DISCUSSION THREAD: Want to try something new, which is to reach out and get everyone's thoughts on something. @nevslin did a thread asking for thoughts on Script Coaches/Coverage/Notes Services and I've been thinking about it for the last couple days 1/ https://twitter.com/nevslin/status/1287134955860942848?s=20

I am VERY NERVOUS to engage on this topic, because it's such a lightning rod. People have highly charged emotional feelings. I personally don't, which is why I'd like to hear your experiences and thoughts. I want to learn more, so why not ask everyone? 2/

The general consensus amongst screenwriting/film twitter is that the whole thing is a scam and it's fringey people preying on vulnerable writers outside the industry. And I've certainly heard my share of horror stories, of people being overpromised, overcharged and lied to. 3/

As a manager though, I've had great dealings with @LeeZJessup and @ScriptPipeline, and am speaking to a writer this week whom @Coverfly introduced me to. I should note I haven't found a lot of clients via script coaches/consultants/notes services. But it has happened. 4/

As well, the place where I've found THE MOST clients is @theblcklst website and they certainly charge for hosting, as well as for notes and coverage. But they don't seem to be the target of ire like script consultants/notes services are. At least not from the big-name writers. 5/

I've personally never had any direct experience with this side of the business as a writer. Never paid anyone for coverage or notes. I've been lucky enough to get feedback from my friends, colleagues, and bosses in the industry. 6/

I've been incredibly fortunate. I was lucky enough to get into film school and to be able to afford to go there. I was lucky to be able to move to Los Angeles, get a job in the industry (via internships that I could afford to do.) To learn from my bosses and find a peer group. 7/

I was even able to create a writers group from my friends in the industry. It was a small group, but it included @davideoleary who went on to create PROJECT BLUE BOOK and @MarcieUlin, who's now a huge TV writer, as well as fantastic horror producer @thearmogidaship. 8/

I'm incredibly aware that not everyone is able to do all that. In fact, VERY few people can. It's one of the reasons Hollywood has such a shameful paucity of diversity within its ranks. The extreme difficulty of breaking into it is a barrier that automatically excludes people. 9/

Given that barrier to entry and access, the rise of script consultants/coaches makes total sense. They may not be cheap, but they're a way for people who haven't had the luck I've had to get feedback from someone in the industry. 10/

Obviously, there are other things that can be done. Find a community of writers online to get feedback from. But I'm keenly aware that there are so many circumstances out there for people. Some people can't do that. Or they need feedback beyond that online community 11/

But I'm also aware that this industry has been full of people preying on the dreams of creative people since it's inception. So many people inflate their resumes, their importance, and prey upon those who unfortunately don't know any better. It's an old, sad story. 12/

Still, I'm personally loath to say NEVER pay for notes because I don't know everyone's situation. As I said in my reply on @nevslin's thread, "Like everything else out there, there are good ones and bad ones...Due diligence should be done, as with all things." 13/

But I've never been a writer dealing with people offering those services, for better & for worse. So I'd like to hear from you. What have your experiences been? The good, the bad, and the ugly. I'd like to learn and I'm sure others would too. Thank you! 14/