If there are any writers out there who are wondering whether or not to use a script editor at the moment, perhaps for the first time, I am e-mailing to recommend Ellin Stein. I had felt for a while that a script editor was a bit of a luxury and just an extra cost and there was also the problem of not knowing whether they were able, of course.

I have been re-enthused by the report on my short film which has brought me some much needed clarity - what it is I have got, what its weaknesses are and where I need to make improvements. It has been a very good milestone on the way to a final draft and I firmly recommend use of a script editor - and of Ellin, in particular.
Thank you so much for your report - I've had one quick read-through and will study it in more depth now, but just wanted to get my initial thoughts down quickly.

It's a real boost to read your encouraging comments about premise, dialogue, potential etc. Of course we all feel our projects are worth persevering with but it's still helpful to have a professional, objective endorsement. I'm very grateful for your clear eye and unsentimental approach. You've spotted a major weakness of mine - I tend to assume that just because I know what the motivations, dilemmas and conflicts of my characters are, an audience will automatically spot these too. Wrong! I need to learn how to expose these more obviously without being patronising to the reader/viewer.
I really appreciate both your criticisms and your suggested fixes. For me, that is the most helpful feature of your approach. Even if I don't necessarily agree with all of them, your suggestions immediately sparked off different ideas.
Thanks again for your constructive comments Ellin. I guess I'd better get cracking!

I knew there were problems with this script, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. But when I read Ellin’s notes, it was one “a-ha” moment after the other.

Having had her recommended, I sent my latest script to Ellin Stein for feedback. I just received a detailed and very insightful 10-page analysis - I highly recommend her, and I've had professional feedback from 3 other editors, but this was the most impressive....although I don't agree with all your points, Ellin! ;-)

Ellin----I just did a super quick read through of your comments. THEY ARE AWESOME (he said as he looked at the cat who stretched while the filthy chameleon scurried away, etc. etc. etc.).
Really great work.
I will be in touch!

I’ve recently used three script consultants. All have been valuable but the one that had the greatest impact was Ellin Stein. Amongst other things Ellin suggested that I rework the second half of the screenplay as I had become bogged down with plot machinations that were holding the script back. She was right and I have now re-written the second half completely leading to a much improved script.

I've just read through your comments and I wantto thank you. I knew the outline was far too general, far too rough but wanted good feedback before developing it. Your comments are v. helpful.
If I do develop this into a script, I may well contact you again. Or I might ask for your feedback on other projects. Thanks again.

Please, don't worry. Your comments helped me see that the most important thing for me to learn is proper structuring so that my 'powerful stories' turn into proper movies. It's a slow learning process for me coming from stage direction where you attach your vision to an already existing structure but I will get there in the end. Thank you for your patience. Good luck with your deadline. I'll keep plugging away at my outline.

superb notes as always. thank you.