Working for weeks—or even months—on a screenplay demands a clearly defined working framework. This isn’t about imposing a rigid methodology to produce a “good” script; it’s about the human framework that underpins every project—the most critical element of all. That framework forces writers to face their first audience, the most critical one: the script‑doctor. That meeting, let’s be honest, is neither natural nor risk‑free; therefore, a few precautions are essential.
In my practice with screenwriters who seek my help, I establish, from day one, a fundamental step: a personal meeting with the authors. This interview, voluntary on both sides, takes place without a contract and before any script reading. To me, it is non‑negotiable.
The purpose is twofold. First, it uncovers the creative potential of the story and its writer. Second, it gives the writer the freedom to decide whether I’m the right person to accompany them. It isn’t about evaluating my professional skills—those improve with each project—nor about judging the artistic or commercial prospects of the script at this early stage.
Behind this first contact, which blends humility and intellectual honesty, lies a private concern: establishing a foundation of trust with the screenwriter and nurturing belief in the film.
photo : Vincent Fournier Firenze 2025
Guiding Screenwriters Toward Success
“You have to be a little creative yourself to recognize it in others,” — John Cleese
That observation sits at the heart of my script‑doctor work.
Being convinced of a project’s value starts with feeling something in the first encounter: a connection with the writer, the subject, their lived experience, and their aspirations. It also means respecting their universe and the courage it takes to expose it. A film is never just “a film”; it reflects a personality, a trajectory—joyful or painful—dreams lost and many other nuances.
You must perceive those embryonic qualities before anyone else sees them, and you must want to support the project for the right reasons: to supply the critical ingredients that give the film a real chance of success while contributing to the creative edifice.
Why Great Films Succeed
The most celebrated works—both critically and commercially—often operate on several layers of meaning. Multiple, complementary, sometimes divergent voices add finesse and subtlety. When a project possesses genuine value, it can even become a piece of cinema history.
A Collaboration Without Fusion
Before imagining such successes, a precise working dynamic must be set up, founded on multiplicity of viewpoints and acceptance of their divergences throughout the writing and critical analysis phases. The traditional creative‑writing cycle unfolds as: dream → think → outline → listen → hear → refine → decide.
When a script‑doctor joins the process, each step follows the same rhythm, except that the final decision always remains with the screenwriter.
Therefore, the script‑doctor must know how to stay in their lane: delivering clear, sharp, sometimes brutal feedback with a keen critical eye. The goal is to force writers to answer a flood of questions, drawing on their convictions, beliefs, certainties, and—for the most seasoned—ability to embed ambiguity, or simply to leave space for the audience to form its own opinion.
photo : Vincent Fournier 2025
A Film Is Always a Proposal
From my experience, screenwriters arrive with two common fears: being judged and being swallowed by an alleged expert. Those twin anxieties, fed by hierarchical clichés in the film world, must be dispelled from the very first exchange.
Being a screenwriter is primarily about carrying convictions and wanting to communicate them. The quality of those convictions isn’t the central issue; the willingness to share them is. Many singular, personal works have become cult phenomena—not because they were “bad,” but because they possessed irreverence, sensitivity, or a fresh perspective on the world.
That capacity to open doors is a blessing for the script‑doctor. Their role is to encourage authors to move beyond initial fears, to enter dialogue. A good script‑doctor can diagnose a screenplay from a simple pitch while sometimes doubting the author’s ability to elevate the material enough for a film to emerge.
Regardless, the original spark that motivated the creator must never disappear. It should be nurtured from start to finish. Sessions between a writer and a script‑doctor can be tough, but they must always end with the desire to meet again—to make the film better through constant questioning of viewpoints.
Are You a Screenwriter? Do You Have a Project That Deserves a Fresh Perspective?
Take the time now for a no‑obligation meeting—even before the script is read. This first interview, free of any contract, gives you the chance to:
- Feel whether the script‑doctor shares your vision
- Confirm that trust and intellectual honesty are present
- Test the connection that will bring your story to life
Why Take the Step?
Every great film begins with an honest conversation where the creator lays out dreams, fears, and their universe. The script‑doctor, far from being a judge, becomes a partner who:
- Detects creative potential from the very first exchange
- Helps you clarify your convictions without crushing them
- Pushes you to explore the ambiguities that will resonate with the audience
Take Action Today!
- Book Your Free Consultation – Choose a convenient date and come prepared with only your pitch and expectations.
- Show Up Authentically – No script reading is required; just bring your passion and desire to move forward.
- Decide Informed – After the meeting you’ll know if the script‑doctor is the right ally to guide you toward success.
Don’t let your project wait. That first point of contact can turn an idea into a film that leaves a lasting impression. Click here to schedule your appointment—and give your screenplay the chance to shine from the start.