Screenwriting Coach
DONALD H HEWITT
If you're ready to make the jump, not just write but be a screenwriter, I am here for you. I will guide you step-by-step from logline, to outline, to a completed draft, giving you clear, constructive feedback every step of the way.
ABOUT ME
I am a working screenwriter and WGA member with 20 years of industry experience.
I teach advanced screenwriting and core screenwriting classes at
USC School of Cinematic Arts and UCLA.
Currently, I am writing the upcoming Sci-Fi feature Gods of Mars. Recently, I wrote
a mini-series based on a classic novel set to star and produced by Sir Ben Kingsley. I have written extensively in the feature world including credits on Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated films. I have also had the privilege of working with some of the top producers in the industry, such as: John Lasseter, Peter Chernin, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, David Heyman, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan, Charles Roven and Alex Gartner.
My passionate screenwriting guidance has led to numerous students' success. Over the last 3 years at least one of my students has finished in the top 3 in the UCLAex screenwriting competition, including last year's winner Johan Ingler, who's script Frankie & Chair is now in production.
My screenwriting class has been rated the "Best in LA" by LA Weekly.
How do I sell my screenplay?
DON'T GO IT ALONE.
It took me years to develop the skills to be a professional screenwriter.
One of the many hats I wear is Screenplay Competition Judge. I love it. It gives me a chance to see what's going on. And what I see is that most screenplays fail right from the start. They are missing critical elements that are essential for professional screenplays to be successful. There are hundreds of screenplay consultants that will read your finished screenplay and tell you what you did wrong. What my foundation, premier, and ultimate programs do is start with you at the beginning. Make sure your story has a solid foundation and that all the dramatic elements are there for your story to be a success.
The most valuable resource in the world is time. Don't waste it. Let's work together to make your story great right now.
*** Here's the deal - I'm a working screenwriter, I can only take a limited number of clients on at any given time. ***
*** Please note that these are educational rates. If you are a producer and would like me to work on your project please contract me regarding my professional rates. ***
FOUNDATION PACKAGE
Get Started Right!
I will guide you through the most important part of writing a screenplay. Starting with creating a compelling logline, constructing solid structure, bringing dynamic characters to life and developing a dramatic outline using my unique outline approach. Once you've completed my foundation, writing your screenplay will be exciting and fun because you know you're on solid ground and you know where you're going.
Feature Film $500
1-Hour TV Pilot $400
PREMIER PACKAGE
Start Strong. Finish Strong.
We'll start with the Foundation then dive into writing your screenplay. I'll read your pages each week and give you concise constructive feedback.
Feature Film $1500
1-Hour TV Pilot $1000
ULTIMATE PACKAGE
Hands on Assistance and Guidance
I'll work with you. Brainstorm with you regarding the concept, the story beats, the characters. I will guide you through my unique Outline format which leads to dynamic, engaging stories. As you begin writing, I will review your pages on a weekly basis, giving highly specific guidance, even tweaking lines of dialog and description. But you will always be the captain of the ship. My goal is to help you tell the story you want to tell.
Feature Film $5000
One-Hour TV Pilot $4000
THE REWRITE
Make Your Script Shine!
You've written your masterpiece, BUT it's just not there yet. I'll read your screenplay and give you extensive notes. But more importantly, we'll work through my process, Starting with creating a compelling logline, then re-construct your structure, and add new dimensions to your characters. Then, each week, I'll read your new pages and give you strong, clear concise feedback. I offer two Package levels: Premier – extensive clear guidance, or Ultimate – hands on assistance and guidance.
Premier Feature Film $2000
Premier 1-Hour TV Pilot $1500
Ultimate Feature Film $5000
Ultimate 1-Hour TV Pilot $4000
THE PITCH
Pitch with Confidence!
Pitching is one of the most critical aspects of being a screenwriter. Unfortunately, most of us writers are introverts and find it extremely difficult! But don't worry! After working with me, you will feel comfortable and confident that your pitch is delivering on your story idea!
Short Pitch $200
Professional Pitch $500 - $1000
THE MEETING
This is Your Chance!
In one of the all time great movies, Body Heat, Mickey Rourke says “Any time you try a decent crime, you've got 50 ways you can fuck up, if you can think of 25 of them, you're a genius.” Same goes for meetings. I've been to hundreds of meetings. I will completely prepare you so that when you walk in that room, you will feel comfortable and confident.
Meeting Prep $200
w/ Short Pitch $300
How do you pitch?
It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way.
Ernest Hemingway
FADE IN:
INT. YOUR HOME
You decide it's time. It's time to become a screenwriter. You fill out the form and...
(Let me know what package you're interested in and where you heard about me.)
THE GRILLO-MARXUACH EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN BUREAU
My good friend, Javi, is an incredibly successful writer. He's also incredibly generous, making much of his work available for download. Check out pitches, pilots, etc. both successful and unsuccessful.
