getting you from Inception to celebration
Craig T. Williams
You Can't Get Your Script finished.
You’ve had this screenplay idea floating in your head for… years
You get the same feedback about your script over and over and don’t know how to fix it
That writing teacher didn’t get you, wanted to change your story
You can see the movie clearly in your head, but you can’t seem to write it down
You can’t write, you’re stuck
If this is you - Read on!
There is a way to participate in a creative, safe, nurturing environment where you can speak your ideas,
write your story and develop a clear actionable plan to shoot your film.
If you don't tell that story, somebody else will.
Not writing becomes your status quo
That loud fool in your head keeps telling you - “you can’t write, it’s gonna suck”
You can’t find the time in your schedule
Bills, work, and pretty much everything else stops you from writing
You know your script needs fixing, but you don't know how.
You write by inspiration and you can’t remember the last time you were inspired.
How I Got Over!
Here’s my story: I’m a writer, just like you.
But I’m also a producer and an editor.
I’ve experienced first hand the power of seeing your idea on film in front of an audience.
I started working with other writers and filmmakers to get their films completed and screened for audiences.
These writers came to me damaged, frustrated and worn down.
They were wasting their expensive film school education
Demoralized from classes led by bitter screenwriters (been there)
Spent hundreds and thousands of dollars on callous script consultants (been there too)
About Craig:
In my 23rd year as head of Red Wall Productions, A Film Production Company - I've ushered dozens of film projects from inception to celebration! I've nurtured writers and filmmakers from the blank page to the big screen.
In the past few years Craig’s clients have had their scripts place in major festivals like Austin Screenwriters Conference, Nicholls Fellowships and American Black Film Festival. He has helped writers position their work for representation and to be read by production companies and producers. He’s ready to get you writing.
There has been an explosion of content. Writers with original voices are being snapped up left and right. Now is the time to write your story. Television pilots are being bought and produced at rates never seen before, and there is a healthy rebound in the feature spec script market, there’s never been a better time to jump into the writing game. One script absolutely can change your life. But it’s got to be the right script. If you’re serious about developing the skills required to launch a career, these workshops can help take years off your learning curve and significantly increase your chances of success.
A native New Yorker, Craig T. Williams is a writer/producer at Red Wall Productions, a film production company he founded over twenty years ago with his wife and partner of 22 years, Rosalyn Coleman Williams. Together they have created over 50 film projects including features, documentaries and narrative short films.
His journey landed him on the writing staff on the hit TV show "TERROR LAKE DRIVE" on ALLBLK, an AMC Streamer. Just recently, he wrapped the feature film "GAME NITE," a project he wrote and produced. Craig was part of the prestigious WarnerMedia Discovery Discovery Access Writers Program (formerly the HBO All Access Writers Program.) Chosen one of 20 writers from over four thousand applicants, he created an original 30-minute TV Pilot.
Craig has been giving back to his community for over 20 years. He is a mentor for Women of Color Unite’s Mentorship Program, The Craft Institute, and for teen filmmakers at Reel Works Mentorship Program in Brooklyn. He single-handedly runs the Facebook Group Black Screenwriters, currently with over twenty-two thousand members. He is the Executive Director of the newly launched Men of Color Unite (MOCU), a social action and 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that focuses on remedying the inequities that face Men of Color in today’s entertainment and media industries.
He is represented by Martin To of Innovative Artists.
Praise from some of the Artists:
““When I met with Craig, I had recently finished my first TV pilot script. I must say, Craig far exceeded my expectations. Not only did he provide nuanced feedback on each page (and basically line) of my script, he helped me develop a clearer vision of the story I was attempting to tell, which helped me take my script to the next level. The feedback was digestible and extremely actionable (i.e. it wasn’t fluff). When I started the rewriting process after our session, I was amazed at how easily the ideas flowed. Craig doesn’t just provide feedback, he coaches and motivates. I can say with confidence that Craig didn’t just give me a seafood platter of script writing techniques, he taught me how to fish. Thanks again, Craig!”
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“I highly recommend Craig as a screenwriting coach. He is really supportive and great to work with. Being able to share your writing with him on a regular basis really helps you with accountability on getting the writing done, and it helps to have someone to interact with as you are developing the story. He offers a lot of guidance and tips on developing your story, is honest with you about what works and what doesn’t. I definitely credit my weekly meetings with Craig as part of the reason for my success with my first feature screenplay! ”
“Craig has this contagious confidence and joy about him. These are two very difficult attributes to keep working as a screenwriter year after year. I want to emphasize how important joy and confidence are for me. I’ve had 3 jobs for 5 years. 1 of which is screenwriting. Let’s be honest film is impossible and it’s a fight. Having Craig’s expertise and support was incredible. He is more than just a script consultant. He is a mentor and that’s what separates him and makes him invaluable to me. Without him there are several projects of mine that would not have been produced and even accepted into festivals. I’d recommend Craig... Craig is bomb.”
““Having Craig as a writing teacher is one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Hands down. He helped alleviate my fear of the blank page with his encouragement, laughter, and concrete tools. He does what truly great mentors do - to see right past your jittery feelings, get to the core of where you excel, and brings that to the forefront. He dives in with full commitment to your potential, and through draft after draft, supports the best version of your work.” ”
“CRAIG! I’m actually on a high from our meeting.
THANK YOU so much for taking the time to read, process and share your insights with me... it’s so rare to find artists that not only have talent, but have heart - and you....have that in Spades.”
“Recently, I was asked by a Network to present a script after I had pitched my idea to them. I knew Craig was a “script doctor”, and asked him if he would read the pilot episode I’d written. When Craig T. Williams got back to me, he gave me feedback that made sense! He helped me think through the structure of the script, the NEED of the character, and even corrected some of my formatting...He proposed solutions that fixed a couple of the problems that my script had.
This is a testimonial, but it’s also my ALERT call...If you don’t know what the big deal about CRAIG is, now you know! Red Wall productions is an excellent resource for your entertainment needs.
Thanks again Craig. From the bottom of my heart. ”
“Craig played a vital role in the development of Young N’ Reckless. He stepped in when we thought our script was perfect. He challenged every idea we had. He convinced me to cut my favorite scenes. These were
blessings because when I go back and read old drafts, I can tell I was a new writer. Craig helped us take our project from script to the screen and, most importantly, gave two actors the confidence to call themselves writers.”
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As a filmmaker I have produced webseries, short films and features. Craig has helped me in the development process of my productions. He has a great knack for helping you find your story. I am a better writer and filmmaker because of him. ”
“THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to Craig T. Williams for an AMAZING script consult this weekend. Screenwriters: if you’re looking for honest, straightforward, thoughtful notes from someone who wants to enable you make your script better, Craig is your man. He takes the time to read and understand your script/story/characters, asks questions AND will give you clear notes (in the form of a *meaningful conversation*) that you can actually use to solve script problems. Besides being an excellent script consultant, Craig is a helluva writer, a good communicator, a grown-ass man and a smart, funny, perceptive person with a positive heart. Check. Him. Out. #notagame”
“I’ve written and directed films, and projects for myself and clients that are on amazon, comcast, and HBO; yet, I had gotten to the place in my career where, for my features, I was able to submit my solicited works to production companies/networks but couldn’t seem to advance to the next level. I had long admired Craig’s work and when an opportunity arose to have him review one of my scripts, I jumped at the chance. Craig not only thoroughly reviewed my work, he took the time to review the short film/sizzle reel based off the feature length script, and then set up a meeting for us to discuss in length what worked and what needed tweaking. Craig help to give me the tools to see my work with fresh eyes that allowed me to streamline where needed, omit certain aspects that I was stubbornly and unnecessarily clinging to, took zero offense if I didn’t agree with a suggestion, and gave me a comfortable space to fully explore/elaborate on an idea.
Craig also kept it completely honest with me letting me know from the beginning that my script was good (wow to be exact) but certain adjustments were needed to get from solicitation to possible production. His advice was clear, detailed, didn’t make me feel as if I was getting away from my ideas, simply enhancing them, and honestly fired me up to revamp where needed and get going on another script that I was struggling with. I’m truly appreciative of Craig taking the time to assist me and helping me to gear up again. For me, you’re doing yourself a favor if you get the opportunity to have him review your work; your work will be the better for it. ”
“I used Craig Williams service to receive feedback on my feature script.
The feedback was very constructive and delivered in an honest, positive way without any sugarcoating and pointed out the nuances I missed to elaborate more in the script, scenes that were working and those weren’t helping. He also suggested ways to improve the script, areas of contemplation and further expansion to fully engage the audience and take it to the next level. I am very happy and grateful for his service.”
How We Work Together
The most important thing you'll learn from our time together is - Your story is VALID. Feedback is an essential part of the writers process.
And what I provide is warm, constructive, truthful feedback.
The story on your heart deserves to be told.
This is an easy, writer friendly process.
1. You send me your script.
2. I send you a link to set up an appointment.
3. We meet in Zoom space or by phone.
4. Your feedback from me is smart and comprehensive. Lasts about an hour.
During our consultation:
What you do well will be highlighted.
Where you need work will be carefully spelled out.
I will help you connect the dots of your story.
You will be on your way to be the writer you deserve to be.
By the end of our session you will be clear about what needs work. What your next step should be and you will be provided with tools that will inspire you to tackle that next draft.
An honest, professional evaluation is the key to your success and that is what you will receive.
Here's What we'll cover
Make your characters more dynamic, proactive and multi-dimensional
Nail your genre:
comedies should be funny
thrillers should thrill
dramas should be.... dramaful (yeah I know it's not a word, I was on a roll)
Make those opening pages POP!
Learn the skill that will drop readers into the world of your script
How to hide exposition
Tighten up the middle of your mushy middle of your screenplay
say goodbye to boring 2nd acts
show don't tell (how to use this rule and when to break it)
The Strong Finish
Your script doesn’t have to have a “happy ending” but it needs to be satisfying.
My consultations are designed to get you to YOUR happy ending.
You'll be a confident, excited and inspired screenwriter.
If you're tired of doing nothing, do this!
A year from now, you'll be thanking yourself.
If you work hard, you'll walk away with a project that is ready to shoot/share or sell.
Craig’s original TV pilot How Ya Like Me Now, about the 80’s rap rivalry between Kool Moe Dee and LL Cool J is a finalist in the 2020 Cinestory TV Retreat & Fellowship Competition, the 2020 Stowe Story Lab Fellowship, the 2020 Seriesfest Pitch-A-Thon and the 2020 Orchard Project Episodic Lab and the 2020 Hip Hop Film Festival. How Ya Like Me Now was chosen for the 2019 IFP Episodic Lab, was a finalist in the Sundance 2019 Episodic Lab and the 2019 Tracking B TV Writing Competition.
Allergic, an original pilot about a dethroned bankrupt socialite who returns to the place of her lavish wedding - but this time she’s the help, was a 2nd Rounder in the 2019 Austin Film Festival and was the winner of the ABFF/Turner best original 30 minute comedic pilot.
Craig’s feature screenplay “Black Boy’s Don’t Sew” was a finalist in the 2018 Sundance Screenwriters Lab and was accepted into the Big Vision Empty Wallet 2019 Incubator Program. “Black Boy’s Don’t Sew” is about a man who suffers from bipolar disorder who doesn’t believe in taking medication and when he discovers his 11-year old nephew has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he kidnaps him to show him a life free of pills. “Black Boys Don't Sew” was just part of the New York Stage and Film Filmmaker’s Workshop and has Academy Award Winner Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon attached as Executive Producers.
Craig’s 30 minute dramedy, “Call Me Daddy” - Logline - Tired of waiting for Mrs. Right, a 40 year old emotionally stunted black man decides to have a baby on his own to be the father he never had.
Praise from industry execs who have read “Call Me Daddy"
Craig, your pilot is so good. I'm blown away. You write with so much heart, honesty and specificity...The highest praise I can give a pilot is to say I want to read/see more. And I can't wait to spend more time with these characters and see how this story unfolds.
- Diane Ruggiero-Wright (Showrunner iZombie and Veronica Mars)
Hey Craig,
I just finished your script and really enjoyed it!
I love the characters and it's such a rich and promising world.
- Gail Lerner (Executive Producer, Blackish, Will and Grace)
CRAIG!
Another great pilot! So funny and rich. Great cast of characters. You did the hard part perfectly -- selling why Abe wants to be a dad with zero creep factor. His complicated history with his father makes him sympathetic and hints at future drama to come.
- Liz Garcia (Showrunner P Valley)
Big Craig! It’s Paul Guyot.
Loved your script. Written with so much confidence. And it is genuinely funny!
- Paul Guyot (Showrunner NCIS New Orleans)
It’s a big move. But you are READY!
Consult rates:
$100 - Short scripts ( 22 pages max )
$299 - Pilot scripts ( 66 pages max ) (Pitch Deck additonal $199)
$399 - Feature scripts ( 140 pages max ) (Pitch Deck additonal $199)
For more specific questions - Click here and email Craig.