Testimonials

All my life I wanted to be an actor and write screenplays. I finally gained enough courage to put my thoughts on paper. I know that this industry is extremely difficult to break into and for new writers; it's even more difficult. All my fears went away the moment I contacted Total Script Consulting. Francis Iltes is the only consultant that treated me with respect. He's extremely talented and not to mention, caring, compassionate and very professional. He responded to my emails within a timely manner and was always encouraging. His knowledge of story structure, concept, plot, theme, characters, timing, etc. is way beyond his years. He truly believes in quality not quantity. I was very fortunate to have my script re-written through TSC. I give TSC and Francis Iltes a strong recommendation. Ivan, Eon Entertainment Group

"Francis' focus, dedication and passion for scripts is hard to match. After taking TSC's Script Reading Course I will be ever grateful that I learned about structure, character, genre, and giving feedback from an industry person who doesn't let you take the easy route. I believe it has made me a better script reader." Xandria Horton, Script Reader

“Working with Francis was insightful and inspiring. He has the amazing ability to see what could strengthen your story with clear and specific vision. He is a consultant who has a writer’s heart and knowledge and he is so giving and encouraging. His detailed analysis of my script and our phone call opened my eyes to a whole new way of approaching the story. I truly feel like he cares about the story as much as I do and wants me to bulletproof it so it’s the best representation.” Kevin Lasit – www.lasit.com

"I've worked with many writers and consultants over the years, and few can compare in shear work ethic to Francis Iltes. His willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done -- and done with excellence -- is truly admirable. When you work with Francis, one thing is for certain -- he'll not only go the extra mile for you, he'll pull you along further than you ever thought you could go!" -- Derek Rydall, professional screenwriter, best-selling author, founder of ScriptwriterCentral.com and The Script Consultant Institute.

“Francis is insightful and keenly focused. His guidance to the important aspects of my script helped me gain a new perspective on my story. Together with him, my script is world’s closer to where it needs to be. Francis’s no-nonsense approach to his analysis, and ability to key on story and structure, helped me to refocus on my writing with renewed enthusiasm.” Ken Whittal, Writer

“Having written and directed many short films in the past I always dreamed of writing a feature length script but like many people, found the prospect far too daunting. Since taking the leap and joining the TSC writers’ lab a little over four months ago my only regret now is that I didn’t do it sooner.

Francis gave me the confidence and motivation I needed to buckle down and start getting words on the page. In that short time my writing and understanding of structures has improved beyond all recognition and I have learnt invaluable skills that any one truly serious about the craft would do well to know.

He guided me through the screenwriting process step by step giving constant feedback and encouragement whilst furnishing me with tools and insight that I would never have found in a hundred screenwriting books.

His story sense is second to none and his screenplay analysis cut straight to the heart of my problems, allowing me to craft a better script than I ever believed I was capable of.

I learnt not only how to write a great script but also real world tools like procuring myself an agent and pitching my ideas to achieve maximum effect. I am now working on my second feature length script and I know that with Francis as a guide I cannot go far wrong.

I cannot praise the course highly enough and if you are truly serious about screenwriting I suggest you enroll right away. You will not regret it.” Matthew Haynes, Writer, Director

“During my training with TSC I’ve found myself supported, encouraged and provided with effective technique and approach at all times. The critique and advice is constructive and I was able to expand on my ideas and improve my work. I would recommend any level of training or support from TSC, having always been offered a professional and personable service.” Matthew Ford, Writer

Feedback on workshops

"An exceptionally insightful teaching method that enables a writer to crack open their story and character development to an advanced level, rarely or never witnessed, in this country. This is the golden opportunity you have always needed to progress your creativity to a genuine professional level. If you want to make money from the words you put on paper, then let Francis Iltes guide you gently but firmly to that goal. An opportunity you are unlikely to find working on your own..." Dan Kadi, writer, director

"The course was great Francis and I was only confused a few times but you managed to clear that up quickly. I really like the Dramatica model. I can clearly see the direct correlation between the ways the human brain problem solves and the way Dramatica does. For me this was a revelation as this is the first method that really works with the way I manage information due to my dyslexia. In order to see the screenplay globally I need visual aids like the cards but this does not help me to form the whole screenplay in my mind the way Dramatica does. It’s a holistic approach that really works for me I can see the whole path of the four story through lines and how they would interlace. The whole cause and effect thing makes total sense and I can’t wait to test the software out on my new story idea. Your teaching style was very good, clear and well planned, many thanks for letting me join the group last minute." Ian Pirrie, writer, producer, director 

"The level of depth we went into whilst still giving a broad introduction to an obviously vast and academic subject impressed me. Too many weekend courses end up giving you subject matter that's not much beyond common sense, and was good to feel that one's brain was being tested! I liked the appropriate use of team activities in Day 1 - vocalising goals, and the kinaesthetic character trait activity both have secondary purposes within the course but also encourage (literally) using different parts of one's brain, which, in an 8-hour day is pretty essential. Importantly, however, they weren't the focus, which is also good; I think the main learning process on a course should be a lecture/seminar type affair. I think you held the group's attention and were a pretty good judge of when to break/push on with difficult stuff/take a different tack. You had fun with the material, which I think is a by-product of being confident in your knowledge, which is also very positive." Alexandria Horton, reader, writer 

"Weekend 'Marketable Script Workshop' - the workshop was very enjoyable. The content was 'thought provoking' and very beneficial to my experience as a student - plus the fact that I learned a lot more about what it entails to write a Feature Screenplay. It also gave me an insight into how other Beginner Writers deal with the business of writing and what questions they had to ask. Tutor: well presented course, right tone for students who've got some idea, practice of screenwriting. Good pace. Packed with good variety of content. Well organised." Angus Brown, writer

"I really enjoyed it and I learned a lot. It was good that it was a small group because you got everybody else's input but you could still have a chance to ask questions as well. I've found it has really helped with my script, as I now know how to tackle the 4 story throughlines and how to weave them together. As regards to the teacher, I thought you kept things quite light even though the subject could be heavy at times and you explained things quite clearly. If people had difficult questions you always answered them and made sure they understood before moving on so that no one was left behind. It was a good course and one that, I am sure other writers would enjoy. I am working on my second draft at present and will let you know how I am getting on." Margaret Valentine, writer