Anyone sent their work to someone like Marc Blake? Is it worth it?
Script advisors
https://www.comedy.co.uk/writers/consultation_testimonials.shtml
I have chatted to people who have used his services and I haven't heard a bad thing said about him.
My problem is their price. I think a lot of people would be better off writing a script, sticking it a draw for six months, then looking at it with fresh eyes. You'd be surprised how much you can see wrong with scripts in this way.
I don't begrudge them making a living, and if people find their services useful, that's great. But I think you should try getting other people to read it for free before handing out money.
What I would personally find useful is a script doctor. Somebody who could look at a script I've written and am happy with (structurally) and offer suggestions on how to make specific lines funnier.
Quote: Griff @ April 18 2008, 11:10 AM BSTThat's exactly the feedback I've had from Dave Cohen - suggesting new lines, suggesting which lines which don't work, and moving bits of dialogue around (ie that's a good line but give it to this other character, or use it in this scene instead etc).
That sounds like great feedback. How did you get him to read your script?
cheers. 
But does Dave Cohen only look at scripts that would have potential for 'Tilt'? I assume he will be too busy for anything else or am I wrong?
'I haven't used Marc (though I plan to some day),'
Steady.
Quote: chipolata @ April 18 2008, 10:52 AM BSTI don't begrudge them making a living, and if people find their services useful, that's great. But I think you should try getting other people to read it for free before handing out money.
There's of course no harm in that... provided you know the people you show it to are going to give you honest feedback. Friends tend not to want to upset things by telling you they actually think your car/wife/life/script/whatever is shit (I'm not getting personal here, just a generic example 
).
X-Factor is the embodiment of this - "Tracy, you sound just like Mariah Carey!". Script consultants are the Simon Cowells of the comedy world.
Also, as mentioned above, people like Dave Cohen and Marc Blake have a bit of extra industry insight that your friends might not have. For starters I'd doubt your friends would be able to tell you if you've gone over budget or over time (I know a bit about comedy, but that's beyond me too). Plus - as they get to see lots of scripts they can offer a benchmark service - your's might be good, but is it better/worse than the other good ones currently doing the rounds?
Anyway, you're right, it's a lot of money, and I wouldn't say go for it until you've been through all the other avenues like friends first - the consultation tends to be just one step away from sending it off.
Quote: Lee Brown @ April 18 2008, 8:47 PM BSTBut does Dave Cohen only look at scripts that would have potential for 'Tilt'? I assume he will be too busy for anything else or am I wrong?
I think I'm right in saying Dave is currently a bit tied up with writing the presenter's jokes on Have I Got News For You, but when that's out the way he'll happily look at sketches not aimed at Tilt.