SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT and consulting
Clear, actionable feedback to help you turn a good script into a compelling one.
I work with writers at all levels to identify what’s not landing in their script and, more importantly, how to fix it. My approach focuses on structure, story logic, character, and subtext, with practical guidance you can immediately apply to your next draft.
With over 30 years in the film industry, I bring a practical, story-first approach to development.
HOW I WORK
Most notes tell you what’s wrong.
I focus on:
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Why something isn’t working
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What it should be doing instead
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How to fix it in a clear, practical way
This isn't generic coverage. This is development-level feedback designed to move your script forward.
SERVICES
OPTION 1 - QUICK NOTES
$149
A focused, high-level read for writers looking for clear direction.
Includes:
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Full script read
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2–3 page notes document
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Big picture feedback on structure, character, and tone
Best for:
Writers early in the process or looking for a quick, honest read before their next draft.
OPTION 2 - DEVELOPMENT PASS
$299
A deeper, more detailed analysis of your script with actionable notes.
Includes:
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Full script read
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4–6 page notes document
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Structural and character analysis
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Specific suggestions for improvement
Best for:
Writers who want meaningful feedback to guide their next draft.
OPTION 3 - FULL DEVELOPMENT (Most Popular)
$695
A comprehensive development pass for writers ready to take their script to a professional level.
Includes:
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Full script markup (comments throughout your draft)
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Detailed notes document
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Scene-by-scene feedback
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60-minute Zoom consultation
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Optional 30-minute follow-up
Best for:
Writers preparing a script for submission, competition, or industry consideration.
OPTION 4 - ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT
$1,200 – $1,800
A hands-on development process for writers who want deeper collaboration and guidance.
Includes:
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Everything in Full Development
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Targeted scene rewrites (key sequences)
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Structural refinement and story adjustments
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2–3 working sessions
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Follow-up notes on revised material
Best for:
Writers looking to significantly elevate their script with ongoing development support.
If you’re ready to take your script to the next level, get in touch with a brief description of your project and the type of feedback you’re looking for.
FOR PRODUCERS & COMPANIES
If you’re a producer, director, or production company looking for development support or a rewrite, please get in touch to discuss project-based rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does script feedback take?
Typically 5–10 days depending on length and complexity.
Do you work with first-time writers?
Yes, as well as experienced writers preparing scripts for submission or production.
What’s the difference between notes and development?
Notes identify issues. Development focuses on how to fix them.
C L I E N T T E S T I M O N I A L S
- Melissa Birks, Screenwriter
A B O U T S H A U N
Shaun and producing partner Shannon Mullen on set.
Shaun (right) accepting the IFP Gotham Award for GIRLFRIEND along with lead actor Evan Sneider (second from left) and the film's other producers..
On the red carpet in London.
Shaun O'Banion, PGA, is an award-winning writer/producer with three decades of experience in the film industry. In that time he has been fortunate to work with some of Hollywood's most accomplished veteran filmmakers including Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Cameron Crowe, Joe Wright, Peter Hedges, Jake Kasdan and Judd Apatow and has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry.
As an independent producer, Shaun developed and helped to create the cult hit DAKOTA SKYE, followed by the 2011 IFP Gotham Award-winner GIRLFRIEND, and the 2015 SXSW selection THE AUTOMATIC HATE. He has produced commercials for clients like Pepsi and Chevrolet, music videos, and live events including the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Joining Forces Initiative with current First Lady Jill Biden in support of active duty servicemen and women, veterans and military families. He is currently in development on a number of projects including THE BENTLEY BOYS, a $50 million dollar period racing film and Paniq, a procedural drama series set in the wilds of Alaska.
Shaun is also a screenwriter represented by Zero Gravity Management and, with his writing partner, is developing a variety of television and feature film projects. Among the companies he's pitched as a writer are Disney+, Imagine Entertainment, WBTV, Netflix, FilmNation TV, Temple Hill Entertainment, Chernin Entertainment, Keshet and Deborah Martin Chase Productions among others.
Shaun is committed to supporting the development of other filmmakers and storytellers and to passing on the lessons he has learned over the last thirty years. He is a regular contributor to the filmmaking community website Stage32.com and has written for MovieMaker and Filmmaker Magazines as well as Produced By and LMGI Compass. As an educator, Shaun has taught Masterclasses at SUNY Oneonta, NY., the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts in San Francisco and at The Prague Film School. In 2019, the two students on whose thesis films he served as advisor at Prague Film School won Best Director and Best Short Film respectively.
Shaun has also appeared as a special guest speaker at The SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the first two years of the Annual Prague Comic Con and has been interviewed for a number of podcasts including Creative Screenwriting, All The Right Movies, One Good Take, Below The Line and From Page 2 Screen.
He is pleased to offer private consulting services to you.
Legal
A consultation with Shaun is not a pitch session. Neither Shaun O'Banion nor Ravenwood Films are soliciting material. A consultation with Shaun is not an acceptance of your material on behalf of Ravenwood Films in order to produce your material. A consultation with Shaun is not a commitment or guarantee to pass-along your material to management companies, agents, or other production entities with whom he has relationships. By submitting your material you acknowledge that Shaun O'Banion is a producer and that Ravenwood Films is a production company both of whom develop material with the intent to produce projects for television, film, podcast, or other media.