Michael Ray Brown ( Story Sense )

Michael Ray Brown, a top Hollywood script doctor and the founder of Story Sense, has more than 30 years’ experience helping writers create successful screenplays. A story analyst for seven major studios, Michael contributed to the development of such films as Lethal Weapon, Braveheart, Red Corner, Contact, Hart’s War, and many more. Since leaving MGM in 1999, Michael has been much in demand as a script consultant to writers and producers. A working screenwriter and frequent lecturer, Michael discusses script analysis in a popular seminar on screenplay structure.

Michael has lectured on screenwriting at Screenwriting Expo, Sherwood Oaks Experimental College, and the Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute. Recruited as a contributing editor to the Independent Feature Project/west newsletter, he wrote a series of articles on film financing and distribution. He is a member of Story Analysts, Local 700S, I.A.T.S.E.; Filmmakers Alliance; Film Independent (FIND); Scriptwriters Network; and the Production Executives peer group of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Creative Screenwriting magazine, in their March/April 2003 review of script analysts, rated Michael “Highly Recommended” and their #1 Best Buy. “Brown writes intelligently and coherently, his command of language helping to illuminate his command of craft.” — Nancy Hendrickson

Michael’s analysis of your script covers such areas as its uniqueness, consistency of tone, depth of characterization, quality of dialogue, structure, pacing, production values, castability, marketability, and other qualities. Format errors are flagged, as well.

Michael understands the kernel of truth that lies at the heart of every story, even those which are imperfectly rendered on the page. Believing that a consultant should be a collaborator, not just a critic, he brainstorms with his clients, stimulating them to create their best work.

Having run a story department and worked in development at most of the major studios, Michael knows what producers and studio executives look for in a script. When he consults with writers, he’s able to advise them what it will take for their script to survive coverage.

The Story Sense website has several interviews with Michael, a checklist of what a good script should have, and samples of all his services. It also has a complete guide to screenplay formatting. Michael’s class, “A Structure Checklist: How to Plug the Holes in Your Script,” is now available on DVD.

SERVICES
Development Notes - $625
A detailed, written evaluation (seven pages minimum) of your work, offering creative solutions to any and all problems in your script.  Includes a one-hour Oral Consultation by telephone or in person, plus an audio CD (or MP3 download) of the discussion.  Additionally, your script comes back to you with specific line and scene comments written on the pages.  We believe that a critique should be constructive.  To that end, each point in our Development Notes takes the form of a suggestion.  Accompanying each suggestion is an analysis of the issue it addresses, along with specific ideas or scenarios that would fix the problem.

Oral Consultation - $250
An hour-long discussion by telephone or in person, exploring various ways your script can be improved. We often discuss your intentions with regard to theme, and whether this theme could be more fully realized. Our goal is to spark your creativity. In one hour you will discover how to make your screenplay the best it can be. For your future reference (and to eliminate the need to make notes) we record the session and send it to you on an audio CD.

Studio-style Coverage - $185
See your script the way studio executives might see it. This analysis includes a cover sheet with a rating grid and a log line, followed by a one-page plot synopsis, and a comment running one-half to three-quarters of a page. Please bear in mind that Coverage is written from the viewpoint of a studio reader. Not for the faint of heart, it gives you an uncensored look at what the Industry might think of your script.

Selling Synopsis - $200
Conveying the essence of your story with some key scenes and lively details, a Selling Synopsis tells enough to tantalize the reader. Running about two pages, it succinctly describes and promotes your work, focusing on its most salable qualities. The document consists of three parts: 1) the Log Line, 2) the Pitch, and 3) the Synopsis, which includes both a Teaser Ending and a Full Ending. At your request, the pitch will be targeted to a specific market.

Proofreading - $300 base fee
Misspellings, grammatical errors, malapropisms, awkward phrasing, and non-standard formatting can hamper your script's chances of selling. Responding to popular demand, we now offer a complete proofreading service. Marking directly on your script, we flag errors and correct your spelling, grammar, word usage, and formatting. For an additional fee, we can execute the corrections in your script file.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Some script doctors try to shoehorn your story into a one-size-fits-all paradigm. Michael’s approach is more flexible. His clients usually come away amazed by his insights and excited by the possibilities. Here are some of their comments:

“I highly recommend the services of Michael Ray Brown of Story Sense. If you need someone to help you develop your script, he’s the guy. His background is unbelievable, and yet he takes such pride and heart in helping writers. After talking with him, I couldn’t wait to start rewriting. Before you show your work to anyone, contact him first!” — Phyliss Esposito

“From the first e-mail to our final consultation, Michael provided clear and intelligent input. He was a great help in getting me over the rough spots in my story. All this, and he does it with great talent and humor.” — Katherine M. Francis

“Michael’s Development Notes have proven invaluable as I head toward a rewrite. His insights and guidance showed me blind spots and deficiencies which I was having trouble seeing. More importantly, Michael offered constructive and creative solutions which would work organically within the context of my story. It’s a good feeling to know someone of Michael’s caliber and savvy is available to help me develop my voice and craft.” — Jay Caldwell

CONTACT INFORMATION
P.O. Box 3757
Santa Monica, CA 90408-3757
Tel.: (310) 394-0994
Fax: (866) 629-0199
E-mail: info@storysense.com
www.storysense.com