Script editing and development services

A simple but succinct definition of development is… “the enormously difficult work of making it clear.”  ‘What is Development’, Solace 23

Gemma trained in script development at the Binger Film Lab in Amsterdam, and is a proponent of their Solace 23 school of script development, which centres the writer as holding the keys to unlocking the potential of their script.

As a former development executive of over fifteen years, Gemma assessed and developed scripts for Mushroom Pictures, Working Title Films (Syd), Dynamic Television (LA), and Werner Film Productions. She has taken projects from early pitches to funding applications and all the way through to commissions. She regularly works as a script editor for projects backed by Screen Australia, VicScreen and SBS, and is experienced with funding body deliverables and processes.

Gemma has a particular interest in working with emerging writers and projects at an early stage, including pitch documents and look books, and has sold many as both an exec and a writer. She is very experienced in guiding newer writers through the development process and supporting them in their writing journey.

Gemma has a strong interest in rom coms, science-fiction and genre, but she is always happy to consider any projects that may require story feedback. 

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Testimonials

”Gemma wields her deep knowledge of structure and character with a firm sense of compassion and care for a writer’s voice and story.”

– Katrina Irawati Graham, writer/ director, Bali 2002

Gemma has truly extraordinary script and story instincts, combined with extensive development experience and a desire to help others tell their stories effectively. So much of my own writing has been greatly improved with her notes and thoughts, and any emerging or established writer would be lucky to have her insights on their script.”

– Catherine Smyth-McMullen, Screenwriter (Sandman, The Other Lamb, Two Sentence Horror Stories)

“We were looking for quite a while to find a script editor before we found Gemma but we knew from our first meeting that she was the one. Her relaxed demeanour belies a wealth of experience, not only with story and structure but also dealing with broadcasters. Gemma combines her experience and enthusiasm with a great sense of humour and genuine compassion.”

– Bordertown Films

As an emerging screenwriter, I’m focused on getting my scripts from adequate to excellent. I had a feature script that wasn’t working, but I couldn’t pinpoint why. Gemma’s feedback was incredible, invaluable and sensitive – not only did her feedback identify the problem areas, it also unlocked the script in my own mind, allowing me to see the bird’s eye view of the story, enhance the structure, and improve critical beats as well as some of the smaller details.
Gemma’s feedback was key to getting my script from adequate to excellent. I can’t recommend her highly enough.

– Matija Šraj – Emerging Screenwriter and Writers’ Assistant