one-on-one
If you have an idea that won’t leave you alone, that means that there’s a story that wants to come through you.
I'm looking for the people who take this call seriously.
Whether you're a TV showrunner looking to break out of the box and finally write a pilot in your own voice, a pro screenwriter working on a passion spec, an author stuck in the weeds on your third book; whether you're an actor who’s been brewing a solo show or webseries forever but don’t know how to translate what you know about story onto the page; or whether you've never written before, but you have an idea that will not leave you alone--I'm on board to help you craft that idea into radically impactful story.
Story transforms.
It changes us.
And with it, you have the power to impact your world.
My process, developed in the laboratory of my own work, my work as a professor at the Juilliard School and the NYU/Tisch Graduate Film Program, and through nearly fifteen years as a coach to professional playwrights, Sundance-supported filmmakers, authors published by major houses, and TV, film and Broadway actors, provides a foolproof and infallible map for creating story that moves, illuminates, and transforms. My methodology, grounded in neuroscience, human psychology, creative productivity, and the art and craft of story, will help you powerfully affect audiences, level up to massive new creative manifestation-- and break through fears, blocks and resistance to keep creating no matter what.
“Jessica is a galvanizing force, a badass who knows when to lead and when to listen, a magician and a midwife. When you’re ready to shift from creative to creator, call Jessica.”
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE FROM OUR COACHING RELATIONSHIP:
expertise drawn from nearly two decades' experience in the professional worlds of film, TV, theater, fiction and nonfiction
specific, knowledgeable guidance navigating the creative process.... from someone who's been there!
accountability, goals, and step-by-step processes
deep, consistent creative support
an unflinching eye and diamond-sharp feedback
practical tools tailored to your unique needs as a creator
empathic, attuned attention to your process and work
Ready to massively uplevel your work?
I work in an intensive, radically transformative way with a small number of clients at a time.
Once we sign on to work together, we’re in a process with each other, and I am here for you every step of the way in creating your work and getting it into the world.
Think of me like a creative doula, a writing coach, a creative partner, a consultant, a producer—and a teacher, if you need it.
I work with artists who are fully dedicated to realizing their projects, and we begin with a deep-dive retreat so I can get to know you as a whole artist and understand how your current project fits into your overall creative path and your larger vision. After that, we meet in sessions every other week, with an ongoing, unlimited channel of communication between sessions.
I often attract clients whose projects are positioning them at a major creative threshold—whether that’s working with a new medium, making a first feature film, selling their first pilot as a creator, moving from actor to writer (or writer/director), starting a production company, drafting a manuscript, or creating a project that’s more challenging or visible than anything you’ve done previously. I work on expanding creative capacity—so, together, we’re not only working to make your project great, we’re expanding what you can do as an artist in all of your projects.
Wherever we start—whether from zero, from a polished draft, or anywhere in between, I will work with you to refine and develop your idea, hone in on the core of the story, and craft what I believe is the engine of all effective storytelling: a protagonist who is three-dimensional, complex, and fully realized. We will look at how character determines story structure, and how to use it to make compelling choices about plot and story. Then, we'll work together to craft a watertight structure and translate it into outline form, creating a powerful springboard that will make the steps of scripting and drafting your project easy.
Depending on how long you choose to work with me, I can see you all the way through multiple revisions to a polished, market-ready script or manuscript and beyond—no matter where you began. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a first-time writer, I will guide you through the process of developing, building, creating and finishing your project--using my foolproof, step-by-step methodology.
Along the way, I'll work with all the blocks, doubts, and questions that come up for you. I'll personalize techniques to help you tackle resistance, “stuckness” and the inner critic, supporting you fully in your creative process. Together, we'll create a reliable, flexible, and consistent creative practice that works with your life, and doesn’t evaporate when the process gets challenging.
We'll work closely to catalyze your creative process and build, craft and refine your story. You'll emerge from our work inspired and empowered, with work that is powerful, elegant and compelling---and a concrete methodology you can use to create impactful and beautifully structured story in all your future projects.
Everything begins with a great script or manuscript, and building that is the foundation of all my work with clients. But I’m also a producer and strategist; I’ve had my own work produced extensively in theater and film, produced independent narrative features and docs, published four books with major houses, and am a working TV writer—so I’m well-versed in strategies to get your work made—and protect your vision—in all those mediums. I’m available to continue work with clients on strategic plans to finance and produce and/or direct their films, sell their television series, develop pathways to theatrical production or enter the book publishing industry.
I work on retainer on a monthly basis, with a three-month-minimum.
support in developing creative courage and taking risks in your work
step-by-step guidance, detailed feedback and support through every stage of the process of creating your script or manuscript, including idea development, character development, story mapping, structure, outline, drafts and polish
dedicated career and producing strategy to maximize your relationships and map your project’s pathway to marketplace, audience and maximum impact
Initial deep dive half-day retreat
Session every other week
24-hour voice memo access between sessions
customized toolkit to build a creative habit that works with your life
personalized tips, techniques and strategies to deal with the inner critic, resistance, blocks and fears that inevitably arise in the creative process
“Jessica is the Michael Jordan of story analysis.
She takes you on a journey deep into your characters, and shows you how to weave that journey into the DNA of the story you’re trying to tell. Her process doesn’t feel like work. She’s fun, she’s funny, she’s brilliant. Your script will thank you for her. ”
deep-dive retreat
In this immersive half-day retreat, we meet in person at my New York office (or on Zoom if you’re long-distance) to do a deep dive into the heart of your project—and how it fits into your vision and mission as an artist.
This unique offering is a good fit for experienced writers who have a partially finished script or manuscript that needs deep excavation, story analysis and a plan for revision; artists of any level who need a thorough orientation to a medium that’s new to them; hyphenates juggling multiple projects and seeking support in unifying their vision, organizing workflow and determining priorities; working artists seeking to break out of old habits and chart a transformative path forward; or writers with finished, industry-vetted scripts who need a practical path to independent production.
I’ll read your material closely in advance. When we meet, we’ll do a deep dive into your mission, vision and workflow as an artist; where you’ve been and where you want to go. Then we’ll dive into the project that brought you here and dig in, looking closely at where the work is currently at, analyzing its deep structure—and then workshopping the piece to transform, uplevel, refine and discover new paths.
If it fits your needs, I'll also personalize techniques to help you tackle resistance, “stuckness” and the inner critic, and we'll design a reliable, flexible, and consistent creative practice that works with your life--and doesn’t evaporate when the process gets challenging.
You will leave our work together unblocked, having made vast strides forward in upleveling your story and getting your project on track with incredible momentum.
Story structure analysis
Generative, collaborative “workshop” process
Identification of obstacles to creative productivity and customized tools to break through blocks and resistance
A clear plan and action steps for writing and finishing your project
Production/business orientation and strategy, if applicable
Close reading of your material in advance
Detailed diagnostics about how to uplevel, advance and elevate your project
Deep dive into your vision and mission as an artist, and how this project serves that mission
“I am not exaggerating when I say that working with Jessica changed my life. She transformed my approach to writing and as a result, the writing itself . . . She is the best kind of teacher because she helps you figure out for yourself what you want to achieve and how to get there - rather than dictating the what or how as so many teachers do.”
“Jessica is an incredibly smart and insightful coach. She’s whip-smart and asks all the right questions, getting to the heart of what I’m working on to help me pull forth the strongest, most interesting parts. Her keen eyes are incredibly useful in developing new work, and she always pushes me to probe deeper. She is, quite simply, the best.”
script diagnosis
Do you have an existing script that needs a deep, close read and honest, clear, industry-caliber diagnostics? Tired of the typical “coverage” or “notes” reads that give you surface-level critique but no deep, actionable feedback on how to uplevel your story? I will read your script or manuscript closely, looking to the core of your story, the essence of your central character journey, and the deep structure underlying your plot. I'll offer incisive diagnostics on how to strengthen and distill your vision, dimensionalize and deepen your characters, and identify what structural questions need addressing to maximize your project’s impact.
Structure development and character-building tools
Professional-level recommendations to serve you on the path forward
Close read of your script
Single session with detailed diagnostics on character, journey, pacing, tension, and structure
“Jessica has a unique understanding of how artists tick and she mines an individual’s best traits to bring out the most dynamic and exciting work possible. She creates an encouraging and supportive environment to work in, making you feel free to take chances, explore and find your way. The tools she provides have enriched my work with honesty, excitement and passion. ”
ready to make it happen?
I'm looking for commitment. Not to me- to the sacredness of your creative process, and to answering the call of story.
I believe that if you're feeling that call, your story has the potential to impact, move, and transform.
You don’t have to know how the impact will happen. You don’t have to even totally believe that it will happen (yet!) You just have to have the spark that resonates with what I’m saying, the call to tell the story, and the willingness to step out on faith and do the work.