"Literally some of the best feedback I've received over the course of about a dozen screenplays."
- Ivo Raza - Writer/Director
Coaching
The secret to a ‘successful’ script today is creating characters we care about, knowing what aspect of the human condition you're exploring, and connecting emotionally with your pages.
Relying on ‘story’ or an imaginative ‘world’ is not enough.
That unique emotional authenticity is your ‘voice’. It’s what attracts attention, and it’s really freaking hard to do.
I help explore why you're compelled to write this idea, so you can tell a story that is entertaining and emotionally satisfying to you and your audience.
My aim is to empower you to make the most of your idea, and your skills.
" Tim has helped sharpen many of my scripts by pinpointing what needs work and providing specific fixes for the rewrite. He has the gift of finding the emotional essence of a story even if it is hidden under pages of first draft bloat. Highly recommend."
- Shawn Boxe - Writer, Silicon Valley (HBO)
Coaching Options
The Idea
Let’s discuss your idea before you’ve written a word. We’ll talk over coffee, zoom or the phone, with a focus on what aspect of the human condition you want to explore. Knowing what your story is ‘about’ helps you stay focused, and build a compelling script. I’ll also give you help with next steps – constructing the all-important outline.
Fee: 1 hour - $110
Package - 2 x 1 hour conversations - $185
Package - 3 x 1 hour conversations - $260
"Tim has a keen eye for spotting vulnerabilities in story, pacing, and structure. His feedback on several of my scripts has been invaluable. I highly recommend his services for those that are serious about taking their work to the next level."
- Lloyd Gilyard Jr. - Writer, The Good Doctor (ABC)
Written Feedback
I read your script, and deliver at least a page of feedback. You’ll learn what’s working, and I’ll point out areas of opportunity for the next draft. And I’ll do it fast.
The goal is to improve your chances of making a memorable impact in competitions and with industry readers.
Fee: $125 (Pilot or Feature) Notes delivered within 7 days.
Read and Chat
I read your script, send you at least a page of written notes, then we chat over coffee, zoom, or the phone about whatever you want to discuss.
Fee: Read and a 30 min chat (zoom only): $190
Read and a 60 min chat: $245
Notes delivered within 7 days.
Payment via
" Tim’s notes cut to the heart of a matter and truly help in developing a well-rounded character and world. I absolutely value his opinion and honesty." -
Ubah Mohammed - Writer, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (CW), The Whispers (ABC)
Workshops
Our workshops provide a safe space for writers to come together to learn, explore, and meet new friends. Numbers are small (especially online), to give each student the best chance to get real value from the experience. Early booking is recommended.
"I can definitively say I walked out of the workshop a much better writer than when I walked in. The environment was supportive and fun and the assignments allow you to take risks, and push you to get to the emotional core of your writing. I would recommend this to any writer wanting to grow and take their writing to the next level."
-Nick A.
Workshop Options
Increasing Your Emotional Connection
Our original workshop. Each week you get a new writing exercise aimed at exploring your emotional connection with your writing.
Tim will be joined by 4 actors who will read each exercise, followed by a discussion and encouraging feedback from Tim and the group.
The aim is to take risks with your writing. It's our 'writer's gym', and it will boost your confidence, and command of craft.
NEXT SESSION
6 weeks – IN PERSON!! – Wednesday, February 22 - Wednesday, March 29th
7.00pm – 9.30pm (PT) 6-8 SEATS ONLY -
Fee: $420 per person
Book Now:
First 10 Pages
Getting your first ten pages right is the difference between your script attracting industry attention, and dying.
Each week Tim will be joined by 4 actors who will read your pages, followed by a group discussion and advice from Tim on ways to dive into story, while establishing characters an audience can care about. You will be encouraged to take some creative risks, overcome your desire to do lengthy ‘set up’, and emerge with confidence at starting your script in eye catching ways.
NEXT SESSION:
4 weeks – ONLINE – Wednesday Nights - Coming in 2023
7.00pm – 9.00pm (Pacific) 4 SEATS ONLY -
Fee: $350 per person
Book Now:
From Idea To Outline
Come with an idea, leave with an outline. Tim will listen, encourage, and lead discussion about your idea, helping you move from random thoughts, to the all-important outline. Special attention will be paid to your individual emotional connection to the idea. The sessions will be honest and encouraging, as students build characters, story, and an emotional journey for the audience, and finish the workshop with a viable first draft of a complete outline. (Feature or Pilot)
NEXT SESSION:
4 weeks – ONLINE – Wednesday Nights – Coming in 2023
7.00pm – 9.00pm (Pacific) 4 SEATS ONLY
Fee: $320 per person
Book Now:
"This workshop has been essential in taking my writing from “hobby" to serious career focus. The guidance from Tim is incredibly valuable. Three words: Playful - Professional - Productive."
- Suzanne M.
Live Events
We held staged readings of scripts selected from entrants to a smaller LiveRead competition. And we always had a working ‘Industry Insider’ join us to share wisdom.
We may hold more in future - join our email list for the latest updates.
To see the archive of previous LiveReads, and Insider Q&A’s, from people like Actor/Director Jason Alexander (Seinfeld), to Writer Kira Snyder (Handmaid’s Tale), click below.
Writers' Open Mic Night
February 19th, 2023 - 6.30pm - 9pm
Irish Times Pub - West LA
A super exciting new event for 2023!!
Five writers are given a 'theme' at noon. At 6.30pm they show up at the Pub, where amazing professional actors read their efforts. The audience 'votes' on the winner, who receives a $50 gift card from our lovely sponsor Bluestone Lane Coffee!
It's a night of fun, and a chance for writers and actors to meet, mingle, drink (if that's your thing), and enjoy being part of the Write LA Community.
Come see what writers come up with when given a topic, a short amount of time, and the freedom to let their imagination run wild!
Hosted by Tim Schildberger, Founder and CEO of Write LA.
Fee to 'compete' is $50.
Mixers
We are a community, and we believe in gathering occasionally to chat, mingle, and work on our networking skills – which we all know kinda suck. As COVID recedes, stay tuned for updates by joining our, you guessed it – email list.