman Trophy. I continue to work as an independent producer with multiple projects in development.

In addition, I have been teaching screenwriting for the last three years, beginning at UCLA, in their Extension program. This was the result of being approached because they wanted to offer a different perspective on screenwriting than simply the ABCs from another writer, but that of an industry professional.

I have since continued to teach classes, both in Los Angeles and in Orange County and in fact, am preparing to begin a new class in San Clemente for those who may be interested. I am also now on the Board of Advisors to Saddleback College's film and communications department.

Analysis Service

The basic service I provide as a consultant is a reading of your screenplay followed by a consultation either in person, on the telephone or via computer teleconference during which I take you through all my notes. I don't simply tell you what doesn't work...I talk you through how to change it so it does work, generally offering multiple options so that you, as the writer, continue to make the decisions that will shape your work and represent your vision.

Additionally, my input as an industry professional also provides you insight into aspects such as the commerciality of your work and the likely reaction the studio system will have to your screenplay.

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The cost is very reasonable… he charges $300. Again, I cannot guarantee that his prices will stay that low forever.
Inquire about Adam Coplan’s script analysis now… email at .

Disclaimer: To prevent spider spam, you can contact him through us. We will forward all script analysis inquiries directly to him. We will not forward any screenplay solicitations, screenplay attachments, etc. Please do not attach your screenplay in the email or contact Adam for any producing solicitations; this is for script analysis service only.