For me, writing starts with character. I build their arc, their journey, their contradictions—and only then do I step back to ask how the story serves them, and how structure, plot, and genre can shape their world. I believe dialogue should act as a guide, not a crutch. It’s about drawing the lines of what must be said and what should be left unsaid, allowing space for actors to breathe and bring their own rhythm. I am meticulous about getting it right, not to lock words in place, but to ensure that even if they change, their essence remains clear. Dialect, accent, deffects —these are tools to reveal a character’s world without exposition. I want the audience to believe in what they see, to question the characters’ choices, not the author’s intent.
Beyond my own work, I’ve always found myself drawn to other people’s stories. Long before adding consulting as a service, I was analyzing scripts for friends, identifying patterns, breaking down what works and what doesn't. My approach to consulting is direct—because the work should always serve the story, not the ego. I read a script multiple times, making notes on character, structure, pacing, and impact. Then I sit with the writer, not to impose my taste, but to understand theirs—to ask the right questions, to pull back the curtain so they can see what’s hidden. Sometimes, all the pieces are already there, buried beneath an unconscious hesitation or attachment. My role is to help clarify, challenge, and refine.
I work with both screenwriters and commercial clients, whether they need a fresh perspective on a script, guidance on structure, or a deeper dive into character and dialogue. What matters most to me is a willingness to put in the work—to push through the hard questions, to rewrite, to challenge assumptions. In some cases, I co-write, but my focus is always on helping others develop the tools to shape their own stories.