Dramaturgy / Consultancy
Dramaturgy is the process of working with a writer or production team to develop a script to its fullest potential. Typically, the term is most applied in theatre. For other mediums, such as audio, TV and film, the term script consultancy is more widely used.
- Perhaps plotting your narrative is giving you an enormous headache?
- Organising the arc of your series is more complicated than you expected?
- Maybe the characters aren't leaping off the page like they should?
- You know there's a story here somewhere but you haven't found the way to tell it yet?
- The script needs 20 minutes cut and you don't know where to begin?
- Or maybe you're just this close to throwing your laptop out the window and give up writing forever?
Whether you need something fixing or you'd just feel more confident with a second opinion, I can provide you with professional, detailed feedback on your script, tailored to suit your requirements. I've helped writers get from their first draft to finished product, I've worked with actors to develop their one-person shows, and I've assisted directors and producers in revising a script in the middle of an intense rehearsal period. Most of all, I've tried to solve problems as efficiently as possible, so that writers can enjoy their own work again!
I am currently attached on a freelance basis to Audible Australia, working with commissioned writers to develop their scripts and series for audio, including crime drama, fantasy, comedy and documentary programmes. However, I'm still available to work on additional projects!
If you'd like me to take a look at your script/s, then drop me a line below and we'll see what I can do!
I am also available to hire as a script editor, developing a script according to your specifications, typically for a broadcast or online medium that imposes format requirements upon it. It may be that you'd like the script to be re-structured, punched up, or entirely rewritten.
As head writer on the sitcom Wooden Overcoats, I have overseen a team of writers and developed their scripts to suit the needs of the production process, maintaining stylistic consistency across all episodes. I was also engaged as a script editor on the Land Rover / Cecilia FM podcast The Discovery Adventures to rewrite some scripts when the original writers proved unavailable, ensuring the finished work reflected the tone and content of the other scripts in the series.
I can fulfil your requirements on a script or collection of scripts, ensuring that they meet all requirements.
As head writer on the sitcom Wooden Overcoats, I have overseen a team of writers and developed their scripts to suit the needs of the production process, maintaining stylistic consistency across all episodes. I was also engaged as a script editor on the Land Rover / Cecilia FM podcast The Discovery Adventures to rewrite some scripts when the original writers proved unavailable, ensuring the finished work reflected the tone and content of the other scripts in the series.
I can fulfil your requirements on a script or collection of scripts, ensuring that they meet all requirements.
"His notes are first-rate and bang on the money. If you need expert help with a script, then I have three words for you: David K. Barnes."
- Simon Nicholls, BBC comedy producer
"He is able not only to read with penetrating insight but to write incisive, concise, and clear
reports that have proven invaluable in pinpointing a script's strengths and weaknesses."
- Chris Foxon, producer of Papatango Theatre Company
"David immediately understood the essence of the piece, which allowed him to shape
its structure and tone with a clarity that had previously been missing."
- Matt Maltby, co-artistic director of Pint-Sized
"David's instinct for structure and rhythm are preternatural, and his feedback is clear and incisive.
He shows you how to make your script what you wanted it to be in the first place."
- Tom Crowley, artistic director of Crowley & Co.
"David refined the structure and tone, keeping it funny and heartwarming at the same time. It completed changed the effect
the show had on my audiences. It wouldn't have been the success it was without his assistance, skill and eye for detail."
- Georgie Morrell, A Poke in the Eye
"David has an innate understanding of how actors work best and helped to make the creative process fluid and enjoyable for all involved."
- EJ Martin, Producer at Pluck Productions
(Please note that fees vary depending on the nature of the work and the time it'll take to complete it. Contact me with all the details and we'll work something out.)
- Simon Nicholls, BBC comedy producer
"He is able not only to read with penetrating insight but to write incisive, concise, and clear
reports that have proven invaluable in pinpointing a script's strengths and weaknesses."
- Chris Foxon, producer of Papatango Theatre Company
"David immediately understood the essence of the piece, which allowed him to shape
its structure and tone with a clarity that had previously been missing."
- Matt Maltby, co-artistic director of Pint-Sized
"David's instinct for structure and rhythm are preternatural, and his feedback is clear and incisive.
He shows you how to make your script what you wanted it to be in the first place."
- Tom Crowley, artistic director of Crowley & Co.
"David refined the structure and tone, keeping it funny and heartwarming at the same time. It completed changed the effect
the show had on my audiences. It wouldn't have been the success it was without his assistance, skill and eye for detail."
- Georgie Morrell, A Poke in the Eye
"David has an innate understanding of how actors work best and helped to make the creative process fluid and enjoyable for all involved."
- EJ Martin, Producer at Pluck Productions
(Please note that fees vary depending on the nature of the work and the time it'll take to complete it. Contact me with all the details and we'll work something out.)