Script consulting

Sam Johnson worked as a script consultant and story analyst for over 10 years, consulting on feature films, television pilots, and manuscripts for companies and producers including Amazon Studios, RKO Pictures, Robert Downey Jr.’s Team Downey, and producer/writer Mark Goffman (“The Umbrella Academy”).

A graduate of the USC Peter Stark Producing Program and former Vice President of the Harvard Lampoon, Sam specializes in story structure, character development, dialogue, tone, pacing, and commercial positioning while helping writers maintain the unique voice of their work.

His own screenplays have been recognized by competitions and festivals including Harvardwood, Shriekfest Horror/Sci‑Fi Film Festival, StoryPros, Big Apple Film Festival, Cinestory, and A Night of Horror International Film Festival, with projects ranging from prestige drama to horror to dark comedy to animation.

What Script Consulting Includes

Every screenplay has different goals. Some writers are preparing a script for contests or fellowship applications. Others are developing a project for producers, investors, actors, or independent production. Some simply want honest, professional feedback before moving to the next draft.

Sam works directly with writers to strengthen both the artistic and commercial elements of a project while preserving the writer’s individual voice.

Consulting services may include:

  • Feature screenplay notes

  • Television pilot notes

  • Scene-by-scene story analysis

  • Character and dialogue development

  • Structure and pacing feedback

  • Tone and genre consistency

  • Commercial positioning and marketability

  • Budget-conscious development feedback for independent films

  • Pitch deck and logline consultation

  • Ongoing development coaching for rewrites

Because each project receives extensive individualized feedback, SMJ Presents accepts only a limited number of consulting clients at a time.

Each consultation is tailored to the needs of the individual project—from treatment to polished draft—and may include detailed written analysis, scene-level feedback, rewrite strategy, commercial positioning notes, and a private consultation to discuss development goals, industry strategy, and next steps for the screenplay.

Depending on the client’s goals, consulting may focus on contest and fellowship submissions, preparing material for producers, actors, or investors, independent film development, or strengthening a screenplay before the next draft or production phase.

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