I'm an industry professional. I've been a studio development executive (20th Century Fox and Universal); Film Producer ("The Rutles"), Executive producer (both Network and Syndication), and a writer (screenplays and TV shows). I'm a member of the Writer's Guild of America (West). I've even been an agent (click here for full bio) or Google me - There's loads of info!

I left Hollywood several years ago and moved back east. I've taught screenwriting at several area colleges (also weekend workshops) and I actively consult with Hollywood professionals on material. I receive screenplays (lots of spec ones), TV pilots and episodes, treatments and plays from all over the world. Some of my material comes via my ongoing association with a Hollywood talent/literary agency. My job is to find ways to improve their clients' material.

I'm very aware that your script has to catch the elusive interest of an agent or producer whose kneejerk reaction to almost everything is "NO." Thus I scrutinize every inch of your material. (During the consultation period, it becomes the center of my professional attention). Once completely absorbed, we'll talk and I'll give you my overview. Bottom line-- does the story work or not? (If not, it's got to be fixed. The story is the framework that supports everything)! Are there nice surprises in the script? (Audiences love and expect to be surprised). If not, how can these unexpected twists and turns be strengthened or created? Are the characters rich and effective and do they "track?" Is there a sense of theme? (ie: is it about something?) Do your subplots work? Does the script suffer from clutter, bulk or "misunderstoods?"

Besides the "macro" issues, I also provide careful "page notes," details, nuances. I cover everything, the works! And I make specific suggestions on how to fix and improve things.

I consult on lots of pro scripts. The ones that make it have a common denominator--the scripts are tight, no fat, they make sense, you get it. When the reader starts saying to him/herself, "I don't understand this" or "Where did that come from"--guess who gets the blame. You'd be surprised how many scripts get tossed aside because of unnecessary oversights and errors.

Please know that the analysis I give is not some academic diatribe designed to overwhelm and confuse you. It's deeply practical. It's bottom-line. You will hear it loud and clear. And I don't dictate, I consult. Finally, I work with scripts that are fully completed, almost done and everything in between.

I charge a fair and reasonable fee of $227.50 (130 pages or less, 12 point font and normal pagination) and I work rather fast. And I tell the truth...gently.

Send me your script, a signed release (click here for the release or call us and we'll send you one by email) and a check payable to: Hollywoodscript.com LLC by mail (suggest Priority Mail, Flat Rate Envelope - it's $4.90), to Craig Kellem 55 Chelsea Ave. Apt. 406, Long Branch, NJ 07740. If you want to pay by credit card, please click the PayPal button right below, but be sure to add $6 ($8 outside U.S.) PER SCRIPT as they charge for this service. Thus a typical script would cost a total of $238.10 which includes $227.50 for the consultation, $4.90 for postage to return your marked up script after the phone consultation and $6.00 for the cost of PayPal IF YOU USE IT.

Scripts can also be sent electronically (PDF or Final Draft preferred, but try whatever you have). Releases can be signed scanned and emailed, mailed or faxed (daytime only 732-963-9329).

We’ll can set up a time (in advance) for our telephone conference or just mail me the script and I’ll contact you with a proposed date. (By the time I receive the script, the wait is only about two weeks or so. If you contact me before you send the script (or even while you're finishing it) and set an appointment in advance, the wait can even be less.) At the agreed upon time, please call me at 732-963-9350 or 732-963-9329. (We can also arrange a call on skype at craig.kellem)

Services include exhaustive and copious notes reviewed in an unhurried phone consultation for the big/macro issues AND, re the smaller page/micro notes, your script will be returned to you with clear written notations in the margins (which includes references pertaining to the bigger issues. I'll also include a separate summary of the big "headline" issues as well. (SASE please or $4.90 postage. If it's going to Europe and other parts of the world, postage is $13.45 &Canada is $11.45.)

Some writers are shy about the phone and prefer to receive ALL notes in writing. Although a personal interaction is almost always a superior method, if you want notes in writing instead of the phone conference, that’s fine--I can put them all on the script (along with a summary) and return it to you (SASE or $4.90 postage. If it's going to Europe and other parts of the world, postage is $13.45. Mexico &Canada is $11.45.).

After a conference, you’re always welcome to call (within reason) with follow up questions (call fast while my memory’s fertile) at no charge.

If you want me to read and analyze your revision, I'll do it for $207.50 (if you send it to me within a reasonable period after the initial notes).

Student discounts are available.

As corny as it may sound, I love writers and feel a deep responsibility towards those who find the courage to transpose their burning ideas into something "alive" and tangible. I make a joyful living carefully examining your precious work and, even more carefully, doling out expert (and usually badly needed) feedback. Most of my clients are really happy with my work. (They almost always send me their revisions and subsequent scripts).

Most writers with a new project are pumped. They're convinced that their script is ready to be grabbed up. It rarely is-they often need critical work. It's hard (for many writers) to see this themselves. Honest, professional feedback without risk is usually a very wise move. Why go through the (usually) agonizing process of writing a script, finally get someone important to read it and not have it right? Please take my advice and treat yourself to this valuable help. It will not only enhance your current project but it will also provide important insights for future projects.

"How Script Notes are Really Given in Hollywood," by Craig Kellem, Read More!

As far as MARKETING help is concerned, we’re quite knowledgeable and offer advice and guidance in this area (we received an “A” rating from Creative Screenwriting Magazine in this regard). We also provide free help with your query letter. Additionally, we have a FREE MONTHLY contest for clients which is going like gangbusters.

Regarding our Contest, we announce the winner with shameless prominence on the MAIN page of our web site (note: winners will be notified by the seventh of the given month). In addition to this splashy announcement, the winner will be invited to POST their log lines, link and even a scene or two (if they so choose) from their winning work. As part of the big announcement, if you provide the basic summary of your story, we’ll add our obviously GLOWING REVIEW of your project and convert the whole thing into professional “COVERAGE” (FOR FREE) which can be used for submission purposes and, if the writer chooses, we’ll also POST THE COVERAGE on our site. Finally, we will provide AMAZING INDUSTRY EXPOSURE for the script in the following ways:

With winner's permission, we will notify a select group of several hundred producers, agents, managers etc. who have expressed interest in examining new material. We'll forward the glowing coverage of the script for their review along with contact info re the writer.

ADDITIONALLY, winning contestants will receive from our friends at the InkTip.com:

1) An e-mail announcement about your winning screenplay to their vast list of industry professionals (THIS SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE TO ALL WRITERS, SO YOU'LL HAVE A REAL ADVANTAGE!)

2) Placement of at least your logline, synopsis, and resume on their password protected web site. You may also place the treatment and/or script.

3) Include a logline (pitch) for your winning screenplay in their printed publication, Players Marketplace, which is snail-mailed to about 5,000 Industry Professionals. http://www.InkTip.com

We've also made an arrangement with a hot, young company called SCRIPTBLASTER. SCRIPTBLASTER has an incredibly vast database of producers, agents, managers and the like. Our winners will receive their BLASTER PACK WHICH REACHES OVER 1000 PRODUCERS AND AGENTS This means that a version of the FREE SCRIPT COVERAGE (another prize) will be zapped via email directly into the hands of these viable Hollywood honchos. It's set up in a way that industry professionals will respond directly to you. FYI, these services can be effective when the query that they sent out is potent enough (and we will help you make it really good).

ONE MORE BIG PRIZE - We also have one other very substantial and unique new prize which we choose to keep as a surprise but it's also in the area of valuable industry exposure. It's worth $300.00 and it guarantees you responses from poducers/agents and the like (a list from which you choose) . It has been very successful method with several of our clients. You'll get 30 free goes at it!

One other thing, since there are only two of us here, your chance of seriously contending is increased since we only have a small pool of material from which to choose. (click here for more information).

Note: When writing to me please use the word "writing" or "script" in the subject line "of your email" so that I don't miss it as I get a lot of spam. Thanks!

Outline for one of the college courses that Craig teaches on screenwriting.

Craig's recommended reading list for screenwriters.

Click here to read some examples of my notes on other projects.