Until Pilar, I had never had a script consultant read any of my screenplays or original television pilots or specs. I had picked up a flyer with info on her and her company, On The Page, at a screenwriting Expo several years ago. Then I interviewed her for an article I wrote for a magazine on script consultants and I felt her warmth over the telephone and was impressed with her approach to script consulting. I also heard from one of her clients in Australia who had nothing but praise for Pilar's script consultation, which in his case was over the telephone. I sent Pilar my original TV pilot last month and then we met in person a few days later in her office in Sherman Oaks, which is located in a strip mall over a 7-Eleven but once you're inside her space it's really spacious and inviting. While over the years I've had my scripts read by many development executives at television networks, some agents and a few showrunners nothing prepared me for how helpful Pilar's comments and insights were on my script. She is definitely "on your side" to help you make your material better...an advocate for helping you make your script shine. She asked me questions that helped me focus my story as well as suggested some cuts as well as additions that I know will make my script much stronger in terms of character and story. Pilar also has a new book out called THE COFFEE BREAK SCREENWRITER: Writing Your Script Ten Minutes At A Time. I've always found what separates a writer from anyone else is that they actually WRITE, but for some, especially those with 9 to 5 jobs, children, spouses and other demands it can be very challenging to carve out a chunk of time to write...and believing that they need hours of time to write they procrastinate or don't do it at all. Pilar's approach here definitely provides the structure to start a script from start to finish, from outline to first or second draft. There's chapters on The Story, Characters, The First Draft, The Rewrite and The Final Edit and each one includes various subsections, writing tools and exercises to help maximize the time you have to write, whether it's five minutes, 10 or even a few hours. It's definitely a great motivator and tool for those people who write when their children are in bed, or early in the morning or for anyone who needs to inspiration! Pilar also offers screenwriting classes, which she teaches in Los Angeles and around the country, and I strongly urge everyone to check out her Podcasts, too, to get an idea of what she's like and how she communicates. read more

II've taken two of Pilar's classes (Six Steps to a Screenplay, and 'Beyond the Chick Flick.' I've also had two script consultations and been an avid podcast listener for almost two years. What makes Pilar stand out from the other instructors I've had - and I've had some excellent teachers - is that she doesn't talk about writing in the abstract. She gives you process. Having trouble cracking your story? Your character? Your structure? She's got exercises to help you do it. And there simple. They get you out of your head, not into it. There are no journals full of character history in her class. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for in-depth exploration of character, but I tend to overthink things, so writing a character history can become another tool to delay actually writing the script. The other thing about Pilar that blows me away is how she is able to read a script and cut like a laser right to what's not working. She's read thousands of scripts, and she just knows where the problems are. And when she gives you feedback, she never tries to change your story or your character. She gets that you have a story you're trying to tell, and gives you solutions that will help tell that story more effectively. Finally, she gives it to you straight, but is never harsh. Very important for the delicate egos of writers, or at least this writer. She rocks. I cannot recommend her highly enough. read more

I've been to see Pilar Alessandra twice now on two of my scripts and I must say she has helped me look at my stories in a whole new way! She is excellent at pointing out the highs and lows of your script. She'll let you know exactly what is working and what is not and will help you figure out how to make it work (is that trademarked? sorry Tim Gunn). What she won't do is give you snooty, know-it-all attitude, put you down if your material is less than great or make you feel anything other than like a writer. She cares about your story and she wants to see you succeed in this crazy business. What's the most amazing thing is how much information is out there for screenwriters just from her. She has a book, the Coffee Break Screenwriter: Writing Your Script 10 Minutes at a Time (read it! so good!), a DVD, offers classes and the best of all.. a POD CAST with over 150 episodes! I've listened to them all and learned so much. She tackles any and every subject in screenwriting and the film/tv business! She makes it fun and accessible. You don't have to be a Hollywood insider to get the information she doles out every week. Definitely go to itunes and subscribe! Everything can be found on her web page as well at www.onthepage.tv Can't wait for my next consultation! read more

Pilar's script consultation service is amazing! If you've written a script and want immediate, helpful, accessible advice, then use Pilar's (On the Page) script consultation. I have a master's in screenwriting, and I got more useful, valuable information from my consult with Pilar than all the critiques I got in school! First, she actually reads your entire script--carefully! I was amazed at how she referred to the character as if she knew them--real evidence of a thorough read. You sit down with her for a 90 minute session during which she gives you overall story notes/suggestions, followed by reviewing the comments she's written throughout your script--from page 1 to FADE OUT! If you're new to screenwriting or a veteran, getting a fresh pair of eyes on your work is invaluable--and having someone as experienced and skilled in storytelling as Pilar will take your script to the next level. You will NOT regret this! Also--check out her podcasts on iTunes (search: On the Page). You'll love them! She's got great guests, and always presents topics really useful to screenwriters of all levels. read more

I've been working with Pilar for just under two years. She has been extremely helpful to me on two screenplays and a TV pilot. She is very knowledgeable and has great insights about how to bring a story to life. I have improved immensely as a writer because of the feedback she gives me, draft by draft. I would recommend Pilar to anybody starting their careers as a screenwriter, as well as veteran writers needing to tighten their stories before submitting them to producers and/or agents. The single best investment I've made in my writing career has been working with Pilar month after month. Thanks to Pilar, I've gotten fantastic reviews on my first completed script from A-List agents and producers, all of whom requested to read my next script. I'm almost finished with my second script and can't wait to hear what these agents and producers say. Pilar has been an integral part of my success at getting noticed as a talented writer with a unique voice. I'm most grateful to be working with her. C. Brett Karcher Screenwriter Email: cbrettkarcher@msn.com read more

I just had an awesome experience with a one-on-one phone consultation with Pilar. I heard good things about her indirectly from people participating in Script Frenzy. I checked her website and she sounded really good. There was a four month wait list for her one-on-one phone consultations, but that helped give me a deadline to finish the draft of my first screenplay. Based on what I read and heard about her, I hoped for the best. And I was not disappointed! Just like everyone says, she had so many suggestions of how to make structure, characters, and scenes stronger. She has a great way of communicating what doesn't work or weaknesses, without being intimidating. (Important for sensitive writers!) She saw what I was trying to do and helped me refine it and make it stronger, with really specific suggestions. I know clearly what direction I am going in my next draft! I learned so much and enjoyed working with her on top of it. She is definitely worth the time and money. I highly recommend her! read more

My screenwriting partner and I did an over-the-phone consultation with Pilar two years ago. I was amazed at her insight, enthusiasm, encouragement and constructive feedback about our script. Truly gifted at providing big notes as well as improving the tiniest details that get missed by others. And she makes it fun! Last month, we had consultation with a first draft of a new story. I was hoping that our previous session wasn't a fluke. After 90 minutes, I realized that this session was even stronger than the first. We left with our heads buzzing. Pilar not only tells you where to improve, you jointly brainstorm ideas. She's like a coach that can draw up the game winning play on the fly. As writers, we still have to make the shot, through rewrite after rewrite, but it helps being in the right place to begin with. Pilar is an amazing talent and I highly recommend her. read more

I found Pilar by accident by taking one of her classes at the Great American Pitchfest because the class I wanted to take wasn't available. It's the best thing that could have ever happened to me! Pilar's approach to script consulting is one of the best. She has an eye for detail and story structure that takes it beyond the books and literally onto your page. Pilar helps you reveal the ideas in a new and exciting way, but with your voice not hers. The last script I had her consult with me on has placed in four screenwriting competitions and led me to get talent attached for that script! I am director who writes, but with Pilar's help I was able to become a writer who can direct. ;) Her consultations are well worth the time and money! I wouldn't have achieved the success I have found thus far without her help and guidance. Thanks Pilar! read more

You can't turn around without stepping on a script consultant in LA. As a first time screen writer, I knew I needed help but had no idea where to start or who to trust. To make matters worse I live so far from LA that it might as well be another planet. I found Pilar's "On the Page" podcast and liked her easy going style, honest answers and insightful ideas. I took a chance. Four years later, she continues to be a trusted resource. She's pulled more than one steaming pile of pages out of the fire and coached me through key rewrites and story adjustments. Plus, her fees are modest. There's no better place to go for candid, actionable feedback on your screenplay. Her book and DVD expand on her philosophy and are now on my list of goto resources. Check them both out. You will not be sorry. read more

At the conclusion of our critique session, it would have been easy to give Pilar rave reviews. She won us with her enthusiasm, her comprehension of our genre, her instantaneous ideas and solutions for cumbersome scenes. But we waited to give feedback until now, having finished the re-write. I admit, at times during this revision we wanted to cling to a few original scenes. But by taking Pilar's suggestions, we streamlined our story, added oomph to our characters and punched up our mystery. Our advice: If your screenplay isn't wobbly you won't have to fix it, but if it is, Pilar has the insight to help you proceed with confidence. We highly recommend Pilar Alessandra and plan to use her services again. Genie F. and Melissa F. read more

I discovered Pilar Allesandro at the Screenwriter's Expo several year ago. I have an M.A. in Literary Theory and Composition, and an M.F.A. in fiction: so I have a solid literary and writing background. The most experienced writers know that everyone needs a good reader. I consider myself fortunate to have discovered Pilar in her writing for women workshop, and now I always trot to Pilar's doors with my scripts: she has an uncanny understanding of what a script needs: that nuance that takes a script from average to light speed in the blink of a scene well placed, a new direction not yet thought, a question not yet answered. I have only high praise for her great help on all my scripts. Thanks Pilar. See you again with the revision!! read more

I had the pleasure of taking a UCLA class from Pilar about 10 years ago, then joined her writer's groups and have considered her my screenwriting guru ever since. Through her 2nd-to-none guidance and grasp of story, she helped take me from being a writer to being a really good storyteller. Now, working with her one-on-one, i get more out of a one hour session with her than an entire college course, where she zeros in on what's not working and gives concrete suggestions for how to fix it. In a phrase, she gets it. I totally recommend her individual script consulting, her weekly writers' groups, and her ongoing workshops. "6 Steps to a Screenplay" and "Writing The Female Driven Screenplay" are two favs. read more

On the Page is the place to be! I started with Pilar's re-write class in December 2009, which gave me the workable tools to recreate my scripts with a no fuss approach. Shortly after, I booked a consultation--excellent motivation to complete the rewrite! During my meeting, Pilar gave me detailed notes and the overall experience of what it will be like in a development setting--invaluable! As a result, that script placed in several competitions last year. I credit Pilar's classes, workshops (Female-driven Screenplay), amazing consultations, and podcasts with helping me to grow in my confidence as a writer. Her support and knowledge are tremendous. read more

I "found" Pilar Alessandra after reading many books on theory and structure... and after journeying through many tutorials, workshops, and classes. Pilar sets the standard for taking a kernel of an idea and exploding it On The Page, getting you to your first outline, first scene, first draft. I started with her DVD of all the classes, then did the 5 page fix, and went on to have her review drafts "3" and "5". After receiving guidance, tips, strategic suggestions, and truly supportive mentoring, I'm ready to pitch my script. Take months or years off of your process...utilize Pilar's gifts...and finish your project now! read more

Pilar is excellent! She has provided me feedback on 3 screenplays and 2 stage plays. One screenplay went on to be a finalist in an LA screenwriting competition while one of the stage plays was produced here in Washington DC. She understands plot extremely well and seems to know just how to solve script problems--she never presents a problem without also suggesting a solution for it. Her consultations are both broad stroke, hitting at the big themes that need additional work, and detailed, finding specific scenes and even lines that can be improved. I recommend her without reservation! read more

It was a pleasure to have another opportunity to work with Pilar! It's taken me so long to write back because I immediately started working on my rewrite after getting off the phone with her! (and have since entered my screenplay into Nichols and Austin Film fest!) In the past, working with other consultants, I've come away feeling self-conscious about my abilities--and in some cases stopped writing all together. Pilar's advice, suggestions and support have had the opposite effect--I feel inspired, with a "can do" attitude! I can't wait to work with her again! read more

I have worked with a number of script consultants in the past and all have been not bad. On The Page and Pilar Alessandra are amazing. I used to focus on screenwriting but have moved on to filmmaker, every writer that I work with and/or meet I send to Pilar's website and podcast. Phenomenal. Caring. Helpfull. Amazing.Spectacular. All are words that could be used to describe Pilar. Yet, nome of them completely describe her. If you use are considering anyone else... You should just burn your money, because it will be the same outcome, without the wait. read more

I just completed a script consultation with Pilar Alessandra and I am walking with some incredible ideas on how to move my story forward. Her development notes were spot-on and I am now eager to write the next draft. I wish I had found her sooner! During the session, it was clear that she had a sincere interest in the story and a deep understanding of the characters. Her consultation style is very amiable, which helps makes the session harmonious and constructive. I would strongly recommend her! read more

I have taken scripts to Pilar twice now and found her not only very insightful, she asks great questions! Even when you think you have everything in the script nailed down she'll ask a question that seems so obvious you can't believe you didn't see it yourself. She also is very supportive, is not self-important. She will suggest alterations to structure or character, in particular why characters do or say what they do. Her reputation is well deserved and I would recommend her most highly. read more