It is a common practice for movie and TV productions to hire consultants to assist the writing team. The head writers may not possess the detailed technical knowledge required for certain topics, but they still want to ensure accurate story developments and realistic dialogue. As a result, the production team often brings in expert consultants to provide guidance on the script.
Consultants are experts in various specialties. For legal shows like Boston Legal, consultants may include legal experts, law enforcement professionals, and forensic scientists. Other shows like Grey’s Anatomy may require medical consultants. These consultants are authoritative individuals with advanced degrees and years of experience in their respective fields, ensuring that the show appears authentic and true-to-life.
This practice has been in place for many years, but the demand for consultants has increased as audiences expect greater sophistication. In the late 70s, projects featuring computer-related plots often had unrealistic and nonsensical dialogue, as computers were not widely understood at the time. However, with the ubiquity of computers today, films can no longer get away with poor dialogue.
Two areas where script sophistication has greatly improved are hospital shows and legal dramas. These genres include some of the longest-running and most successful TV shows. The Law & Order franchise, for example, is a highly-rated series known for its authenticity. Similarly, many hospital-based dramas such as E.R., General Hospital, and Scrubs are popular due to their realistic portrayal of medical situations. To ensure accurate storylines and technical precision in dialogue, hiring a movie consultant becomes essential for the creative team.
Inaccurate dialogue in a script can subject a film or TV show to ridicule and criticism. It is crucial for the creative team to invest in a movie consultant to edit and refine the dialogue. Viewers are keen observers of dialogue and are more likely to remain engaged with programs that exhibit high production values. A large audience leads to better reviews and increased advertising revenue. Only in cases of limited budgets may the technical aspects of the script be left to the in-house writers. However, even with abundant online resources available, having a movie consultant review the script is preferred to ensure accuracy and maintain audience interest.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME