It is well-known practice for a film consultant to aid the writing team on a movie or broadbast tv project. The head writers for a project may not be familiar with all the detailed technical knowledge of their subject. Still, they want to ensure that plot developments are accurate and dialogue sounds realistic. Accordingly, the production team will often bring in a expert authority to consult on the script.
The consultant can be an expert in a number of fields. Lawyer programs such as The Practice may require a few different consultants - a lawyer, a police expert, and perhaps a forensic scientist. Other shows like House may need a medical film consultant. Thus, authoritative persons with lots of credentials and years of experience in their area are paid to make the show seem true-to-life.
This practice has been standard for decades. Lately, the hiring of film consultants has gone up due to the audience demanding more sophistication. In the late 70s, many projects with plots involving computers had unintelligible and ridiculous dialogue. This was at a time when not many people had a desktop computer. However, everyone now has a computer, so movies can't get away with lame dialogue any longer.
Two areas where the believability of scripts has increased are medical shows and lawyer shows. These include some of the longest lasting and most popular television shows. For example, the Law & Order franchise is a huge hit for its network. Many medical dramas are very popular as well - a few of them are Grey's Anatomy, General Hospital, and Scrubs. In these programs, medical issues overlap with the character elements of the script. In order to ensure that plot developments are realistic, a film consultant is an important part of the creative team. The expert can also help with dialogue that requires technical accuracy.
If the spoken words in a screenplay lack believability, a movie or television program may be subject to ridicule. Worse yet, it may lose watchers and go down in the ratings. Hence, it is worthwhile for a creative team to pay for a film consultant to edit the dialogue. Because viewers are able to judge dialogue on its realism, they will be more motivated to keep tuning in to programs that have quality production values. Repeat viwers means higher ratings and more advertising dollars. Only in the case when a movie has a very tight budget should the legal jargon in the screenplay be left to the in-house writers. Although there is a wealth of information available online for any subject, it is preferable to have a film consultant review the script.
The consultant can be an expert in a number of fields. Lawyer programs such as The Practice may require a few different consultants - a lawyer, a police expert, and perhaps a forensic scientist. Other shows like House may need a medical film consultant. Thus, authoritative persons with lots of credentials and years of experience in their area are paid to make the show seem true-to-life.
This practice has been standard for decades. Lately, the hiring of film consultants has gone up due to the audience demanding more sophistication. In the late 70s, many projects with plots involving computers had unintelligible and ridiculous dialogue. This was at a time when not many people had a desktop computer. However, everyone now has a computer, so movies can't get away with lame dialogue any longer.
Two areas where the believability of scripts has increased are medical shows and lawyer shows. These include some of the longest lasting and most popular television shows. For example, the Law & Order franchise is a huge hit for its network. Many medical dramas are very popular as well - a few of them are Grey's Anatomy, General Hospital, and Scrubs. In these programs, medical issues overlap with the character elements of the script. In order to ensure that plot developments are realistic, a film consultant is an important part of the creative team. The expert can also help with dialogue that requires technical accuracy.
If the spoken words in a screenplay lack believability, a movie or television program may be subject to ridicule. Worse yet, it may lose watchers and go down in the ratings. Hence, it is worthwhile for a creative team to pay for a film consultant to edit the dialogue. Because viewers are able to judge dialogue on its realism, they will be more motivated to keep tuning in to programs that have quality production values. Repeat viwers means higher ratings and more advertising dollars. Only in the case when a movie has a very tight budget should the legal jargon in the screenplay be left to the in-house writers. Although there is a wealth of information available online for any subject, it is preferable to have a film consultant review the script.
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Want to find out more about using a film consultant, then visit Franklin D. Smithsonian's site on how to choose the best one.
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