Screenwriter interview
Frédérique Andréani
Journalist – Screenwriter
“The benefits of having a good script‑doctor are huge for someone like me who didn’t attend film school. It allowed me to correct my (numerous) beginner mistakes and thereby improve my screenwriting.”
Script Doctoring – An Interview with Frédérique Andréani
By Vincent Fournier – 4 min read
Who Is Frédérique Andréani?
A Paris‑born journalist turned screenwriter, Frédérique spent two years living in Sydney after university before moving to London in 1999. There she produced and directed two documentaries for CAPA, later broadcast on Arte and internationally.
For fifteen years she reported for Le Point and contributed regularly to Libération. She also founded the online magazine Chic‑London, interviewing cultural figures such as Vincent Cassel, Carole Bouquet, Christian Clavier, and Resistance icons Raymond Aubrac and Stéphane Hessel. Those conversations sparked the seed of her current fictional project.
How Did She End Up Writing Scripts?
“I’ve always been an avid reader and a binge‑watcher. As a student I went to the cinema three or four times a week. That habit turned into a love for written and visual storytelling. In London I started a screenwriting course, but I had to pause it when my documentaries were sold to Arte.”
Her fascination with the history of the German Occupation—studied at the Sorbonne and Sciences Po—combined with her storytelling passion. Initially she drafted a novel ten years ago, but the rise of streaming platforms convinced her to adapt the idea into a TV series.
Current Project: Les Ombres
In 2021 Frédérique began developing the pilot and series bible for “Les Ombres,” a historical drama set in occupied Paris. The protagonist is a former music‑hall dancer who navigates the treacherous world of collaboration, exposing the night‑life underworld that serves the Nazis.
Development status (2024):
- Two option‑contract offers arrived in 2022—from Léonis (Newen Group) and StudioCanal—validating industry interest.
- Yet, as a newcomer, Frédérique feared losing narrative control and jeopardising years of research and personal family material. She therefore decided to re‑frame the story as a novel first, hoping a future adaptation will give her stronger negotiating power.
lescenario.fr : Pour ce projet d’écriture, as-tu fait appel à un(e) script doctor ?
Frédérique Andréani : En effet, j’ai eu recours à tes services de script-doctor afin de « professionnaliser » l’ensemble du projet. Le feedback reçu des producteurs étant que mon manque d’expérience en tant que scénariste était perceptible dans l’écriture. Mon seul regret : ne pas t’avoir connu dès le début du projet. J’aurais en effet évité de très nombreuses erreurs et cela m’aurait fait gagner beaucoup de temps.
Les avantages d’avoir un bon script-doctor sont énormes pour quelqu’un comme moi – qui n’a pas fait d’école de cinéma. Cela m’a permis de corriger mes (nombreuses) erreurs de débutante et d’améliorer ainsi mon écriture scénaristique.
lescenario.fr : Quelles sont les qualités, d’après ton expérience, dont doit absolument disposer un(e) script doctor ?
Frédérique Andréani : Un bon script-doctor doit être attentif et minutieux dans la lecture d’un projet. Il doit être capable d’offrir des suggestions fines et percutantes qui permettent au scénariste d’en améliorer le contenu. Son rôle consiste également à apporter un regard critique sur l’histoire et les personnages.
Il faut que le script-doctor soit suffisamment honnête pour souligner les manques et les besoins du projet. Mais il doit par ailleurs toujours rester constructif et être porteur d’encouragements. Bien entendu, il faut qu’il puisse être capable d’offrir son expérience et ses conseils. Autre point essentiel, il doit absolument éviter toute tentative d’intrusion dans le style d’écriture et l’histoire. Il s’agit là d’un équilibre particulièrement délicat à trouver.
What Makes a Great Script Doctor? (Frédérique’s Take)
- Meticulous reading – Spotting structural gaps, pacing issues, and character inconsistencies.
- Sharp, actionable suggestions – Providing precise notes that elevate the material without overwhelming the writer.
- Constructive criticism – Being honest about deficiencies while remaining encouraging.
- Experience‑based advice – Sharing industry know‑how without imposing a personal writing style.
- Respect for the writer’s voice – Enhancing the story while preserving the author’s unique tone.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Screenwriters
- Invest in script doctoring early to catch beginner errors before they become costly rewrites.
- Maintain creative control by choosing a script doctor who offers guidance, not a rewrite.
- Leverage industry feedback (option deals, producer notes) as validation, but balance it with your own vision.
- Consider a multi‑medium strategy (novel → adaptation) if you need leverage for future negotiations.
Ready to Strengthen Your Own Script?
If you’re a screenwriter without formal training, a professional script doctor can be the catalyst that turns a rough draft into a market‑ready pilot. Feel free to reach out for recommendations or to discuss how script doctoring fits into your development pipeline.
Source: Interview conducted in London (in‑person and via video conference) for lescenario.fr.